 Control of the state of inerting for the washing of tanks carrying crude oil
Tankers must possess an inert gas facility as dictated by SOLAS to be able to carry out the Crude Oil Washing operation.
The Marine Chemist checks the correct functioning of the facility and particularly that the oxygen content in the IG line is less than 5% and less than 8% in the tanks.
The pressure of the inert gas is also measured in all the reserviors of the cargo.
Other checks are made to accertain that the oil tanker's facilities and instruments are in accordance with requisites. |
 Accessibility to the holds of ships that have transported materials included in Appendix B of the BC Code
The materials included in Appendix B of the BC Code (Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes) may develop flammable and toxic substances during sea transport as well as cause the reduction of oxygen in the holds of the ship. Before the opening of the holds to carry out off-loading operations can take place, the Marine Chemist is required to analyse the atmosphere in the holds to guarantee safe conditions during the opening and access of personnel within in accordance with article 25 of Decree n. 272 dated 27 July 1999. |
 Example of operation with bulk goods:
Coal : The explosivity, the oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide content is established for ships transporting coal (BC 010). Furthermore, the surface temperature of the cargo is measured.
Briquettes, hot-moulded iron: The explosivity, the oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide content is establish for ships transporting this material (BC 016). Furthermore, the surface temperature of the cargo is measured.
Zinc ingots: Even if it is not included in Appendix B of the BC Code, zinc ingots and particularly Gob Zinc Metal (98,50% purity) may develop arsine and phosphine, extremely toxic gases as well as hydrogen. Therefore the explosivity, the oxygen, arsine and phosphine content are established inside the hold with the goal of guaranteeing the docking and off-loading of ships transporting zinc ingots in conditions of safety.
Fumigated corn: Ships which transport fumigated corn (generally using aluminium phosphide) are checked as soon as they arrive, just before the beginning of the commercial operations, in order to protect the crew and workers health, assigned to the download operations. Inside all the load holding any residual presence of the fumigating is noticed (determination of the phosphine, PH3, extremely toxic gas) and the content of oxygen and carbon monoxide is furthermore checked.
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