4.1 The principal materials of a ship (e.g., steel,
aluminium) are not an overriding concern from the standpoint of human
health or marine pollution. However, there are a number of potential
sources of concern that should be addressed such as:
-
.1 fuel, lubricants, and coolants;
-
.2 floatable materials (e.g., plastics, Styrofoam
insulation);
-
.3 materials possibly containing PCBs such as
wiring insulation;
-
.4 sludges;
-
.5 harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water;
and, currently (on older ships)
-
.6 asbestos used as insulation material and in
accommodation panelling.
4.2 Items on ships that may potentially contain
substances of concern include:
-
.1 electrical equipment (e.g., transformers, batteries,
accumulators);
-
.2 coolers;
-
.3 scrubbers;
-
.4 separators;
-
.5 heat exchangers;
-
.6 storage facilities for production and other
chemicals;
-
.7 tanks, diesel tanks including bulk storage
tanks;
-
.8 stored solvents, and other chemical stocks;
-
.9 paints;
-
.10 electrical cabling installed before 1975 (plastic
covering may contain PCBs);
-
.11 sacrificial anodes;
-
.12 fire extinguishing and fire fighting equipment;
-
.13 piping, valves and fittings;
-
.14 pumps and compressors;
-
.15 engines and generators;
-
.16 oil sumps;
-
.17 hydraulic systems; and
-
.18 light fittings and fixtures.
4.3 In identifying potentially hazardous materials
on board ships, there are two key lists to consider for guidance,
which are set out as Appendices 1 and 2 to these Guidelines: Appendix 1 is based on the "List
of Hazardous Wastes and Substances under the Basel Convention that
are relevant to Ship Dismantling" (Appendix B to the "Technical Guidelines
for the Environmentally Sound Management of the Full and Partial Dismantling
of Ships"), and Appendix 2 is
based on the list of “Potentially hazardous materials which
may be on board vessels delivered to recycling yards” (Annex
1 of the “Industry Code of Practice on Ship Recycling”).