Section 16 Operating Requirements

1601. Cargo information

1. Information is to be on board and available to all concerned, giving the necessary data for the safe carriage of cargo. Such information is to include:

(1) a full description of the physical and chemical properties necessary for the safe containment of the cargo;

(2) action to be taken in the event of leaks or release;

(3) fire-fighting procedures and fire-fighting media;

(4) procedures for cargo transfer, gas-freeing, ballasting;

(5) minimum allowable inner hull steel temperatures; and

(6) emergency procedures.

(7) filling limits and reference temperatures for each cargo tank

2. A copy of this Guidance is to be on board every ship covered by this Guidance.

1602. Personnel training

1. Personnel involved in cargo operations are to be adequately trained in handling procedures.

2. All personnel are to be adequately trained in the use and have basic training in the procedures, appropriate conditions.

3. Officers are to be trained in emergency procedures to

of protective equipment provided on board to their duties, necessary under emergency

deal with conditions of leakage, release or

fire involving the cargo, and a sufficient number of them are to be instructed and trained in essen- tial first aid for cargoes carried.

1603. Entry into spaces

1. Personnel are not to enter cargo tanks, hold spaces, void spaces, cargo handling spaces or other en- closed spaces where gas may accumulate, unless:

(1) the gas content of the atmosphere in such space is determined by means of fixed or portable equipment to ensure oxygen sufficiency and the absence of toxic atmosphere; or

(2) personnel wear breathing apparatus and other necessary protective equipment and the entire oper-

ation is under the close supervision of a responsible officer.

2. Personnel entering any space designated as gas dangerous on a ship carrying compressed natural gas are not to introduce any potential source of ignition into the space unless it has been certified gas- free and is maintained in that condition.

1604. Carriage of cargo at low temperature

1. When carrying cargoes at low temperatures:

(1) if provided, the heating arrangements associated with cargo containment systems are not to be operated in such a manner as to ensure that the temperature does not fall below that for which the materials of the hull structure is designed;

(2) loading is to be carried out in such a manner as to ensure that unsatisfactory temperature gra- dients do not occur in any cargo tank, piping, or other ancillary equipment; and

(3) when cooling down tanks from temperatures at or near ambient, the cool-down procedure laid down for that particular tank, piping and ancillary equipment is to be followed closely.

1605. Protective equipment

Personnel are to be made aware of the hazards associated with the cargo being handled and are to be instructed to act with care and use the appropriate protective equipment during cargo handling.

1606. Systems and controls

Cargo emergency shutdown and alarm systems involved in cargo transfer are to be checked before cargo handling operations begin. Essential cargo handling controls are

tested and also to be

tested and checked prior to transfer operations.

1607. Cargo transfer operations

1. Transfer operations including emergency procedures are to be discussed between ship personnel and the persons responsible at the shore facility prior to commencement and communications maintained throughout the transfer operations.