To ensure that all crew members involved in cargo operations have sufficient information
about cargo properties and operating the cargo system so they can conduct cargo
operations safely.
15.1 General
15.1.1 The quantity of a cargo required to be carried should be in accordance with the
requirements in 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 of the IBC Code.
15.1.2 Tanks carrying liquids at ambient temperatures should be loaded in such a way as
to avoid the tank becoming liquid-full during the voyage, having due regard to the
highest temperature which the cargo may reach.
15.1.3 When carrying cargo requiring controlled venting in column g in the table of
chapter
17 of the IBC Code, the access to any surrounding areas in the horizontal
plane and upwards of the vent outlet should be restricted within a 4 m horizontal zone.
15.2 Cargo information
15.2.1 A copy of the present Code and the IBC Code, or
national regulations incorporating the requirements of the present Code and the IBC
Code, should be on board every vessel covered by the present Code.
15.2.2 Any cargo offered for bulk shipment should be indicated in the shipping documents
by the product name under which it is listed in chapter 17 or
18 of the IBC Code or the latest edition of MEPC.2 Circular or under which it
has been provisionally assessed. Where the cargo is a mixture, an analysis indicating
the dangerous components contributing significantly to the total hazard of the product
should be provided, or a complete analysis if this is available. Such an analysis should
be certified by the manufacturer or by an independent expert acceptable to the
Administration.
15.2.3 Information should be on board, and available to all concerned, giving the
necessary data for the safe carriage of the cargo in bulk. Such information should
include a cargo stowage plan, to be kept in an accessible place, indicating all cargo on
board, including for each dangerous chemical carried:
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.1 a full description of the physical and chemical properties, including
reactivity, necessary for the safe containment of the cargo;
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.2 action to be taken in the event of spills or leaks;
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.3 countermeasures against accidental personal contact;
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.4 fire-fighting procedures and fire-fighting media; and
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.5 procedures for cargo transfer, tank cleaning, gas freeing and ballasting.
15.2.4 For those cargoes required to be stabilized or inhibited, the cargo should be
refused if the certificate required by these paragraphs is not supplied.
15.2.5 If sufficient information, necessary for the safe transportation of the cargo, is
not available, the cargo should be refused.
15.2.6 Where column o in the table of chapter
17 of the IBC Code refers to paragraph 16.2.6 of the
IBC Code, the cargo's viscosity at 20°C should be specified on a shipping document, and
if the cargo's viscosity exceeds 50 mPa·s at 20°C, the temperature at which the cargo
has a viscosity of 50 mPa·s should be specified in the shipping document.
15.2.7 Where column o in the table of chapter
17 of the IBC Code refers to paragraph 16.2.9 of the
IBC Code, the cargo's melting point should be indicated in the shipping document.
15.3 Personnel trainingfootnote
15.3.1 All personnel should be adequately trained in the use of protective equipment and
have basic training in the procedures appropriate to their duties necessary under
emergency conditions.
15.3.2 Personnel involved in cargo operations should be adequately trained in handling
procedures.
15.3.3 Officers should be trained in emergency procedures to deal with conditions of
leakage, spillage or fire involving the cargo and a sufficient number of them should be
instructed and trained in essential first aid for cargoes carried, based on the
guidelines developed by the Organization.footnote
15.4 Opening of and entry into cargo tanks
15.4.1 During handling and carriage of cargoes producing flammable and/or toxic vapours
or when ballasting after the discharge of such cargo, or when loading or unloading
cargo, cargo tank lids should always be kept closed. With any hazardous cargo, cargo
tank lids, ullage and sighting ports and tank washing access covers should be open only
when necessary.
15.4.2 Enclosed space entry should be planned and conducted in a safe manner, taking
into account, as appropriate, the guidance provided in the recommendations developed by
the Organization.footnote
15.4.3 Personnel should not enter such spaces when the only hazard is of a purely
flammable nature, except under the close supervision of a responsible officer.footnote
15.5 Simultaneous carriage of deck cargo and products
15.5.1 Deck cargo and products covered by the present Code should not be loaded or
unloaded simultaneously.
15.5.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of 15.5.1, deck cargo and pollution hazard only
products having a flashpoint exceeding 60°C, may be loaded or unloaded simultaneously
provided that:
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.1 each operation is defined and assigned to qualified personnel
dedicated to that specific operation;
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.2 a safe working distance between the operations on board is
observed; and
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.3 the procedures, plans and instructions on board identify specific
criteria for when the simultaneously performed operations should not be conducted.
15.5.3 During loading or unloading operations covered by the present Code only personnel
engaged in cargo operation should be permitted to be in the cargo deck area; personnel
not engaged in cargo operation should be kept to a minimum in the adjacent open main
deck.
15.5.4 For toxic cargoes, cargo tank pressure indication including audible and visual
alarms situated at the cargo control station and cargo area should meet the following:
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.1 arrangement is to be in accordance with the alternative means as defined in
7.2.3, with the activation point for over/underpressure to be set at 110% and 90%,
respectively, of the P/V valve setting;
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.2 an independent audible and visual pressure alarm, set to be activated at 90% of
the P/V valve opening set pressure, is to be fitted to warn crew of imminent
vapour release; and
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.3 the arrangement in subparagraph 2 is capable of being deactivated during
loading.
15.5.5 During loading of toxic cargoes, deck cargo should not be located in the cargo
deck area as defined in 1.2.7.3. Once a cargo loading operation is completed, deck cargo
may be carried in the area defined in 1.2.7.3.3, provided that the area in 1.2.7.3.2 is
kept free from deck cargo and relevant cargo deck areas clearly marked.