14B.2.16 Oil fuel arrangements

  14B.2.16.1 Arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of oil fuel are to be such as to minimise the risk of fire or explosion.

  14B.2.16.2 As far as practicable, oil fuel tanks are to be part of the vessel's structure and are to be located outside Category 'A' machinery spaces.

  14B.2.16.3 Where oil fuel tanks, other than double bottom tanks, are necessarily located adjacent to or within Category 'A' machinery spaces, at least one of their vertical sides is to be contiguous to the machinery space boundaries, and is preferably to have a common boundary with the double bottom tanks, and the area of the tank boundary common with the machinery spaces is to be kept to a minimum. Where the vertical boundary of a tank directly exposed to a machinery space meets the vessel's side plating at an acute angle, a small horizontal surface at the base of the tank, necessary to accommodate practical constructional considerations may be permitted. If the arrangement of the machinery is such that a tank with a large horizontal surface at the base is necessary then a cofferdam with suitable ventilation arrangements, to protect the base of the tank from the effect of a machinery space fire, will be specially considered. Oil fuel tanks situated within the boundaries of Category 'A' machinery spaces are not to contain oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60°C. Except for vessels constructed of materials other than steel, where steel tanks should be provided, the use of free standing oil fuel tanks is prohibited.