1.1 Check with ship before boarding/leaving a Chemical/Gas carrier that:
a) Drip trays are empty and clean
b) There is no likelihood of exposure to cargo during any tank cleaning operation
c) The vessel’s decks are not contaminated with cargo causing a possible contact hazard.
d) The condition of the decks and companion ladders, where cargo contamination could result in dangerous footing, is satisfactory.
1.2 If in doubt, and especially if receiving non-comittal replies from a vessel in respect of questions relating to checks contained in 1.1, do not board.
1.3 Check availability of Bridge located Escape Breathing Apparatus.
1.4 Whenever possible, sight the location of showers on deck.
2. Berth and Vessel Access
2.1 Be aware of and obey any Berth or Installation safety requirement.
2.2 Use, wherever possible, dedicated safe access routes across Berth or Installation areas.
2.3 Wear Eye Protection and Protective Headwear if required to cross Production or Storage areas.
2.4 Do not cross jetties or decks during the connection or disconnection of cargo lines.
2.5 Whenever possible, keep up-wind of on-going cargo operations, and wear Eye Protection.
2.6 Be aware of the position of Installation and Jetty Safety Equipment and any Safe Areas.
2.7 Be aware of the nature and properties of the cargo being handled.
2.8 Provisions contained in 1.1 above apply equally when Boarding/Landing at a Shore Installation.
3. Berth Information Document
An Information Sheet, prepared for Individual berths, should be made available for Pilots, containing:
a) Berth (Name)
b) Berth access; with any safety rules that apply, transport arrangements to the installation, etc.
c) Berth/Installation Emergency signal.
d) Emergency signal test (day, time, duration)
e) Nearest Emergency assembly point
f) Position of breathing apparatus
g) Position of shower facility
h) Position of eyewash facility
i) Hazardous products handled, including their description, toxicity and TLV, plus recommended First Aid treatment for eyes, skin, inhalation.
l) Telephone numbers for Berths, Emergency services and Administratio
4. Chemical Information Booklet
A booklet containing a comprehensive list of Chemicals, their properties and the appropriate First Aid treatment should be made available to Pilots.
5. Chemical Safety Awareness Cours
5.1 A Course for those Pilots not familiar with the practical operation of Gas and Chemical Carriers and/or the products handled, should be arranged locally.
5.2 Syllabus for such a course to include:
a) The viewing of any Safety video that is available for the installation involved.
b) Installation appreciation. Pilots to be made aware of the location of Safety Areas, etc.
c) Installation/Berth relationship, including hazards posed by adjacent Installations/Berths.
d) Explanation of Chemical properties and the hazards involved.
e) Familiarisation with the use of Protective Equipment (i.e. the various clothing, eye and respiratory protection available).
Adopted by the GM, Copenhagen, May 1993