6.1.1 Acceptability of dangerous cargoes in port areas
6.1.1.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should determine the classes and quantities of
DANGEROUS CARGOES which may be permitted to transit or to enter a PORT AREA
by any mode of TRANSPORT and the conditions under which they are to be handled,
having regard to the facilities available for the reception and keeping of DANGEROUS
CARGOES and the location of the PORT AREA in relation to nearby installations and
centres of population. The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should make such information
available in the national and, where appropriate, English languages.
6.1.1.2 The PORT AUTHORITY should be empowered to refuse DANGEROUS
CARGOES intended for keeping within, or transit through, the PORT AREA, if it is
considered that their presence would endanger life or property because of their condition,
the condition of their containment, the condition of their mode of conveyance, or the
conditions in the PORT AREA. Notwithstanding this provision all reasonable effort should
be made to aid a SHIP in distress, particularly when the lives of its crew are in danger.
6.1.1.3 If any DANGEROUS CARGO within the PORT AREA constitutes an
unacceptable hazard, the PORT AUTHORITY should be able to remove, or order the
removal of, any such cargo or any SHIP, package, freight container, tank-container,
portable tank, vehicle or other cargo transport unit containing it.
6.1.1.4 An UNSTABLE SUBSTANCE should not be accepted unless all conditions
necessary to ensure its safe TRANSPORT and HANDLING have been specified and met.
6.1.2 Advance notification
6.1.2.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish a system whereby the PORT
AUTHORITY is notified in good time, but generally not less than 24 hours in advance of
the arrival of DANGEROUS CARGOES in the PORT AREA. The REGULATORY
AUTHORITY should establish and make available information on the various categories
and minimum quantities of such categories of DANGEROUS CARGOES for which prior
notification of arrival is required. The system may enable special arrangements to be made
or exemptions to be granted as appropriate for certain categories and/or quantities of
DANGEROUS CARGOES, for certain modes of TRANSPORT and for short voyages.
This will include SHIPS carrying DANGEROUS CARGOES which intend to transit
through the PORT AREA.
6.1.2.2 Advance notification should also be given when a SHIP or a cargo transport unit
arrives under fumigation. The notification should contain the name of the fumigant and the
date of application.
6.1.2.3 The advance notification should also include any deficiency of the SHIP, its
equipment and/or the containment of DANGEROUS CARGOES which may affect the
safety in the PORT AREA or the SHIP.
6.1.2.4 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish a system whereby the PORT
AUTHORITY of the port of departure is notified, in good time but generally not less than
3 hours prior to the departure of a SHIP, of the DANGEROUS CARGOES on board.
6.1.2.5 The advance arrival and departure notification should be given by letter, telex,
telefax, or electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission techniques or any other means
acceptable to the PORT AUTHORITY.
6.1.2.6 The information which should be given is set out at Annex 1.
6.1.2.7 For DANGEROUS CARGOES arriving by sea the notification should be given
by the MASTER of the ship, the shipowner, or his agent. For DANGEROUS CARGOES
arriving by road, rail or inland watercraft, advance notification should be given by the
CARGO INTERESTS.
6.1.3 Berthing
6.1.3.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should be empowered to:
- direct when and where a SHIP, having any DANGEROUS CARGOES on board,
should anchor, moor, berth or remain within the PORT AREA, taking into
consideration relevant matters such as the quantity and nature of the
DANGEROUS CARGOES involved, the environment, the population, the weather
conditions;
- direct, in an emergency, a SHIP having any DANGEROUS CARGOES on board
to be moved within the PORT AREA, or to be removed therefrom having due
regard to the safety of the SHIP and its crew; and
- attach such requirements to any such directions as are appropriate to local
circumstances and the quantity and nature of the DANGEROUS CARGOES
involved.
6.1.3.2 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require that adequate safe means of
access are provided between the SHIP and the shore.
6.1.4 Emergency procedures
6.1.4.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require that appropriate emergency
arrangements are made and brought to the attention of all concerned. These arrangements
should include:
- the provision of appropriate emergency response alarm operating points;
- procedures for notification of an incident or emergency to the appropriate
emergency response services within and outside the PORT AREA;
- procedures for notification of an incident or emergency to the PORT AREA users
both on land and water;
- the provision of emergency equipment appropriate to the hazards of the
DANGEROUS CARGOES to be handled;
- the formation of a local emergency response team to co-ordinate action in the
case of a major emergency and to deal with any day-to day untoward incidents
such as a minor leak or spillage of DANGEROUS CARGOES;
- co-ordinated arrangements for the release of a SHIP in case of an emergency; and
- arrangements to ensure adequate access/egress at all times.
6.1.4.2 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require the preparation and maintenance
of records of the DANGEROUS CARGOES which are present in the PORT AREA for
use in an emergency.
6.1.4.3 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require that emergency response
information is available where DANGEROUS CARGOES are handled and that it is
accessible at all times.
6.1.5 Fire precautions
6.1.5.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require that areas where certain
DANGEROUS CARGOES are handled are designated as areas where smoking and other
sources of ignition are prohibited and where only electrical equipment of a type safe for
use in a flammable atmosphere is used.
6.1.5.2 The carrying out of HOT WORK and the use of any equipment or activity which
may lead to a fire or explosion hazard should be prohibited in areas where certain
DANGEROUS CARGOES are handled, unless authorized by the PORT AUTHORITY.
6.1.5.3 In areas or spaces where a flammable atmosphere may exist or develop, electrical
equipment should be of a type safe for use in a flammable atmosphere.
6.1.6 Environmental precautions
6.1.6.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should require that special areas for the
holding and repacking of damaged DANGEROUS CARGOES and wastes contaminated
with DANGEROUS CARGOES are provided wherever necessary.
6.1.6.2 The PORT AUTHORITY should ensure that damaged packages, unit loads or
cargo transport units are immediately and safely moved to the special area mentioned in
6.1.6.1. They should ensure that damaged packages, unit loads or cargo transport units do
not leave the special area unless the DANGEROUS CARGOES have been properly
repacked and are in all respects fit and safe for further TRANSPORT and HANDLING.
6.1.7 Reporting of incidents
6.1.7.1 Any person having charge of a DANGEROUS CARGO should inform the PORT
AUTHORITY immediately of any incident relevant to such cargo that occurs within the
PORT AREA which may endanger life, property or the environment.
6.1.8 Inspections
6.1.8.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should make regular inspections to ensure the
implementation of the safety precautions in the PORT AREA and the safe TRANSPORT
and HANDLING of DANGEROUS CARGOES. They should be empowered to:
- inspect documents and certificates concerning the safe TRANSPORT, HANDLING,
PACKING and STOWAGE of DANGEROUS CARGOES in the PORT AREA;
- inspect packages, unit loads and cargo transport units containing DANGEROUS
CARGOES to verify that they are packed, marked, labelled or placarded in
accordance with the provisions of the IMDG Code or the appropriate national or
international standards applicable for the mode of TRANSPORT; that unnecessary
labels, placards and marks have been removed; and that the cargo transport units
have been loaded, packed and secured in accordance with the IMO/ILO Guidelines
for Packing Cargo in Freight Containers or Vehicles;
- inspect freight containers, tank-containers, portable tanks and vehicles containing
DANGEROUS CARGOES to ensure that they have a current safety approval plate
in accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972,
as amended, when applicable, or have been approved in accordance with the
relevant provisions of sections 12, 13 or 17 of the General Introduction to the
IMDG Code, or by a certification or approval system of an appropriate authority;
and
- check, by external examination, the physical condition of each freight container,
tank-container, portable tank or vehicle containing DANGEROUS CARGOES for
obvious damage affecting its strength or packaging integrity and for the presence
of any sign of leakage of contents.
For ships carrying BULK liquids reference should be made to 8.1.1.3.
6.1.8.2 If any of the inspections or checks mentioned above reveal deficiencies which
may affect the safe TRANSPORT or HANDLING of DANGEROUS CARGOES, the
PORT AUTHORITY should immediately advise all parties concerned and request them to
rectify all deficiencies prior to any further TRANSPORT or HANDLING of the
DANGEROUS CARGOES
6.1.9 Repair or maintenance work
6.1.9.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should require that it is notified of any person's
intention to carry out repair or maintenance work, either on board a SHIP or ashore,
which may constitute a hazard because of the presence of DANGEROUS CARGOES, and
that such work is authorized only when it can be carried out without creating such a
hazard.
6.1.9.2 In case of HOT WORK in or near tanks, a gas-free certificate, issued by a
chemist or other suitably qualified person approved by the PORT AUTHORITY, should be
pre-requisite. This certificate should be renewed if circumstances alter and at least every
24 hours.
6.1.9.3 HOT WORK should only be carried out by persons approved by the PORT
AUTHORITY and only after being authorized as required in 6.1.5.2. When carrying out
such work all necessary precautions should be taken.
6.1.9.4 Minimum safety requirements for carrying out HOT WORK are set out in annex
4.
6.1.10 Entry into confined or enclosed spaces
6.1.10.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should require the MASTER of a SHIP and the
BERTH OPERATOR within their respective areas of responsibility to ensure that before
any personnel enter any confined or enclosed space, appropriate precautions are taken
against the possible presence of dangerous vapours or oxygen depletion.
6.1.11 Fumigation of ships, warehouses, sheds or cargo transport units.
6.1.11.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should designate specific areas for SHIPS or cargo
transport units which arrive under fumigation or are to be fumigated. Entry into such
areas should be restricted. Appropriate signs (preferably pictograms such as shown in
figure 5) should be displayed in such areas ashore.
Figure 5 .
6.1.11.2 Prior to giving permission for access to SHIPS, warehouses, sheds or cargo
transport units under fumigation, the PORT AUTHORITY should require a certificate from
a RESPONSIBLE PERSON that it is safe to do so.
6.1.12 Reception facilities for contaminated bilge water, wastes, ballast and slops
6.1.12.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should make the necessary legal requirements
to ensure that, where necessary, contaminated bilge water and hazardous wastes are
removed from the SHIP prior to leaving the PORT AREA.
6.1.12.2 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should ensure that adequate reception facilities
are provided for the reception and disposal of bilge water, wastes, ballast and slops
contaminated with DANGEROUS CARGOES, as appropriate.
6.1.12.3 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should ensure that the legal requirements for
bunkering (6.1.14) are also applied to reception operations.
6.1.13 Safe transport and handling
6.1.13.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish guidelines for measures to be
taken to ensure the safe TRANSPORT and HANDLING of DANGEROUS CARGOES,
especially the PACKING, STOWAGE and segregation of incompatible cargoes (see sections
10, 14 and 15 and annex 1 of the General Introduction to the IMDG Code).
6.1.14 Bunkering
6.1.14.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY and PORT AUTHORITY should include legal
requirements for bunkering in port laws or port by-laws which should include the use of a
bunkering checklist reflecting local circumstances. Bunkering of SHIPS should normally
only be allowed at designated installations or by using bunker vessels. Bunkering
precautions including a bunkering checklist are set out in annex 5.
6.1.14.2 Where bunkering is carried out simultaneously with the HANDLING of
DANGEROUS CARGOES, gas freeing, purging or tank cleaning, the PORT AUTHORITY
may consider the need for special permission to be given and special precautions to be
taken to avoid damage to connecting PIPELINES or FLEXIBLE PIPES or any other
damage. The permission should only be given when all the questions contained in the
bunkering checklist have been answered affirmatively.
6.1.15 Explosives
6.1.15.1 Class 1 cargoes other than class 1.4 S should only be permitted to enter the
PORT AREA for direct shipment to or from SHIPS, unless permitted by the
REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
6.1.15.2 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish specific requirements for the
TRANSPORT and HANDLING of explosives, having regard to the hazards involved and
the population density in the vicinity of the PORT AREA and any other relevant
circumstances.
6.1.15.3 The precautions for loading and unloading of explosives set out in the
Introduction to class 1 of the IMDG Code should be taken into account.
6.1.15.4 Additional basic items for consideration by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY are
set out at annex 2.
6.1.16 Radioactive materials
6.1.16.1 Radioactive materials (schedules 5-13 of class 7 of the IMDG Code) should only
be permitted to enter the PORT AREA for direct shipment or delivery unless permitted by
the REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
6.1.16.2 Packaged radioactive materials should not be brought into the PORT AREA unless
they are in conformity with the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Regulations
for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials, as reflected in the IMDG Code or similar
national legal requirements.
6.1.16.3 Packages containing radioactive materials should be so stowed as to prevent
harmful effects to persons and possible interaction between packages. Segregation distances
on board sea-going SHIPS should be in accordance with class 7 and Section 15 of the
General Introduction to the IMDG Code. Guidance on segregation distances required on
shore is set out in annex 3.
6.1.16.4 In the event of any accident involving radioactive materials or packages of
radioactive materials or any theft or loss of any such materials or packages the PORT
AUTHORITY and relevant national authorities should be notified immediately. If there is
any possibility of loss of containment of radioactive materials, the area should be isolated
and the appropriate contingency plans put into operation.
6.1.17 Infectious substances
6.1.17.1 Infectious substances (class 6.2 of the IMDG Code) should only be permitted to
enter the PORT AREA for direct shipment or delivery unless permitted by the
REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
6.1.17.2 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish specific requirements for the
HANDLING of such substances, including but not limited to:
- areas for HANDLING;
- stringent supervision; and
- additional equipment for the containment of such substances.
6.1.18 Signals
6.1.18.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should decide if and when a SHIP engaged in
the TRANSPORT or HANDLING of certain specified DANGEROUS CARGOES in the
PORT AREA, should exhibit by day or by night any special visual signals.
6.1.18.2 The specified DANGEROUS CARGOES referred to in 6.1.18.1 should include:
.1 BULK liquids with a flashpoint below 60 degrees C c.c.;
.2 BULK flammable and/or toxic gases; and
.3 Explosives (other than class 1.4S);
to the degree specified by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
6.1.18.3 The following four scenarios should be considered:
- the SHIP is moored or at anchor by day;
- the SHIP is moored or at anchor at night;
- the SHIP is under way by day; or
- the SHIP is under way at night.
6.1.18.4 Where signals are to be exhibited, they should be:
- by day flag "B" of the International Code of Signals; and
- by night an all-round fixed red light.
6.1.19 Communications
6.1.19.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should ensure that every SHIP engaged in the
TRANSPORT of DANGEROUS CARGOES can maintain effective communications with
the PORT AUTHORITY. When appropriate and practicable such communications should be
carried out by VHF in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulation IV/7 and
complying with the performance standards set out in IMO Assembly resolution A.609 (15)
and the requirements of the REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
6.1.20 Pilotage and tug assistance
6.1.20.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should decide if and when a SHIP engaged in the
TRANSPORT of DANGEROUS CARGOES should take a pilot on board and/or tug
assistance while entering, leaving or moving in the PORT AREA.
6.1.20.2 In making such decision consideration should be given to:
- the type of SHIP and its manoeuvrability;
- the traffic situation;
- the layout of the PORT AREA;
- the tidal and weather situation; and
- the categories (classes) and quantities of DANGEROUS CARGOES carried.
6.1.21 Unmanned barges
6.1.21.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should establish specific rules for unmanned
barges carrying DANGEROUS CARGOES, including but not limited to:
- handling of such barges;
- waiting areas;
- watchkeeping ; and
- fire precautions and fire-fighting arrangements.
6.1.22 Exemptions
6.1.22.1 The REGULATORY AUTHORITY should take account of the varying degrees of
hazards presented by DANGEROUS CARGOES and provide for exemptions from the
provisions of these Recommendations, as appropriate. Exemptions should take account of
nature, class and amount of the DANGEROUS CARGOES involved and the specific
circumstances of the PORT AREA. Some products should be subject to most
recommendations while others of minimal hazard may be exempt. In all cases it should
be ensured that the exemption will not give rise to a significant risk to persons.
6.1.23 Knowledge of rules and regulations
6.1.23.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should appoint at least one RESPONSIBLE PERSON
who has adequate knowledge of the current national and international legal requirements
concerning the TRANSPORT and HANDLING of DANGEROUS CARGOES.
6.1.24 References
6.1.24.1 The PORT AUTHORITY should ensure that all relevant national and international
legal requirements, guidelines, recommendations or other documents governing, referring or
relating to:
- the TRANSPORT of DANGEROUS CARGOES;
- SHIPS carrying such cargoes; and
- installations handling, transporting, producing or otherwise using such cargoes;
which have to be consulted within the PORT AREA, are readily available at the PORT
AUTHORITY for reference and are updated as appropriate.