Chapter 1 - General
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Chapter 1 - General

Goal

To provide an international standard for the safe carriage, by sea in bulk, of liquefied gases by laying down the design and construction standards of ships involved in such carriage and the equipment, they shall carry to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and to the environment, having regard to the nature of the products including flammability, toxicity, asphyxiation, corrosivity, reactivity and low temperature and vapour pressure.

1.1 Application and implementation

1.1.1 The Code applies to ships regardless of their size, including those of less than 500 gross tonnage, engaged in the carriage of liquefied gases having a vapour pressure exceeding 0.28 MPa absolute at a temperature of 37.8°C and other products, as shown in chapter 19, when carried in bulk.

1.1.2.1 Unless expressly provided otherwise, the Code applies to ships whose keels are laid, or which are at a similar stage of construction where:

  • .1 construction identifiable with the ship begins; and

  • .2 assembly of that ship has commenced, comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less,

on or after 1 July 2016.

1.1.2.2 For the purpose of the Code, the expression "ships constructed" means ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction.

1.1.2.3 Unless expressly provided otherwise, for ships constructed on or after 1 July 1986 and before 1 July 2016, the Administration shall ensure that the requirements which are applicable under this Code, as adopted by resolution MSC.5(48) as amended by resolutions MSC.17(58), MSC.30(61), MSC.32(63), MSC.59(67), MSC.103(73), MSC.177(79) and MSC.220(82), are complied with.

1.1.3 A ship, irrespective of the date of construction, which is converted to a gas carrier on or after 1 July 2016, shall be treated as a gas carrier constructed on the date on which such conversion commences.

  1.1.4.1 When cargo tanks contain products for which the Code requires a type 1G ship, neither flammable liquids having a flashpoint of 60°C (closed cup test) or less, nor flammable products listed in chapter 19, shall be carried in tanks located within the protective zones described in 2.4.1.1.

1.1.4.2 Similarly, when cargo tanks contain products for which the Code requires a type 2G/2PG ship, the flammable liquids as described in 1.1.4.1, shall not be carried in tanks located within the protective zones described in 2.4.1.2.

1.1.4.3 In each case, for cargo tanks loaded with products for which the Code requires a type 1G or 2G/2PG ship, the restriction applies to the protective zones within the longitudinal extent of the hold spaces for those tanks.

1.1.4.4 The flammable liquids and products described in 1.1.4.1 may be carried within these protective zones when the quantity of products retained in the cargo tanks, for which the Code requires a type 1G or 2G/2PG ship is solely used for cooling, circulation or fuelling purposes.

1.1.5 Except as provided in 1.1.7.1, when it is intended to carry products covered by this Code and products covered by the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) , adopted by resolution MSC.4(48), as may be amended by the Organization, the ship shall comply with the requirements of both Codes appropriate to the products carried.

1.1.6.1 Where it is proposed to carry products that may be considered to come within the scope of this Code that are not at present designated in chapter 19, the Administration and the port Administrations involved in such carriage shall establish a Tripartite Agreement based on a provisional assessment and lay down preliminary suitable conditions of carriage based on the principles of the Code.

1.1.6.2 For the evaluation of such products, the manufacturer of the product shall submit to the Administration a completed assessment form (see appendix 1), which includes the proposed ship type and carriage requirements.

1.1.6.3 When a provisional assessment for a pure or technically pure product has been completed and agreed with the other parties, the Administration shall submit the assessment form and a proposal for a new and complete entry in the IGC Code, to the relevant sub-committee of the Organization (see appendix 1).

1.1.6.4 After provisional assessment by Tripartite Agreement and express or tacit agreement has been established, an addendum to the relevant ship's certificate may be issued (see appendix 3).

  1.1.7.1 The requirements of this Code shall take precedence when a ship is designed and constructed for the carriage of the following products:

  • .1 those listed exclusively in chapter 19 of the Code; and

  • .2 one or more of the products that are listed both in the Code and in the International Bulk Chemical Code. These products are marked with an asterisk in column "a" in the table contained within chapter 19.

1.1.7.2 When a ship is intended to exclusively carry one or more of the products referred to in 1.1.7.1.2, the requirements of the International Bulk Chemical Code, as amended, shall apply.

1.1.8 The ship's compliance with the requirements of the International Gas Carrier Code shall be shown by its International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, as described in 1.4. Compliance with the amendments to the Code, as appropriate, shall also be indicated in the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk.

  1.1.9 Where reference is made in the Code to a paragraph, all the provisions of the subparagraph of that designation shall apply.

1.1.10 When a ship is intended to operate for periods at a fixed location in a re-gasification and gas discharge mode or a gas receiving, processing, liquefaction and storage mode, the Administration and port Administrations involved in the operation shall take appropriate steps to ensure implementation of the provisions of the Code as are applicable to the proposed arrangements. Furthermore, additional requirements shall be established based on the principles of the Code as well as recognized standards that address specific risks not envisaged by it. Such risks may include, but not be limited to:

  • .1 fire and explosion;

  • .2 evacuation;

  • .3 extension of hazardous areas;

  • .4 pressurized gas discharge to shore;

  • .5 high-pressure gas venting;

  • .6 process upset conditions;

  • .7 storage and handling of flammable refrigerants;

  • .8 continuous presence of liquid and vapour cargo outside the cargo containment system;

  • .9 tank over-pressure and under-pressure;

  • .10 ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo; and

  • .11 collision risk during berthing manoeuvres.

  1.1.11 Where a risk assessment or study of similar intent is utilized within the Code, the results shall also include, but not be limited to, the following as evidence of effectiveness:

  • .1 description of methodology and standards applied;

  • .2 potential variation in scenario interpretation or sources of error in the study;

  • .3 validation of the risk assessment process by an independent and suitable third party;

  • .4 quality system under which the risk assessment was developed;

  • .5 the source, suitability and validity of data used within the assessment;

  • .6 the knowledge base of persons involved within the assessment;

  • .7 system of distribution of results to relevant parties; and

  • .8 validation of results by an independent and suitable third party.

  1.1.12 Although the Code is legally treated as a mandatory instrument under the SOLAS Convention, the provisions of section 4.28 and appendices 1, 3 and 4 of the Code are recommendatory or informative.

1.2 Definitions

Except where expressly provided otherwise, the following definitions apply to the Code. Additional definitions are provided in chapters throughout the Code.

  1.2.1 Accommodation spaces are those spaces used for public spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, hospitals, cinemas, games and hobby rooms, barber shops, pantries without cooking appliances and similar spaces.

1.2.2 "A" class divisions are divisions as defined in regulation II-2/3.2 of the SOLAS Convention.

1.2.3 Administration means the Government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly. For Administration (port), see port Administration.

  1.2.4 Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year that will correspond to the date of expiry of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk.

1.2.5 Boiling point is the temperature at which a product exhibits a vapour pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure.

1.2.6 Breadth (B) means the maximum breadth of the ship, measured amidships to the moulded line of the frame in a ship with a metal shell, and to the outer surface of the hull in a ship with a shell of any other material. The breadth (B) shall be measured in metres.

  1.2.7 Cargo area is that part of the ship which contains the cargo containment system and cargo pump and compressor rooms and includes the deck areas over the full length and breadth of the part of the ship over these spaces. Where fitted, the cofferdams, ballast or void spaces at the after end of the aftermost hold space or at the forward end of the foremost hold space are excluded from the cargo area.

1.2.8 Cargo containment system is the arrangement for containment of cargo including, where fitted, a primary and secondary barrier, associated insulation and any intervening spaces, and adjacent structure, if necessary, for the support of these elements. If the secondary barrier is part of the hull structure, it may be a boundary of the hold space.

1.2.9 Cargo control room is a space used in the control of cargo handling operations.

1.2.10 Cargo machinery spaces are the spaces where cargo compressors or pumps, cargo processing units, are located, including those supplying gas fuel to the engine-room.

1.2.11 Cargo pumps are pumps used for the transfer of liquid cargo including main pumps, booster pumps, spray pumps, etc.

  1.2.12 Cargoes are products listed in chapter 19, that are carried in bulk by ships subject to the Code.

1.2.13 Cargo service spaces are spaces within the cargo area, used for workshops, lockers and store-rooms that are of more than 2 m2 in area.

1.2.14 Cargo tank is the liquid-tight shell designed to be the primary container of the cargo and includes all such containment systems whether or not they are associated with the insulation or/and the secondary barriers.

1.2.15 Closed loop sampling is a cargo sampling system that minimizes the escape of cargo vapour to the atmosphere by returning product to the cargo tank during sampling.

1.2.16 Cofferdam is the isolating space between two adjacent steel bulkheads or decks. This space may be a void space or a ballast space.

1.2.17 Control stations are those spaces in which ship's radio, main navigating equipment or the emergency source of power is located or where the fire-recording or fire control equipment is centralized. This does not include special fire control equipment, which can be most practically located in the cargo area.

1.2.18 Flammable products are those identified by an "F" in column "f" in the table of chapter 19.

1.2.19 Flammability limits are the conditions defining the state of fuel-oxidant mixture at which application of an adequately strong external ignition source is only just capable of producing flammability in a given test apparatus.

1.2.20 FSS Code is the Fire Safety Systems Code meaning the International Code for Fire Safety Systems , adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.98(73), as amended.

1.2.21 Gas carrier is a cargo ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or other products listed in the table of chapter 19.

  1.2.22 Gas combustion unit (GCU) is a means of disposing excess cargo vapour by thermal oxidation.

1.2.23 Gas consumer is any unit within the ship using cargo vapour as a fuel.

1.2.24 Hazardous area is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is, or may be expected to be present, in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of electrical equipment. When a gas atmosphere is present, the following hazards may also be present: toxicity, asphyxiation, corrosivity, reactivity and low temperature. These hazards shall also be taken into account and additional precautions for the ventilation of spaces and protection of the crew will need to be considered. Examples of hazardous areas include, but are not limited to, the followingfootnote:

  • .1 the interiors of cargo containment systems and any pipework of pressure-relief or other venting systems for cargo tanks, pipes and equipment containing the cargo;

  • .2 interbarrier spaces;

  • .3 hold spaces where the cargo containment system requires a secondary barrier;

  • .4 hold spaces where the cargo containment system does not require a secondary barrier;

  • .5 a space separated from a hold space by a single gastight steel boundary where the cargo containment system requires a secondary barrier;

  • .6 cargo machinery spaces;

  • .7 areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on open deck, within 3 m of possible sources of gas release, such as cargo valve, cargo pipe flange, cargo machinery space ventilation outlet, etc.;

  • .8 areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on open deck within 1.5 m of cargo machinery space entrances, cargo machinery space ventilation inlets;

  • .9 areas on open deck over the cargo area and 3 m forward and aft of the cargo area on the open deck up to a height of 2.4 m above the weather deck;

  • .10 an area within 2.4 m of the outer surface of a cargo containment system where such surface is exposed to the weather;

  • .11 enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces in which pipes containing cargoes are located, except those where pipes containing cargo products for boil-off gas fuel burning systems are located;

  • .12 an enclosed or semi-enclosed space having a direct opening into any hazardous area;

  • .13 void spaces, cofferdams, trunks, passageways and enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, adjacent to, or immediately above or below, the cargo containment system;

  • .14 areas on open deck or semi-enclosed spaces on open deck above and in the vicinity of any vent riser outlet, within a vertical cylinder of unlimited height and 6 m radius centred upon the centre of the outlet and within a hemisphere of 6 m radius below the outlet; and

  • .15 areas on open deck within spillage containment surrounding cargo manifold valves and 3 m beyond these up to a height of 2.4 m above deck.

1.2.25 Non-hazardous area is an area other than a hazardous area.

  1.2.26 Hold space is the space enclosed by the ship's structure in which a cargo containment system is situated.

1.2.27 IBC Code means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk , adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.4(48), as amended.

1.2.28 Independent means that a piping or venting system, for example, is in no way connected to another system and that there are no provisions available for the potential connection to other systems.

1.2.29 Insulation space is the space, which may or may not be an interbarrier space, occupied wholly or in part by insulation.

1.2.30 Interbarrier space is the space between a primary and a secondary barrier, whether or not completely or partially occupied by insulation or other material.

1.2.31 Length (L) is the length as defined in the International Convention on Load Lines in force.

  1.2.32 Machinery spaces of category A are those spaces, and trunks to those spaces, which contain either:

  • .1 internal combustion machinery used for main propulsion; or

  • .2 internal combustion machinery used for purposes other than main propulsion where such machinery has, in the aggregate, a total power output of not less than 375 kW; or

  • .3 any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit or any oil-fired equipment other than boilers, such as inert gas generators, incinerators, etc.

1.2.33 Machinery spaces are machinery spaces of category A and other spaces containing propelling machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal-combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrigerating, stabilizing, ventilation and air-conditioning machinery, and similar spaces and the trunks to such spaces.

1.2.34 MARVS is the maximum allowable relief valve setting of a cargo tank (gauge pressure).

1.2.35 Nominated surveyor is a surveyor nominated/appointed by an Administration to enforce the provisions of the SOLAS Convention regulations with regard to inspections and surveys and the granting of exemptions therefrom.

  1.2.36 Oil fuel unit is the equipment used for the preparation of oil fuel for delivery to an oil-fired boiler, or equipment used for the preparation for delivery of heated oil to an internal combustion engine, and includes any oil pressure pumps, filters and heaters dealing with oil at a pressure of more than 0.18 MPa gauge.

1.2.37 Organization is the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

1.2.38 Permeability of a space means the ratio of the volume within that space which is assumed to be occupied by water to the total volume of that space.

1.2.39 Port Administration means the appropriate authority of the country for the port where the ship is loading or unloading.

1.2.40 Primary barrier is the inner element designed to contain the cargo when the cargo containment system includes two boundaries.

1.2.41 Products is the collective term used to cover the list of gases indicated in chapter 19 of this Code.

1.2.42 Public spaces are those portions of the accommodation that are used for halls, dining rooms, lounges and similar permanently enclosed spaces.

1.2.43 Recognized organization is an organization authorized by an Administration in accordance with SOLAS regulation XI-1/1.

1.2.44 Recognized standards are applicable international or national standards acceptable to the Administration, or standards laid down and maintained by the recognized organization.

  1.2.45 Relative density is the ratio of the mass of a volume of a product to the mass of an equal volume of fresh water.

1.2.46 Secondary barrier is the liquid-resisting outer element of a cargo containment system, designed to afford temporary containment of any envisaged leakage of liquid cargo through the primary barrier and to prevent the lowering of the temperature of the ship's structure to an unsafe level. Types of secondary barrier are more fully defined in chapter 4.

1.2.47 Separate systems are those cargo piping and vent systems that are not permanently connected to each other.

1.2.48 Service spaces are those used for galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, lockers, mail and specie rooms, store-rooms, workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces, and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces.

1.2.49 SOLAS Convention means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

1.2.50 Tank cover is the protective structure intended to either protect the cargo containment system against damage where it protrudes through the weather deck or to ensure the continuity and integrity of the deck structure.

1.2.51 Tank dome is the upward extension of a portion of a cargo tank. In the case of below-deck cargo containment systems, the tank dome protrudes through the weather deck or through a tank cover.

1.2.52 Thermal oxidation method means a system where the boil-off vapours are utilized as fuel for shipboard use or as a waste heat system subject to the provisions of chapter 16 or a system not using the gas as fuel complying with this Code.

1.2.53 Toxic products are those defined by a "T" in column "f" in the table of chapter 19.

1.2.54 Turret compartments are those spaces and trunks that contain equipment and machinery for retrieval and release of the disconnectable turret mooring system, high-pressure hydraulic operating systems, fire protection arrangements and cargo transfer valves.

1.2.55 Vapour pressure is the equilibrium pressure of the saturated vapour above the liquid, expressed in Pascals (Pa) absolute at a specified temperature.

  1.2.56 Void space is an enclosed space in the cargo area external to a cargo containment system, other than a hold space, ballast space, oil fuel tank, cargo pumps or compressor room, or any space in normal use by personnel.

1.3 Equivalents

1.3.1 Where the Code requires that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision shall be made, or any procedure or arrangement shall be complied with, the Administration may allow any other fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof to be fitted or carried, or any other provision, procedure or arrangement to be made in that ship, if it is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof, or that any particular provision, procedure or arrangement, is at least as effective as that required by the Code. However, the Administration may not allow operational methods or procedures to be made as an alternative to a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment, or type thereof that is prescribed by the Code, unless such a substitution is specifically allowed by the Code.

1.3.2 When the Administration so allows, any fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment, or type thereof, or provision, procedure or arrangement or novel design or application to be substituted, it shall communicate to the Organization the particulars thereof, together with a report on the evidence submitted, so that the Organization may circulate the same to other Contracting Governments to the SOLAS Convention for the information of their officers.

1.4 Surveys and certification

1.4.1 Survey procedure

  1.4.1.1 The survey of ships, so far as regards the enforcement of the provisions of the Code and granting of exemptions therefrom, shall be carried out by officers of the Administration. The Administration may, however, entrust the surveys either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it.

1.4.1.2 The recognized organization, referred to in 1.2.43, shall comply with the provisions of the SOLAS Convention and with the Code for recognized organizations (RO Code).

1.4.1.3 The Administration nominating surveyors or recognizing organizations to conduct surveys shall, as a minimum, empower any nominated surveyor or recognized organization to:

  • .1 require repairs to a ship; and

  • .2 carry out surveys if requested by the appropriate authorities of a port State.

The Administration shall notify the Organization of the specific responsibilities and conditions of the authority delegated to nominated surveyors or recognized organizations, for circulation to the Contracting Governments.

1.4.1.4 When a nominated surveyor or recognized organization determines that the condition of a ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, or is such that the ship is not fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board, or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment, the surveyor or organization shall immediately ensure that corrective action is taken and shall, in due course, notify the Administration. If such corrective action is not taken, the certificate shall be withdrawn and the Administration shall be notified immediately. If the ship is in a port of another Contracting Government, the appropriate authorities of the port State shall be notified immediately. When an officer of the Administration, a nominated surveyor or a recognized organization has notified the appropriate authorities of the port State, the Government of the port State concerned shall give the officer, surveyor or organization any necessary assistance to carry out their obligations under this paragraph. When applicable, the Government of the port State concerned shall take such steps as will ensure that the ship does not sail until it can proceed to sea or leave the port for the purpose of proceeding to the nearest appropriate repair yard available without danger to the ship or persons on board or without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

1.4.1.5 In every case, the Administration shall guarantee the completeness and efficiency of the survey and shall undertake to ensure the necessary arrangements to satisfy this obligation.

1.4.2 Survey requirements

The structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and material (other than items in respect of which a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate; or Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, required by the SOLAS Convention, are issued) of a gas carrier shall be subjected to the following surveys:

  • .1 An initial survey before the ship is put in service or before the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk is issued for the first time, which shall include a complete examination of its structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials in so far as the ship is covered by the Code. This survey shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and material fully comply with the applicable provisions of the Code.

  • .2 A renewal survey at intervals specified by the Administration, but not exceeding five years, except where regulation 1.4.6.2.1, 1.4.6.5, 1.4.6.6 or 1.4.6.7 is applicable. The renewal survey shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and material fully comply with the applicable provisions of the Code.

  • .3 An intermediate survey within three months before or after the second anniversary date, or within three months before or after the third anniversary date of the certificate, which shall take the place of one of the annual surveys specified in 1.4.2.4. The intermediate survey shall be such as to ensure that the safety equipment, and other equipment, and associated pump and piping systems fully comply with the applicable provisions of the Code and are in good working order. Such intermediate surveys shall be endorsed on the certificate issued under 1.4.4 or 1.4.5.

  • .4 An annual survey within three months before or after each anniversary date of the certificate, including a general inspection of the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and material referred to in 1.4.2.1 to ensure that they have been maintained in accordance with 1.4.3 and that they remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended. Such annual surveys shall be endorsed on the certificate issued under 1.4.4 or 1.4.5.

  • .5 An additional survey, either general or partial according to the circumstances, shall be made when required after an investigation prescribed in 1.4.3.3, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. Such a survey shall ensure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the materials and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are satisfactory, and that the ship is fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

1.4.3 Maintenance of conditions after survey

1.4.3.1 The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the Code and to ensure that the ship will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.

1.4.3.2 After any survey of the ship, as described in 1.4.2, has been completed, no change shall be made in the structure, equipment, fittings, arrangements and material covered by the survey without the sanction of the Administration, except by direct replacement.

1.4.3.3 Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered, either of which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its life-saving appliances or other equipment covered by the Code, the master or owner of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity to the Administration, the nominated surveyor or recognized organization responsible for issuing the certificate, who shall cause investigations to be initiated to determine whether a survey, as required by 1.4.2.5, is necessary. If the ship is in a port of another Contracting Government, the master or owner shall also report immediately to the appropriate authorities of the port State and the nominated surveyor or recognized organization shall ascertain that such a report has been made.

1.4.4 Issue and endorsement of an International Certificate of Fitness of Liquefied Gases in Bulk

1.4.4.1 An International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk shall be issued, after an initial or renewal survey, to a gas carrier engaged on international voyages that comply with the relevant provisions of the Code.

1.4.4.2 Such a certificate shall be drawn up in the form corresponding to the model given in appendix 2. If the language used is not English, French or Spanish, the text shall include a translation into one of these languages.

1.4.4.3 The certificate issued under the provisions of this section shall be available on board for examination at all times.

1.4.4.4 Notwithstanding any other provisions of the amendments to the Code, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee by resolution MSC.17(58), any International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk that is current when these amendments enter into force shall remain valid until it expires under the terms of this Code prior to the amendments entering into force.

1.4.5 Issue or endorsement of an International Certificate of Fitness of Liquefied Gases in Bulk by another Government

1.4.5.1 A Contracting Government to the SOLAS Convention may, at the request of another Contracting Government, cause a ship entitled to fly the flag of the other State to be surveyed and, if satisfied that the requirements of the Code are complied with, issue or authorize the issue of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk to the ship and, where appropriate, endorse or authorize the endorsement of the certificate on board the ship in accordance with the Code. Any certificate so issued shall contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.

1.4.6 Duration and validity of an International Certificate of Fitness of Liquefied Gases in Bulk

1.4.6.1 An International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk shall be issued for a period specified by the Administration, which shall not exceed five years.

1.4.6.2.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of 1.4.6.1, when the renewal survey is completed within three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate.

1.4.6.2.2 When the renewal survey is completed after the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate.

1.4.6.2.3 When the renewal survey is completed more than three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

1.4.6.3 If a certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the Administration may extend the validity of the certificate beyond the expiry date to the maximum period specified in 1.4.6.1, provided that the surveys referred to in regulations 1.4.2.3 and 1.4.2.4, applicable when a certificate is issued for a period of five years, are carried out as appropriate.

1.4.6.4 If a renewal survey has been completed and a new certificate cannot be issued or placed on board the ship before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the person or organization authorized by the Administration may endorse the existing certificate. Such a certificate shall be accepted as valid for a further period which shall not exceed five months from the expiry date.

1.4.6.5 If a ship is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed at the time when a certificate expires, the Administration may extend the period of validity of the certificate. However, the extension shall be granted only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be surveyed, and then only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable to do so.

1.4.6.6 A certificate, issued to a ship engaged on short voyages, that has not been extended under the foregoing provisions of this section may be extended by the Administration for a period of grace of up to one month from the date of expiry stated on it. When the renewal survey is completed, the new certificate shall be valid to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

1.4.6.7 In special circumstances, as determined by the Administration, a new certificate need not be dated from the date of expiry of the existing certificate as required by 1.4.6.2.2, 1.4.6.5 or 1.4.6.6. In these special circumstances, the new certificate shall be valid to a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

1.4.6.8 If an annual or intermediate survey is completed before the period specified in 1.4.2, then:

  • .1 the anniversary date shown on the certificate shall be amended by endorsement to a date that shall not be more than three months later than the date on which the survey was completed;

  • .2 the subsequent annual or intermediate survey required by 1.4.2 shall be completed, at the intervals prescribed by that section, using the new anniversary date; and

  • .3 the expiry date may remain unchanged, provided one or more annual or intermediate surveys, as appropriate, are carried out so that the maximum intervals between the surveys prescribed by 1.4.2 are not exceeded.

1.4.6.9 A certificate issued under 1.4.4 or 1.4.5 shall cease to be valid in any of the following cases:

  • .1 if the relevant surveys are not completed within the periods specified in 1.4.2;

  • .2 if the certificate is not endorsed in accordance with 1.4.2.3 or 1.4.2.4; and

  • .3 upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State. A new certificate shall only be issued when the Government issuing the new certificate is fully satisfied that the ship is in compliance with the provisions of 1.4.3.1 and 1.4.3.2. In the case of a transfer between Contracting Governments to the SOLAS Convention, if requested within three months after the transfer has taken place, the Government of the State whose flag the ship was formerly entitled to fly shall, as soon as possible, transmit to the Administration copies of the certificate carried by the ship before the transfer and, if available, copies of the relevant survey reports.


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