2.15 Table 1 – Means of Access for Ballast and Cargo Tanks of Oil Tankers, Paragraph 2.1

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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1464/Rev.1 - Unified Interpretations of SOLAS Chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance Standards - Annex - 2 Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78)) - 2.15 Table 1 – Means of Access for Ballast and Cargo Tanks of Oil Tankers, Paragraph 2.1

2.15 Table 1 – Means of Access for Ballast and Cargo Tanks of Oil Tankers, Paragraph 2.1

Interpretation

Section 2 of table 1 should also be applied to wing tanks designed as void spaces. Paragraph 2.1.1 represents requirements for access to under-deck structures, while paragraph 2.1.2 is a requirement for access for survey and inspection of vertical structures on longitudinal bulkheads (transverse webs).

Technical background

Regulation II-1/3-6.2.1 requires each space to be provided with means of access. Though void spaces are not addressed in the technical provisions contained in resolution MSC.158(78), it is arguable whether MA are not required in void spaces. MA or portable means of access are necessary arrangements to facilitate inspection of the structural condition of the space and the boundary structure. Therefore the requirements of section 2 of table 1 should be applied to double-hull spaces even when designed as void spaces.

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