A new guide for operators and crew working on tankers carrying chemical cargoes has just been launched.
“The fifth edition of the ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) provides up-to-date best-practice guidance for safe and pollution-free operations on ships regulated under MARPOL Annex II,” says Chris Oliver, nautical director at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and project leader. “This includes oil tankers operating in accordance with Annex II when they are carrying chemical cargoes.”
Senior industry experts have contributed their expertise and experience to the technical working group to help shape the new guide, Oliver adds. “We have worked to simplify this new edition and to make it easier to use – and hence more likely to be used. Techniques learned in the aviation industry have been incorporated to make the checklists more effective - and the industry’s greater understanding of human factors means that we can make the messaging more relevant to the user, and consequently more effective.”