3.7 Bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) - Chapter 3 Ship arrangements - 3.7 Bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements

3.7 Bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements

  3.7.1 Cargo piping may be fitted to permit bow or stern loading and unloading. Portable arrangements shall not be permitted.

  3.7.2 Bow or stern loading and unloading lines shall not be used for the transfer of products required to be carried in type 1 ships. Bow and stern loading and unloading lines shall not be used for the transfer of cargoes emitting toxic vapours required to comply with 15.12.1, unless specifically approved by the Administration.

  3.7.3 In addition to 5.1, the following provisions apply:

  • .1 The piping outside the cargo area shall be fitted at least 760 mm inboard on the open deck. Such piping shall be clearly identified and fitted with a shutoff valve at its connection to the cargo piping system within the cargo area. At this location, it shall also be capable of being separated by means of a removable spool-piece and blank flanges when not in use.

  • .2 The shore connection shall be fitted with a shutoff valve and a blank flange.

  • .3 The piping shall be full-penetration butt-welded, and fully radiographed. Flange connections in the piping shall only be permitted within the cargo area and at the shore connection.

  • .4 Spray shields shall be provided at the connections specified in 3.7.3.1 as well as collecting trays of sufficient capacity, with means for the disposal of drainage.

  • .5 The piping shall be self-draining to the cargo area and preferably into a cargo tank. Alternative arrangements for draining the piping may be accepted by the Administration.

  • .6 Arrangements shall be made to allow such piping to be purged after use and maintained gas-safe when not in use. The vent pipes connected with the purge shall be located in the cargo area. The relevant connections to the piping shall be provided with a shutoff valve and blank flange.

  3.7.4 Entrances, air inlets and openings to accommodation, service and machinery spaces and control stations shall not face the cargo shore-connection location of bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements. They shall be located on the outboard side of the superstructure or deck-house at a distance of at least 4% of the length of the ship but not less than 3 m from the end of the house facing the cargo shore-connection location of the bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements. This distance, however, need not exceed 5 m. Sidescuttles facing the shore-connection location and on the sides of the superstructure or deck-house within the distance mentioned above shall be of the fixed (non-opening) type. In addition, during the use of the bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements, all doors, ports and other openings on the corresponding superstructure or deck-house side shall be kept closed. Where, in the case of small ships, compliance with 3.2.3 and this paragraph is not possible, the Administration may approve relaxations from the above requirements.

  3.7.5 Air pipes and other openings to enclosed spaces not listed in 3.7.4 shall be shielded from any spray which may come from a burst hose or connection.

  3.7.6 Escape routes shall not terminate within the coamings required by 3.7.7 or within a distance of 3 m beyond the coamings.

  3.7.7 Continuous coamings of suitable height shall be fitted to keep any spills on deck and away from the accommodation and service areas.

  3.7.8 Electrical equipment within the coamings required by 3.7.7 or within a distance of 3 m beyond the coamings shall be in accordance with the requirements of chapter 10.

  3.7.9 Fire-fighting arrangements for the bow or stern loading and unloading areas shall be in accordance with 11.3.16.

  3.7.10 Means of communication between the cargo control station and the cargo shore-connection location shall be provided and certified safe, if necessary. Provision shall be made for the remote shutdown of cargo pumps from the cargo shore-connection location.

Parent topic: Chapter 3 Ship arrangements
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