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MEO Class II: MEKG MEKM MEP MET SC&S SSEP 📊 Trends
Q7 (10 Marks) Cargo & Dangerous Goods
SSEP • Written Exam

With reference to SOLAS ch - XII write short notes on:

(a) Emergency towing arrangement on tankers

(b) Safe access to tanker bows

(c) Safe access to cargo holds, cargo tanks

(d) Protective coatings of ballast tanks

Appeared In: Nov 2022

✓ Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)

Structured for DG Shipping MEO Class II examination scoring criteria.

Exam Ready

With reference to SOLAS Chapter XII write short notes on:

Part (a)

Emergency towing arrangement on tankers

Part (b)

Safe access to tanker bows

Part (c)

Safe access to cargo holds, cargo tanks

Part (d)

Protective coatings of ballast tanks

(Note: SOLAS Chapter XII deals with additional safety measures for bulk carriers. The emergency towing arrangement, safe access to bows, and protective coatings are actually covered under SOLAS Chapter II-1 (Regulation 3-4 - Emergency towing arrangements on tankers), Chapter II-1 (Regulation 3-3 - Safe access to tanker bows), and Chapter II-1 (Regulation 3-2 - Protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks). I will answer accordingly, noting the correct chapter.)

Part (a)

Emergency towing arrangement on tankers (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg 3-4): Oil tankers of 20,000 DWT and above must be fitted with an emergency towing arrangement at both ends, to enable the ship to be towed in an emergency (e.g. after a casualty). The arrangement consists of a strong point (a towing pad eye/strong point), a towing pennant, and the associated equipment (a chafing gear, a fairlead, and a means to connect the towing line), designed to withstand the towing loads. The arrangement is to be capable of being deployed quickly and safely, and the ship is to carry the emergency towing procedures. It enables a disabled tanker to be towed to safety, reducing the risk of grounding, collision and pollution.

Part (b)

Safe access to tanker bows (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg 3-3): Oil tankers of 20,000 DWT and above must be provided with safe access to the bow, so that the crew can reach the bow (e.g. for anchoring, mooring, or in an emergency) safely. The requirement is to provide a safe means of access (e.g. a walkway, a protected passage, or a means of access over the forecastle) that protects the crew from the sea and the weather, and that is arranged so that the crew can reach the bow without undue risk. The safe access is to be maintained and the crew are to be able to use it in all conditions.

Part (c)

Safe access to cargo holds, cargo tanks: The ship must be provided with safe access to the cargo holds and cargo tanks for inspection and maintenance. This includes: safe means of access (ladders, platforms, and the means to enter the holds/tanks), adequate lighting, and the means to ventilate and test the atmosphere before entry (enclosed space entry). The access must comply with the requirements for safe entry (e.g. the IMO recommendations for entering enclosed spaces), and the holds/tanks must be provided with the means for the crew to enter and exit safely. The safe access is important for the inspection (e.g. the ESP surveys) and the maintenance of the holds/tanks.

Part (d)

Protective coatings of ballast tanks (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg 3-2): Dedicated seawater ballast tanks (and the double-hull spaces) of oil tankers and bulk carriers must be provided with a protective coating (a corrosion-protection coating system) applied to the internal surfaces, to protect the steel from corrosion. The coating must be of an approved type, applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the IMO's Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC), and be maintained. The protective coating reduces corrosion, which is a major cause of structural wastage in ballast tanks, and extends the life of the structure; the condition of the coating is inspected at the surveys (e.g. the ESP).

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