THE COCHIN PORT TRUST (HANDLING FREIGHT CONTAINERS CARRYING DANGEROUS/HAZARDOUS CARGO) REGULATIONS, 1987

[1][THE COCHIN PORT TRUST (HANDLING FREIGHT CONTAINERS CARRYING DANGEROUS/HAZARDOUS CARGO) REGULATIONS, 1987

PREAMBLE

The following regulations made by the Trustees of Cochin Port

In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-section (f) and (k) of Section 123, read with sub-section 132 of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (No. 38 of 1963) are hereby published for the information of the public, the previously published twice as required under Sub-section (2) of Section 124 of the said Act and having been approved by the Central Government as required by Sub-section (1) thereof namely:-

Regulation - 1. Short title and commencement.

(i)       These regulations may be called the Cochin Port Trust (Handling freight containers carrying Dangerous/Hazardous Cargo) Regulations, 1987.

(ii)      They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.

Regulation - 2. Definitions.

(i)       For the purpose of these Regulations unless the context otherwise requires 'Port' means the Port of Cochin.

(ii)      'Freight' container for dangerous Cargo hereinafter called 'container' means an article of transport equipment specially designed and constructed for the purpose of transport of dangerous goods by one or more modes transport.

Note:-Containers used for the carriage of dangerous/hazardous cargo shall be of adequate strength resist the possible stress imposed by the conditions of the services in which they are employed and they shall be properly and regularly maintained.

(iii)     'Closed Container' means container which can be laden only through one or more doors in the side and end walls.

(iv)    'Open Top Container' means a container with the bottom side and on walls, tub having no roof.

(v)      'Tank Container' means container specially built for transport and distributing liquids and gases in bulk accordance with such conditions as may be required.

(vi)    'Platform Container' means a type of loadable platform having the same overall external length and width as base of series containers and equipped with top and bottom corner fittings located as on these containers, so that some of the same securing and lifting devices may be used.

(vii)   'Container Space' means a space occupied by one container equivalent to one TEU One TEU measures 6.1 X 2.4 Mts. X 2.4 Mts. This distance may be occupied by a neutral container or containers.

(viii)  'Container Parking Yard' means the yards in which the containers are stacked.

(ix)    'Container Handling Equipments' means the equipments used for safe handling of containers such as Transfer Cranes, Top Lift Trucks, Fork Lift Trucks or any other equipments fitted with special device for lifting containers.

(x)      'Container Ship' means a ship in which the containers are loaded either below the duck or above the duck and shall also include container oriented ships handling cargo in break bulk form.

(xi)    'Dangerous Cargo Sheds' means a specially constructed shed used for keeping dangerous/hazardous cargo.

(xii)   I.M.O. (IMCO) means International Maritime organization.

(xiii)  'I.M.O. Code' means the code of practice published by the International Maritime Organization on the International Maritime Dangerous Goods has amended from time to time.

(xiv)  'Loading & Unloading' refer to the placing of a container abroad a ship and to its removal therefrom.

(xv)   'Packages' refer to receptacles for dangerous goods and receptacles containing dangerous/hazardous cargo.

(xvi)  'Packing and Unpacking' refer to the placing of packages containing dangerous/hazardous cargo into a container and their removal therefrom.

(xvii) 'Stuffing & Destuffing' means filling up the container with the cargo and removal of cargo from the container.

(xviii)   'Transport Tractor-Trailer' means of a combination of transport tractor with trailer coupled together permanently or temporarily designed primarily for the transportation of goods by road.

Regulation - 3. Dangerous/Hazardous Cargo.

For the purpose of this regulation, the dangerous/hazardous cargo shall cover all substances classified by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code by the International Maritime Organization, London.

Regulation - 4. Classification of Dangerous/Hazardous Goods.

For the purpose of this regulation, Dangerous/Hazardous Goods will be divided into the following classes. These classes are based on the I.M.D.G. code classifications:

Regulation - 5. General Acceptability of ships carrying Dangerous/Hazardous containers into the Port.

(i)       All Dangerous/Hazardous cargo entering the Port area must be classified, packaged, labeled and or marked in accordance with the IMO Code and be declared by the Ship Shipper accordingly. The container shall also be marked as such and shall be accompanied by a Packing Certificate issued by the Operating Company indicating the contents. Necessary format for this purpose shall be prescribed by the Port.

(ii)      Stowage: No Ship carrying containers carrying Dangerous/Hazardous cargo on board shall enter the Port unless the containers are stowed and so documented according to Section 12 of IMO Code as applicable.

Regulation - 6. Restriction on Entry of Ships carrying certain classes and Quantities of Dangerous/Hazardous cargo.

(i)       Ships carrying explosive shall be allowed only at such of the anchorages or arrears notified by the concerned port authorities except in such quantities as may be permitted for to be handled inside the port area by the Port Regulations applicable.

(ii)      No cylinder containing gases compressed, liquified or dissolved under pressure shall be permitted to be brought inside the Ports, unless such cylinders are permitted for import/export by the Chief Controller of explosives.

(iii)     Dangerous goods in tank containers of the following class and type of commodity shall be limited aboard any ship to such quantity as may be notified by the respective Port Authorities, in no case exceeding 50 Tonnes net contents being the total of all classes.

In all such cases, handling of tank, containers shall be limited to day light hours and subject to the Consignee taking delivery from the Port premises and they shall not be deposited for any length of time within the Port premises.

(iv)    The Deputy Conservator or Officer responsible for the safety of the Port or his authorised representative especially nominated by him for the regulation of the dangerous/hazardous cargo in the Port shall be the sole authority to give permission for landing or loading dangerous/hazardous cargo in containers.

Regulation - 7. Advance Notification.

(i)       Ships: The Master or the Ship Owner or Agent must inform the Port Authority at least 48 hours prior to arrival of the ship of the dangerous/hazardous goods in containers aboard the ship and those to be discharged at the Port.

The intention to land or load dangerous/hazardous cargo shall be given by the steamer Agents or Consigners/Consignees in an application made in triplicate to the Deputy Conservator for seeking permission at least 48 hours in advance. The application shall include a complete list of all substances with their true chemical name and IMO Code Number.

One copy of each such application and its enclosure shall be given to the Deputy Conservator, Container Terminal Manager and Traffic Manager. The list shall furnish complete details including their full/technical names, quantities, mode of packaging, IMO classification, if known and other relevant data. The items included in this list shall be serially numbered for reference and follow up correspondence. Application for issue of permits for inflammable Liquids including petroleum as defined in the Petroleum Act shall contain the following information.

Flash points of such liquids and whether such liquids can be mixed with water or not. In addition to these documents, a copy of the Ship's cargo manifest shall also be forwarded to the Deputy Conservator and Container Terminal Manager to enable them to gather information regarding transit cargo of dangerous/hazardous goods containers carried by each ship.

(ii)      Exports: The intention to export dangerous/hazardous cargos through containers shall be advised to the Port Authority prior to their delivery to the berth at least 48 hours in advance and permission obtained from the deputy Conservator before the dangerous/hazardous cargo to be stuffed in containers are moved in to the Port.

(iii)     Transit: Same prohibitions and restrictions as applicable in respect of dangerous/hazardous cargo for loading or unloading within the Indian Ports shall be applicable for cargo in transit.

Regulation - 8. Berthing.

Any container ship carrying containers confirming dangerous/hazardous cargo on board shall be berthed only when permission to berth is granted by the Port Authority at the designated berth.

Regulation - 9. The Port Authorities shall stack the dangerous/hazardous cargo containers in either of the following.

(a)      Stack the containers separately in a specially designated area which has been constructed for storage of dangerous/hazardous cargo and provided with fire fighting arrangements.

or

(b)      Stack the containers in the Parking Yard itself by providing proper segregation as per IMDG Code. (The segregation table is given the Appendix-'A' suggested method of segregation as per IMDG or IMCO Segregation Code in a Container Parking Yard with Tyre-mounted Transfer Cranes is shown in the Appendix-'B')

The Port Authorities shall devise a suitable segregation plan as regards to the Classification of the cargo and type of handling in the Terminal.

Regulation - 10. Stuffing & Destuffing of Container.

(i)       The Port Authority shall designate Container Depot Container Freight Station suitable to handle dangerous hazardous cargo. The Stacking of containers shall be in accordance with para 9 above. The stuffing or destuffing operation shall commence only after obtain clearance from the Deputy Conservator. The stuffing and destuffing operation shall follow strictly the IMO Guidelines for the packing of dangerous/hazardous cargo in a Freight container and shall comply with Sections 12 & 13 of IMDG Code (Appendix-'C')

In case stuffing or destuffing is done in an area in the vicinity of stackyard a minimum distance of 30 metres around shall be observed.

(ii)      Before Stuffing:

(a)      Containers into which dangerous cargo are to be stuffed shall be examined visually for damage and if there is evidence of material damages, the container shall not be packed. Containers shall be clean, dry and fit for use. Irrelevant dangerous cargo labels shall be removed or masked over before stuffing begins:

(b)      Information shall be provided by the shipper about the hazardous properties of the dangerous cargo to be handled. The shipper shall also ensure that dangerous cargoes are stuffed, marked and labeled in accordance with the IMDG Code. Dangerous cargo shall not be handled unless packed, marked and labeled in accordance with these regulations.

(c)      Dangerous Cargo shall not be handled, stuffed and secured under direct and identifiable supervision of a responsible person deputed by the consignor or the consignee as the case may be who is familiar with the risks involved and know which emergency measure should be taken. He shall also ensure that any necessary protective equipment is available.

(d)      Smoking shall be prohibited while work is going on.

(e)      Suitable life precaution measure shall be taken.

(f)       Packages shall be examined and any found to be damaged, leaking or shifting shall not be stuffed into a container. Packages showing evidence of staining etc. shall not be packed into a container without first determining that it is safe and acceptable to do so. Water or other matter adhering to packages shall be removed before packing into a container.

(g)      If cargoes are palletized or otherwise utilized they shall be compact and secured in a manner unlikely to damage the individual packages comprising the unit load. The materials used to bond the unit load together shall be compatible with the substance utilized and retain their efficiency when exposed to moisture, extremes of temperature and sunlight.

(h)     In case where electric power supplied is used for any equipment or machinery in the area where containers are stacked or stuffing and destuffing is carried out, the electric supply system in the machinery shall be of a type which will not cause any mark likely to cause hazard.

(i)       A container intended to carry dangerous cargo under temperature control shall be inspected and operated to enquire that the machinery is in proper working order before the shipment is made. A record of the inspection shall be maintained.

(iii)     Stuffing and securing:

Special care shall be taken during handling to ensure that the packages or receptacles are not damaged.

(a)      If a package containing dangerous cargo is damaged during handling so that the contents leak out, the immediate area shall be evacuated until the liazard potential can be assessed. The damaged package shall not transported.

(b)      No repacking shall be one within the Port premises. If leakage from dangerous cargo likely to cause any explosion, spontaneous combustion, poisoning or similar danger, personal shall immediately be moved to safe place and the emergency response organization (e.g. the fire service, medical service) pollution control organization etc. shall be notified as necessary.

(c)      Dangerous goods shall not be stuffed in the same container with incompatible substances. Guidance of both general and particular nature on this matter may be found in the IMDG Code.

Note: It is also possible that in some instances, goods of the same class shall not be stuffed into the same container as they are incompatible. For example, Peroxide and permanganates are both oxidizing agents (Class 5.1) However, they may interact dangerously in the event of an accident.

(d)      Dangerous goods which may damage by taint, odor or contamination to other products shall not be stuffed in the same container as goods.

(e)      The dangerous cargo, particularly those of Class 6.1 (poisons) and Class 8 (Corrosives) are handled, consumption of any form of food or drink shall be prohibited.

(f)       Special packing instructions detailed on individual packages or otherwise available must be strictly observed, (eg.) goods marked "Protect from Frost" shall be stowed away from the walls of the container. Goods marked "this way up" shall be packed accordingly. When dangerous goods consignment forms only part of the load of a container, it shall be stuffed so as to be accessible from the doors of the container.

Regulation - 11. Marking and Labeling.

(i)       The containers shall be sealed prior to despatch. However, they shall not be locked unless specifically required and agreed to by the container operator. In such cases a key shall be readily available at all times.

(ii)      Container in which dangerous goods are stuffed shall bear IMO Dangerous goods, code class Labels (Placards) not less than 250mm x 250mm in size. Except where not required Code there shall be at least four such labels (Placards) placed externally in conspicuous places, one on each side and one on each end. Labels for the side of the container shall be affixed in such position that they are not obscured when the container doors are opened.

(iii)     The container shall also bear externally the correct technical name of each of the dangerous substances packed therein.

(iv)    Additional labels as may be required by rail and road transport authorities shall be provided.

Regulation - 12. Stuffing Certificate.

Those responsible for the stuffing of the dangerous cargo into a container shall provide a "Container Stuffing Certificate" certifying that this has been properly carried out and embodying the following provisions:

(i)       That the container was clean, dry and apparently fit to receive the goods.

(ii)      No incompatible goods have been stuffed in the container.

(iii)     All packages have been internally inspected for damage and only dry, sound packages packed.

(iv)    All packages have been properly stuffed in the container and secured and suitable securing materials used.

(v)      The container and packages are properly marked and labeled.

(vi)    The dangerous cargoes in the container are those for which acceptance has been specifically obtained with the shipment in question.

(vii)   The consignor of the dangerous cargoes has in each case issued a dangerous cargo declaration as to nature of the Hazard and that the cargoes are suitably packaged for transport by sea.

(viii)  The container Stuffing Certificate shall be forwarded with the container to be available at the time of landing on board ship.

(ix)    The permission of the Deputy Conservator has been obtained for stuffing the cargo.

Regulation - 13. General Advice on receipt of containers Containing Dangerous/Hazardous Cargoes for Stuffing/destuffing.

Containers containing dangerous cargo shall be destuffed with care, always bearing in mind that the cargo may have been damaged in transit. Before the doors are opened, this possibility shall be borne in mind in relation to the properties of the cargo. For example, depending on the contents of the container, there may exist the possibility that leakage has caused an unsafe concentration of toxic, inflammables or explosive vapor, or to have produced an oxygen enriched (or depleted) atmosphere. If there is evidence that damage has occurred and such a condition exists, except advice must be sought before commencing to destuff the containers.

(i)       Any container which carried dangerous cargo particularly, toxic products, shall be ventilated before destuffing commences, that is the doors shall be kept open for an adequate period.

(ii)      After container containing dangerous goods has been destuffed particular care must be taken to ensure that no hazard remains. This may entail special cleaning, particularly if toxic spillage has occurred or is suspected. When satisfied that a container offers no hazard, the dangerous goods labels shall be removed.

(iii)     If any container shows signs of heat it shall be removed to a safe place and fire services immediately notified. Care shall be taken to see that any fire fighting methods to be used are suitable for the cargo in question.

(iv)    Attention is drawn to the fact that the consignee is normally obliged to return the container, after discharging clean and suitable for the transport of every kind of cargo. This applies especially when poisonous, dangerous or obnoxious cargo has been transported.

Regulation - 14. Destuffing Dangerous/Hazardous Cargoes.

(i)       Notification of import of dangerous cargo must be given to the concerned port authority by the operator prior to the arrival of the container with the Port.

(ii)      The import cargo document must be endorsed with a 'Dangerous Goods' Stamp by the Operator or the person responsible for preparing the documents before the container is discharged.

(iii)     Dangerous cargo containers shall be destuffed with care, always bearing in mind that the cargo may have been damaged in transit. Before the doors are opened, this possibility shall be borne in mind in regulation to the properties of the cargo. If there is evidence that such damage has occurred, expert advice must be sought before commencing destuffing of the container.

(iv)    As cargo is destuffed and checked, it must be separated according to its class and placed in the correct storage area. Any discrepancy in respect of marks, labels or type of packaging must be reported to the supervisor and the operating company shall be advised at the earliest opportunity.

(v)      Area for the storages of the various classes shall be clearly defined and where possible there shall be an outside stowage provided the packaging is suitable. In any event dangerous goods shall be set apart from the general cargo within the transit shed.

(vi)    Removal of import dangerous cargo must be effected immediately.

(vii)   All dangerous cargo labels shall be removed as soon as the container can be declared non-hazardous.

Regulation - 15.

Total quantity dangerous cargo in a designated area shall not exceed five container loads.

Regulation - 16. Fire Fighting.

(i)       Special fire fighting provisions shall be made in the designated areas were dangerous/hazardous cargo containerized are kept. These shall include:-

(a)      The provision of all fire fighting equipment as required by national or local regulations in property maintained and fully operational condition.

(b)      The provision of clear information as to emergency routine to be followed and a regular practice of such routines.

(c)      Good liaison between the container base and the local fire brigade. The means to call the fire service shall be readily available at all times.

(d)      Good housekeeping and cleanliness. For example, patches of oil mixed with sawdust are a potential source of ignition, heaps of rubbish can be readily ignited, piles of dunnage can assist in the repaid spread of fire etc.

(e)      Proper care shall be taken to minimise source of ignition such as smoking, unprotected or ill maintained electrical installations or repair equipment.

(f)       Proper care of machinery and with its operations particularly where refueling is concerned.

(g)      Clear access to fire appliance within the premises shall be maintained and a route kept clear all times to allow rapid access for emergency vehicles from outside.

(ii)      Special Equipment

(a)      Adequate and proper breathing apparatus shall be provided and mentioned in its use so as to render immediate assistance should personnel be effected by noxious fumes

(b)      Protective clothing, comprising rubber boots and gloves and apron together with oilskins shall be available for use in dealing with split material.

(c)      Receptacles of inert material shall be available for use in minimizing the spread of split liquid.

(d)      Nothing in this section shall prevent calling upon the proper emergency services, soon as trouble arises.

(iii)     Lighting:

(a)      Wherever and whenever dangerous goods are handled, or other goods handled adjacent to dangerous, goods, adequate and flame proof lighting shall be provided.

(b)      It Shall be remembered that labels may appear to change color in artificial light.

Regulation – 17.

Any person who contravenes any of the afore said provisions or orders made there under shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000/- and where the contravention or failure is a continuing one with fine which may extend to Rs. 1000/ per day of such continued offence. The quantum of fine in each case shall be determined by the Chairman.

 

Segregation Table

APPENDIX (A)

Numbers in the table are defined in the next page

The numbers in the table pre page are defined as follows:

(1)     Storage spice should also be selected as between outside and inside the buildings in accordance with the following guidelines:-

1.1   Commodities which the carriage by see rules require to be stowed only on the deck of ship should not be stored inside a building unless the building is specially equipped for such purpose.

 

1-2 Table:

 

IMCO Segregation

APPENDIX 'B'

All hazardous containers to be placed tier 1 If possible, not exceeding tier 2 for fire fighting purposes. General containers can still use hazardous slots in order to utilise all the blocks. All hazardous containers to have doors facing outwards Port Fire and Port Safety Officers to have fire plans and segregation plans of container yard, giving fire hydrant positions. These officers must also know the hazardous containers and contents in the yard at any one time it would also be convenient if these officials had a slot board (wood will do) with 'T' cards carrying cargo information. Cards could also be marked with the type of equipment needed to deal with an accident.

 

APPENDIX – C

Copy of section 12 and extract of Section 13 of International Maritime Dangerous goods code

Section 12 Container Traffic

12. 1.1 The recommendations of this text apply to containers in which packages of dangerous goods are loaded.

12. 1.2 In container traffic a number of small packages is enclosed for transit in a large box fitted with doors and lifting points. The size and construction of the container may vary with the trade in which it is employed. Many containers are the demountable bodies of road or rail vehicles.

12. 1.3 Containers used for the carriage of dangerous goods should be of adequate strength to resist the possible stresses imposed by the conditions of the services in which they are employed.

12. 1.4 Dry dangerous goods in bulk may be carried in containers specially approved for this purpose by the competent authorities.

 

12. 2 Permitted Shipments

12 2.1 Dangerous goods should only be transported in containers when they are packed as recommended in this code except as provided in section 12.1.4

12.2.2 Containers in which dangerous goods are loaded should not be transported on board passenger vessels unless such goods are specifically permitted by this code to be so transported.

12. 2.3 A dangerous substance should not be stowed in the same container with any other substance with which it is deemed incompatible by this Code unless the requirement for segregating those substances is not more stringent than “way from” (as defined in section 15.8) and such segregation within the container can be assured during transport.

 

12. 3 Container Certification:

12. 3.1 The requirements set out in Section 9 of the General introduction to this code with respect to the documentation of packaged dangerous goods should be met.

12. 3.2 Containers in which dangerous goods are loaded should be examined externally for damage, signs of leakage or sifting of contents. Any container found to be damaged leaking or sifting should not be accepted for shipment until repairs have been effected and / or damaged receptacles removed.

 

12. 4 Marking and Labeling

12. 4.1 Containers in which dangerous goods are loaded bear labels as specified for each class in this code, affixed on the outside, in a conspicuous place.

12. 4.2 The special dangerous goods list or manifest (required by Regulation 5© of chapter VII of the Convention) should indicate clearly those containers in which dangerous goods, are loaded and their location in the ship. The total quality of each dangerous substance, in addition to the description as required under the above Regulation, should also be shown in the list or manifest.

12. 4.3 Individual packages loaded in a container are exempted from the labelling requirements but the use of dangerous goods labels on such packages is recommended in case they need to be quickly identified in an emergency.

 

12. 5 Stowage of containers

12. 5.1 Containers in which dangerous goods are loaded should generally be carried and segregated in accordance with the & stowage requirements laid down in this code for such goods. eg. if dangerous goods which are required to be stowed on deck are carried in a container, then that container must also be stowed on deck.

12. 5.2 Containers in which dangerous goods are loaded also be generally segregated in accordance with this code. In those cases where such segregation is not possible by virtue of the construction of ship (eg. where there are no intervening bulkheads on a container deck) alternative segregation arrangements may be accepted provided the competent authority is satisfied that on equivalent degree of safety is hereby assured.

12. 5.3 Packages of dangerous substances and any other goods within the containers should be adequately braced and secured for the voyage. The packages should be loaded in such a way that there will be a minimum likelihood of damage to fittings during transportation. Such fitting on packages should be adequately protected.

12. 5.4 Containers equipped with refrigerating or heating equipment and which give rise to a toxic and /or inflammable hazard should be stowed on deck They may be stowed and operated under deck, provided that adequate ventilation and other safety precautions, to the satisfaction of the competent authority, are observed.

Section 13 - Portable Tanks:

13. 1 Applicability and Definitions:

13. 1.1 Applicability

13.1.1.1 The recommendations of this Section apply to portable tanks (as defined in 13.1.2. 1) fitted with pressure relief devices, intended for the carriage of dangerous liquids.

13. 1.1.2 Attention is drawn to the fact that no provisions have been included in respect of any additional fire fighting and protection measures or other special equipment which may be necessary on ships carrying portable tanks.

13.1.1.3 Portable tanks of types other than those covered by this section may be considered for the carriage of dangerous liquids under special conditions to be prescribed by the competent authority.

13.1.1.4 Where exceptional hazards exist for an individual substance, additional requirements may be specified by the competent authority

13.1.2 For the purposes of this Section a portable tank means a tank having a capacity of 450 litres (100 gallons) or above for the transport of bulk liquids with a vapor pressure of less than 3 KP/cm2-absolute- (43 psig) at a temperature of 50øc (122øF). The tank should not be permanently secured on board the ship and its contents should not be loaded or discharged while the tank remains on board. The loaded tanks should be capable of being lifted on and off the ship.

13. 1.2.2 Maximum allowable working pressure is the maximum gauge pressure permissible at the top of a tank in its operating position. This pressure is based on calculations for every elements of the vessel using nominal thickness exclusive of:

(a)      Allowances for corrosion, and

(b)      Thickness required for loading other than pressure.

13. 1.2.3 Start-to-discharge pressure is the valve of pressure below which no bubbling occurs when a pressure relief value is tested by means of air under a specified water seal on the outlet.

13.1.2.4 Total containment pressure is the sum of the vapor pressure in kp cm2 (psig at a reference temperature at the liquid surface as specified by the competent authorities concerned, plus the effect on total pressure of the partial pressure contributed by the presence of air and other gases in the ullage space. The liquid expansion as determined by the bulk mean reference temperature, and the effect of the solubility of air and other gases in the liquid, plus a minimum dynamic pressure of 0.35kp/cm2 (5 psig). In no case should the total containment pressure be taken to be less than, 1.75kp/cm2 (25 psig, where no acceptable data for solubility exists, it should be neglected.

13.11 Testing and Inspection of Portable Tanks:

13.11.1 Such tests and inspections as the competent authority may require should be carried out during construction.

13.11.2 Every portable tank, and all piping, valves and other accessories there of which are subject to the pressure of the tank contents, except pressure relief devices, should be tested by complete filling (including domes, if any) with water or other liquid having a similar density and applying a pressure of not less than 1/4 times the maximum allowable working pressure. The details of the test should be as prescribed by the competent authority. While under pressure, the tank should inspected for leakage, corroded areas, dents, or other conditions which indicate weakness that might render the tank unsafe for transportation service, and it should not be placed in or returned to service if any evidence of such unsafe condition is discovered until the tank etc. has been repaired and the test repeated and passed successfully.

13.11.3 A tank should not be accepted for shipment unless the pressure relieving devices have been examined by a competent person in the previous six months. A visual and external examination may suffice. However, for those cargoes which tend to render the devices in operative, the competent authority may require more frequent examination.

13.11.4 Tanks and their fitting should be inspected internally and externally with sufficient frequency and with due regard to the contents carried, but in no case at intervals greater than 21/2 years, under conditions prescribed by the competent authority.

13.11.5 All pressure relief valves should be retested and inspected at intervals of not more than 1/2years. with due regard to the contents carried and under conditions prescribed by the competent authority.

13.12. Marking the Portable Thanks

13.12.1 Metal identification plate. There should be portable tank, a rustproof metal plate permanently attached to the tank in a place rapidly accessible for inspection. Upon the place should be marked by stamping. Embossing or other means, at least the information given below. This plate should not so as obscured the marking there on

Manufacturer's name .................................................................................................................

Date of Manufacture ...................................................................................................................

Tank Serial No ..............................................................................................................................

Maximum allowable working Pressure .............................................................kp/cm (psig)

Test Pressure .........................................................................................................kp/cm2 (psig)

Total water capacity ............................................................................................liters (gallons)

Maximum weight of liquid to be carried .............................................................Kilos (Tons)

Maximum Gross Weight .........................................................................................Kilos (Tons)

Control of Permit identification of competent authority .........................................................

Hydraulic test date ........................................................................................................................

Authority witnessed the hydraulic test ......................................................................................

Code, rules or regulations (by name or other identification)

Under which tank is designed .....................................................................................................

13.12.2 Test date and Markings

13.12.2.1 The date of the last hydraulic test and witnessing authority mark should be clearly stamped on the metal identification plate specified above

13.12.2.2 The date of the last visual examinations as prescribed by section

13.11.4 should be visibly marked on the tank in a manner satisfactory to the competent authority.

13.12.2.3 Special purpose tanks should be marked to indicate the substance they are permitted to carry.

13.13 Certification of Portable Tanks

13. 13.1 A certificate from an approved inspecting agency affirming that the tank complies with the competent authority's requirements should be filed so as to be available to that authority.

13.14. General Handling Precautions for Portable Tanks.

13.14.1 The following recommendations and precautions are applicable only for tanks designed and constructed according to the provision shown in this Section, (eg. tanks with pressure relief devices)

13.14.2 Portable tanks should only carry liquid cargoes which are specifically authorized by the competent authority of the country concerned.

13.14.3 It is also envisaged that in due course the entry for each individual substance in the Dangerous goods Code will indicate whether that substance may be carried in portable tank and what type of tank is required.

13.14. 4. It is also envisaged that the Dangerous Goods Code will give individual requirements for the stowage of such substances in portable tanks and indicate any difference between their stowage and that of approved packing.

13.14.5 Until such time as the amendments to the Code have been completed stowage of portable tanks should be as recommended in 13.15.

13.15. Stowage of Portable Tanks

13.15.1 Portable tanks should be stowed in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of this Code except that positions of stowage should be in accordance with the following table.

(1)     Except under special conditions to be specified by the competent authority.

(2)     If not having poisonous or similar properties shown by a secondary label.

(3)     Under-conditions to be specified by the competent authority.

13. 15.2 Table in 13.15.1 applies to portable tanks containing liquids only. It does not apply to such tanks containing solids (also if dispersed or wetted) gases or liquified gases.

13. 15.3 Where the individual entry for a substance in the Code is more restrictive than the table with regard to stowage, the individual entry should apply.

13. 15.4 If a portable tank is to be hipped containing a liquid for which the individual entry shows one or more secondary labels, due consideration should be given to all properties of the liquid and stowage should be arranged accordingly.

13. 15.5 Portable tanks found to be leaking or significantly damaged so as to possibly affect the integrity of the tank or its lifting and securing arrangements should not be accepted for shipment.

13. 15.6 Portable tanks having residue of loading adhering to the outside of the tank should not be accepted for shipment unless cleaned and found to be satisfactory.

13. 15.7 Portable tanks should not be overstowed unless they are carried in specially designed ships and unless they are specially protected to the satisfaction of the competent authority due attention should be paid to section 13. 9. 1.2.

13. 15.8 Portable tanks should not be accepted for shipment in ullage condition liable to produce an unacceptable hydraulic force due to surge within the tank.

13. 15.9 Empty tanks not gas free comply with the same provisions as tanks filled with their previous product.

13. 16 Segregation of Portable Tanks:

Portable tanks containing dangerous liquids should be segregated in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (See section 15)

13. 17 Securing of Portable Tanks:

13. 17.1 In addition to the usual securing means provided for transportation, additional securing means, satisfactory to the competent authority and the master of the vessel, may be required in order to ensure more thoroughly against significant movement of the portable tanks during the sea voyage.

13. 17.2 In determining the adequacy of the securing devices, the motions and accelerations of 13. 2.7 should be assumed.

13. 17.3 Special instructions displayed on the tanks should be observed.