Regulation 19 - Carriage of dangerous goods footnote
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Conventions - SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea - Chapter II-2 - Construction - Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction - Part G - Special requirements - Regulation 19 - Carriage of dangerous goods1

Regulation 19 - Carriage of dangerous goods footnote

1 Purpose

 The purpose of this regulation is to provide additional safety measures in order to address the fire safety objectives of this chapter for ships carrying dangerous goods. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met:

  • .1 fire protection systems shall be provided to protect the ship from the added fire hazards associated with carriage of dangerous goods;

  • .2 dangerous goods shall be adequately separated from ignition sources; and

  • .3 appropriate personnel protective equipment shall be provided for the hazards associated with the carriage of dangerous goods.

2 General requirements

  2.1 In addition to complying with the requirements of regulations in parts B, C, D, E and regulations 18 and 20 footnote, as appropriate, ship types and cargo spaces, referred to in paragraph 2.2, intended for the carriage of dangerous goods shall comply with the requirements of this regulation, as appropriate, except when carrying dangerous goods in limited quantities and excepted quantitiesfootnote unless such requirements have already been met by compliance with the requirements elsewhere in this chapter. The types of ships and modes of carriage of dangerous goods are referred to in paragraph 2.2 and in table 19.1. Cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage shall comply with this regulation, but Administrations may reduce the requirements and such reduced requirements shall be recorded in the document of compliance referred to in paragraph 4.

  2.2 The following ship types and cargo spaces shall govern the application of tables 19.1 and 19.2:

  • .1 ships and cargo spaces not specifically designed for the carriage of freight containers, but intended for the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form including goods in freight containers and portable tanks;

  • .2 purpose-built container ships and cargo spaces intended for the carriage of dangerous goods in freight containers and portable tanks;

  • .3 ro-ro ships and ro-ro spaces intended for the carriage of dangerous goods;

  • .4 ships and cargo spaces intended for the carriage of solid dangerous goods in bulk; and

  • .5 ships and cargo spaces intended for carriage of dangerous goods other than liquids and gases in bulk in shipborne barges.

3 Special requirements

 Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements shall govern the application of tables 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3 to both "on-deck" and "under-deck" stowage of dangerous goods where the numbers of the following paragraphs are indicated in the first column of the tables.

Table 19.1 Application of the requirements to different modes of carriage of dangerous goods in ships and cargo spaces

Where X appears in table 19.1 it means this requirement is applicable to all classes of dangerous goods as given in the appropriate line of table 19.3, except as indicated by the notes.
Regulation 19.2.2   .1 .2 .3 .4 .5
Regulation 19 Weather decks .1 to .5 inclusive Not specifically designed Container cargo spaces Closed ro-ro spaces5 Open ro-ro spaces Solid dangerous goods in bulk Shipbourne barges
.3.1.1 X X X X X For application of requirements of regulation 19 to different classes of dangerous goods, see table 19.2 X
.3.1.2 X X X X X -
.3.1.3 - X X X X X
.3.1.4 - X X X X X
.3.2 - X X X X X4
.3.3 - X X X - X4
.3.4.1 - X X1 X - X4
.3.4.2 - X X1 X - 4
.3.5 - X X X -
.3.6.1 X X X X X -
.3.6.2 X X X X X -
.3.7 X X - - X -
.3.8 X X X2 X X -
.3.9 - - - X3 X -
.3.10.1 - - - X - -
.3.10.2 - - - X - -
Notes:

1 For classes 4 and 5.1 solids not applicable to closed freight containers. For classes 2, 3, 6.1 and 8 when carried in closed freight containers, the ventilation rate may be reduced to not less than two air changes per hour. For classes 4 and 5.1 liquids when carried in closed freight containers, the ventilation rate may be reduced to not less than two air changes per hour. For the purpose of this requirement, a portable tank is a closed freight container.

2 Applicable to decks only.

3 Applies only to closed ro-ro spaces, not capable of being sealed.

4 In the special case where the barges are capable of containing flammable vapours or alternatively if they are capable of discharging flammable vapours to a safe space outside the barge carrier compartment by means of ventilation ducts connected to the barges, these requirements may be reduced or waived to the satisfaction of the Administration.

5 Special category spaces shall be treated as closed ro-ro spaces when dangerous goods are carried.

Table 19.2 Application of the requirements to different classes of dangerous goods for ships and cargo spaces carrying solid dangerous goods in bulk

Class 4.1 4.2 4.36 5.1 6.1 8 9
Regulation 19              
.3.1.1 X X - X - - X
.3.1.2 X X - X - - X
.3.2 X X7 X X8 - - X8
.3.4.1 - X7 X - - - -
.3.4.2 X9 X7 X X7.9 - - X7.9
.3.4.3 X X X X X X X
.3.6 X X X X X X X
.3.8 X X X X7 - - X10
Notes:

6 The hazards of substances in this class which may be carried in bulk are such that special consideration must be given by the Administration to the construction and equipment of the ship involved in addition to meeting the requirements enumerated in this table.

7 Only applicable to Seedcake containing solvent extractions, to Ammonium nitrate and to Ammonium nitrate fertilizers.

8 Only applicable to Ammonium nitrate and to Ammonium nitrate fertilizers. However, a degree of protection in accordance with standards contained in the International Electrotechnical Commission publication 60079, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres, is sufficient.

9 Only suitable wire mesh guards are required.

10 The requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, as amended, are sufficient.

Table 19.3 Application of the requirements to different classes of dangerous goods except solid dangerous goods in bulk

Class 1.1 to 1.6 1.4S 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 3 3 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3 5.1 5.2 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 8 8 8 8 9
Regulation 19         flammable 20 non-flammable FP15
<23°C
FP15
≥ 23°C to ≤ 60°C
    liquids 21 solids   16 liquids
FP15
<23°C
liquids
FP15
≥ 23°C to ≤ 60°C
liquids solids liquids
FP15
<23°C
liquids
FP15
≥ 23°C to ≤ 60°C
liquids solids  
3.1.1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3.1.2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X -
3.1.3 X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3.1.4 X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3.2 X - X - X - X - - - X18 - - - X - - - X - - - X17
3.3 X X X X - X X X X X X X X - X X X X X X X X -
3.4.1 - - X - - X X - X11 X11 X X X11 - X X - X11 X X - - X11
3.4.2 - - X - - - X - - - - - - - X - - - X - - - X17
3.5 - - - - - - X - - - - - - - X X X - X X19 X19 - -
3.6 - - X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X14
3.7 - - - - - - X X X X X X X - X X - - X X - - -
3.8 X12 - X X X X X X X X X X X13 X X X - - X X - - -
3.9 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3.10.1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3.10.2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes:

11 When "mechanically-ventilated spaces" are required by the IMDG Code.

12 Stow 3 m horizontally away from the machinery space boundaries in all cases.

13 Refer to the IMDG Code.

14 As appropriate to the goods to be carried.

15 FP means flashpoint.

16 Under the provisions of the IMDG Code, stowage of class 5.2 dangerous goods under deck or in enclosed ro-ro spaces is prohibited.

17 Only applicable to dangerous goods evolving flammable vapour listed in the IMDG Code.

18 Only applicable to dangerous goods having a flashpoint less than 23ºC listed in the IMDG Code.

19 Only applicable to dangerous goods having a subsidiary risk class 6.1.

20 Under the provisions of the IMDG Code, stowage of class 2.3 having subsidiary risk class 2.1 under deck or in enclosed ro-ro spaces is prohibited.

21 Under the provisions of the IMDG Code, stowage of class 4.3 liquids having a flashpoint less than 23ºC under deck or in enclosed ro-ro spaces is prohibited.

3.1 Water supplies

  3.1.1 Arrangements shall be made to ensure immediate availability of a supply of water from the fire main at the required pressure either by permanent pressurization or by suitably placed remote arrangements for the fire pumps.

  3.1.2 The quantity of water delivered shall be capable of supplying four nozzles of a size and at pressures as specified in regulation 10.2, capable of being trained on any part of the cargo space when empty. This amount of water may be applied by equivalent means to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  3.1.3 Means shall be provided for effectively cooling the designated underdeck cargo space by at least 5 l /min per square metre of the horizontal area of cargo spaces, either by a fixed arrangement of spraying nozzles or flooding the cargo space with water. Hoses may be used for this purpose in small cargo spaces and in small areas of larger cargo spaces at the discretion of the Administration. However, the drainage and pumping arrangements shall be such as to prevent the build-up of free surfaces. The drainage system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the water spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles. The drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls. Bilge wells shall be of sufficient holding capacity and shall be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 m in each watertight compartment. If this is not possible, the adverse effect upon stability of the added weight and free surface of water shall be taken into account to the extent deemed necessary by the Administration in its approval of the stability information.footnote

  3.1.4 Provision to flood a designated under-deck cargo space with suitable specified media may be substituted for the requirements in paragraph 3.1.3.

  3.1.5 The total required capacity of the water supply shall satisfy paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3, if applicable, simultaneously calculated for the largest designated cargo space. The capacity requirements of paragraph 3.1.2 shall be met by the total capacity of the main fire pump(s), not including the capacity of the emergency fire pump, if fitted. If a drencher system is used to satisfy paragraph 3.1.3, the drencher pump shall also be taken into account in this total capacity calculation.

3.2 Sources of ignition

 Electrical equipment and wiring shall not be fitted in enclosed cargo spaces or vehicle spaces unless it is essential for operational purposes in the opinion of the Administration. However, if electrical equipment is fitted in such spaces, it shall be of a certified safe typefootnote for use in the dangerous environments to which it may be exposed unless it is possible to completely isolate the electrical system (e.g. by removal of links in the system, other than fuses). Cable penetrations of the decks and bulkheads shall be sealed against the passage of gas or vapour. Through runs of cables and cables within the cargo spaces shall be protected against damage from impact. Any other equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapour shall not be permitted.

3.3 Detection system

 Ro-ro spaces shall be fitted with a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code. All other types of cargo spaces shall be fitted with either a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code. If a sample extraction smoke detection system is fitted, particular attention shall be given to paragraph 2.1.3 in chapter 10 of the Fire Safety Systems Code in order to prevent the leakage of toxic fumes into occupied areas.

3.4 Ventilation arrangement

  3.4.1 Adequate power ventilation shall be provided in enclosed cargo spaces. The arrangement shall be such as to provide for at least six air changes per hour in the cargo space based on an empty cargo space and for removal of vapours from the upper or lower parts of the cargo space, as appropriate.

  3.4.2 The fans shall be such as to avoid the possibility of ignition of flammable gas air mixtures. Suitable wire mesh guards shall be fitted over inlet and outlet ventilation openings.

  3.4.3 Natural ventilation shall be provided in enclosed cargo spaces intended for the carriage of solid dangerous goods in bulk, where there is no provision for mechanical ventilation.

3.5 Bilge pumping

  3.5.1 Where it is intended to carry flammable or toxic liquids in enclosed cargo spaces, the bilge pumping system shall be designed to protect against inadvertent pumping of such liquids through machinery space piping or pumps. Where large quantities of such liquids are carried, consideration shall be given to the provision of additional means of draining those cargo spaces.

  3.5.2 If the bilge drainage system is additional to the system served by pumps in the machinery space, the capacity of the system shall be not less than 10 m3/h per cargo space served. If the additional system is common, the capacity need not exceed 25 m3/h. The additional bilge system need not be arranged with redundancy.

  3.5.3 Whenever flammable or toxic liquids are carried, the bilge line into the machinery space shall be isolated either by fitting a blank flange or by a closed lockable valve.

  3.5.4 Enclosed spaces outside machinery spaces containing bilge pumps serving cargo spaces intended for carriage of flammable or toxic liquids should be fitted with separate mechanical ventilation giving at least 6 air changes per hour. If the space has access from another enclosed space, the door shall be self-closing.

  3.5.5 If bilge drainage of cargo spaces is arranged by gravity drainage, the drainage shall be either led directly overboard or to a closed drain tank located outside the machinery spaces. The tank shall be provided with a vent pipe to a safe location on the open deck. Drainage from a cargo space into bilge wells in a lower space is only permitted if that space satisfies the same requirements as the cargo space above.

3.6 Personnel protection

  3.6.1 Four sets of full protective clothing, resistant to chemical attack, shall be provided in addition to the fire-fighter's outfits required by regulation 10.10 and shall be selected taking into account the hazards associated with the chemicals being transported and the standards developed by the Organization according to the class and physical state.footnote The protective clothing shall cover all skin, so that no part of the body is unprotected.

  3.6.2 At least two self-contained breathing apparatuses additional to those required by regulation 10 shall be provided. Two spare charges suitable for use with the breathing apparatus shall be provided for each required apparatus. Passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and cargo ships that are equipped with suitably located means for fully recharging the air cylinders free from contamination, need carry only one spare charge for each required apparatus.

3.7 Portable fire extinguishers footnote

 Portable fire extinguishers with a total capacity of at least 12 kg of dry powder or equivalent shall be provided for the cargo spaces. These extinguishers shall be in addition to any portable fire extinguishers required elsewhere in this chapter.

3.8 Insulation of machinery space boundaries

 Bulkheads forming boundaries between cargo spaces and machinery spaces of category A shall be insulated to "A-60" class standard, unless the dangerous goods are stowed at least 3 m horizontally away from such bulkheads. Other boundaries between such spaces shall be insulated to "A-60" class standard.

3.9 Water spray system

 Each open ro-ro space having a deck above it and each space deemed to be a closed ro-ro space not capable of being sealed, shall be fitted with an approved fixed pressure water-spraying system for manual operation which shall protect all parts of any deck and vehicle platform in the space, except that the Administration may permit the use of any other fixed fire-extinguishing system that has been shown by full-scale test to be no less effective. However, the drainage and pumping arrangements shall be such as to prevent the build-up of free surfaces. The drainage system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the water spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles. The drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls. Bilge wells shall be of sufficient holding capacity and shall be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 m in each watertight compartment. If this is not possible the adverse effect upon stability of the added weight and free surface of water shall be taken into account to the extent deemed necessary by the Administration in its approval of the stability information.footnote

3.10 Separation of ro-ro spaces

  3.10.1 In ships having ro-ro spaces, a separation shall be provided between a closed ro-ro space and an adjacent open ro-ro space. The separation shall be such as to minimize the passage of dangerous vapours and liquids between such spaces. Alternatively, such separation need not be provided if the ro-ro space is considered to be a closed cargo space over its entire length and shall fully comply with the relevant special requirements of this regulation.

  3.10.2 In ships having ro-ro spaces, a separation shall be provided between a closed ro-ro space and the adjacent weather deck. The separation shall be such as to minimize the passage of dangerous vapours and liquids between such spaces. Alternatively, a separation need not be provided if the arrangements of the closed ro-ro spaces are in accordance with those required for the dangerous goods carried on adjacent weather decks.

4 Document of compliance footnote

 The Administration shall provide the ship with an appropriate document as evidence of compliance of construction and equipment with the requirements of this regulation. Certification for dangerous goods, except solid dangerous goods in bulk, is not required for those cargoes specified as class 6.2 and 7 and dangerous goods in limited quantities and excepted quantities.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.