Carriage Of Chemicals And NLS

Amendments to the IBC Code

Amendments to the IBC Code were accepted with the view that they be adopted at MEPC 39 (March 1997) pending adoption at MSC 67 (December 1996). A scheduled enforcement date of July 2000 has been agreed. The amendments primarily revise regulation concerning approval of cargo transfer systems and equipment by removing references to the Administration’s acceptance and replacing the text with either specific criteria or recognized standards.

Revised Application of MARPOL Annex II

MEPC agreed a revised interpretation which explicitly requires that under Annex II of MARPOL on Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS), all ships (not just “chemical tankers”) carrying Category A, B or C NLS in bulk, offshore supply vessels and vessels involved in dumping operations are to comply with the applicable portions of the IBC or the BCH Codes. Previously, this interpretation had provided Administrations with the discretionary latitude to develop its own requirements.

Reporting of Oil and NLS Discharges

Amendments to the Protocol of MARPOL 73/78 were adopted which place additional reporting requirements on the master of ships involved in the release oil or noxious liquid substances at sea which are above the permitted level for whatever the reason. Prior to this, reporting was limited to such substances when carried in bulk and was limited to incidents involving damage to the ship or equipment or for securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea.