INTERNATIONAL SAFETY GUIDE FOR OIL TANKERS AND TERMINALS

14.1.12 Testing of Cargo Tanks and Enclosed Spaces on Dry Bulk Voyages
Before loading a dry bulk cargo, all spaces that have previously contained oil should be cleaned, gas freed and inspected internally. Once all tank cleaning has been completed, daily checks for hydrocarbon gas should be made in all empty cargo holds, empty cargo tanks and empty double bottom and ballast tanks, as well as pumprooms, pipe ducts, cofferdams, stool tanks and similar void spaces. If no hydrocarbon gas has been detected after 14 days, the frequency of the readings may be reduced to every two days, unless the ship passes through areas with higher sea or air temperatures, in which case the daily checks should continue. If the following voyage is to continue in dry bulk cargoes, the readings on that voyage need be taken only every three days. If hydrocarbon gas is detected during any dry cargo voyage, the space should be ventilated with air. If the hydrocarbon gas cannot be controlled by ventilation, the space should be inerted and remain so until it can be cleaned again.

14.1.13 Cargo Changeover Check-Lists

The following check-lists are of a general nature and each ship should use them as a guide when developing its own comprehensive check-lists. Oil to Dry Bulk Cargo q Wash cargo holds and tanks, including access trunks.
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Flush all main suctions into cargo holds and tanks and strip dry. Gas free all cargo holds and tanks. Hose off, blow through, disconnect and stow portable heating coils as required. Plug securing sockets as necessary. Ensure fixed heating coils are free of oil before blanking ends. Complete hand hosing and digging of holds and sumps to the requirements of the next cargo. Drain cargo holds and suction wells. Blank off main suctions to holds as necessary. Ensure the stripping discharge line to after hold is securely blanked. Ensure sounding pipes to bilge wells are open and clear of obstructions. Fit main and stripping suction recess doors as necessary. Also fit heating coil connecting pipe recess doors. Wash cargo pipeline system thoroughly, including pumps, deck lines, bottom lines and pumproom. Ensure gauging system, where fitted, is stowed or blanked as necessary to manufacturers recommendations. Drain, vent and prove gas free all gas lines and risers. Blank off gas lines to holds as necessary. Set venting system to the requirements of the next cargo. Check hatch cover sealing arrangements and closing devices. Check ballast tanks, void spaces, cofferdams and pumprooms for flammable gas. Ventilate as necessary and prove gas free.

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If slops are retained, ensure designated pipeline segregations are fitted, slop tanks are fully inerted and the relevant venting system adopted, as necessary.

q q

Dry Bulk Cargo to Oil Sweep holds clean and lift cargo remains out of hold for disposal. Wash cargo remains off bulkheads with a high pressure water jet, stripping slowly to remove water, leaving solid residues. Remove solid residues from the tank top and sumps, and prove that the stripping suction is clear. Remove suction doors and attach securely to stowage positions. Close off sounding pipes to sumps as required. Remove blanks from main cargo suctions and stripping discharges to after hold. Lower and secure heating coils in place, connect and prove tight, as necessary. Remove requisite blanks from gauging system and render fully operational. Wash all stripping lines thoroughly to remove solid residues. As far as possible, test stripping valves for tightness to ensure valve seats are not damaged by solid residues. Open, clean and check all strainers in cargo systems. Check and clean hatch cover sealing arrangements, trackways etc. Check hatch cover sealing arrangements and closing devices. Remove blanks from gas lines, as necessary. Set venting system for next cargo. Prove all valves and non-return valves in cargo system are operational. Inert holds prior to loading. During inerting, prove tightness of hatch covers, tank cleaning covers, access hatches and all openings into cargo spaces.

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14.2

LPG Carriers Carrying Petroleum Products

14.2.1 General
Some LPG carriers are certified to carry other petroleum products, for example light naphtha, jet fuel and mogas. The ships Certificate of Fitness will identify the cargoes that can be carried. The vessels classification society will also have laid down carriage criteria related to maximum tonnages in each tank, maximum densities and, where applicable, sloshing limits. Some petroleum products are also classified as Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS). In this case, special rules apply in accordance with MARPOL Annex II, including the requirement to maintain a dedicated Cargo Record Book for Ships Carrying NLS in Bulk. Such ships are also provided with a Procedures and Arrangements Manual. Benzene precautions may need to be taken, as described in Section 2.3.5.

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