Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF OIL POLLUTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 23

Existing oil tankers having special ballast arrangements

(Past version on 30/06/1997).

Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 64 of 1999 s. 3

(1) Where an existing oil tanker of 40000 deadweight tons and above is so
constructed or operates in such a manner that it complies at all times with
the draught and trim requirements set out in regulation 18(2) without recourse
to the use of ballast water, it shall be deemed to comply with the
segregated ballast tank requirements referred to in regulation 18(7), provided
that all the following conditions are complied with-

   (a)  the operational procedures and ballast arrangements have been approved
        by a Certifying Authority;

   (b)  when the draught and trim requirements are achieved through an
        operational procedure, agreement as to the use of that procedure has
        been reached between the Director and the Governments of the
        Convention Countries concerned; (64 of 1999 s. 3)

   (c)  the IOPP Certificate has been endorsed to the effect that the
        oil tanker is operating with special ballast arrangements.

(2) In no case shall ballast be carried in cargo oil tanks except on those
voyages when weather conditions are so severe that, in the opinion of the
master, it is necessary to carry additional ballast water in cargo tanks for
the safety of the ship. Such additional ballast water shall be discharged in
compliance with regulations 13 and 15 and an entry of any discharge of such
water shall be made in the Oil Record Book.