Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) (TANKERS- OFFICERS AND RATINGS) REGULATION - SCHEDULE 2

TANKER FAMILIARIZATION COURSE

[sections 5(1)(b) & 7]

1. General

The tanker familiarization course referred to in section 5(1)(b) of this
Regulation shall cover at least the subjects specified in sections 2 to 7.

2. Characteristics of cargoes

An outline treatment including practical demonstration of the physical
properties of oil, chemicals and gases carried in bulk; vapour
pressure/temperature relationship; influence of pressure on boiling
temperature; explanation of saturated vapour pressure, diffusion, partial
pressure, flammability limits, flashpoint and auto-ignition temperature;
practical significance of flashpoint and lower flammable limit; simple
explanation of types of electrostatic charge generation; chemical symbols and
structures; elements of the chemistry of acids and bases and chemical
reactions of well-known groupings sufficient to enable proper utilization of
codes.

3. Toxicity

Simple explanation of principles and basic concepts; toxicity limits, both
acute and chronic effects of toxicity, systemic poisons and irritants.

4. Hazards

An explanation of hazards, including-

   (a)  explosion and flammability hazards, flammability limits and sources of
        ignition and explosion;

   (b)  health hazards, including-

        (i)    the dangers of skin contact, inhalation and ingestion;

        (ii)   oxygen deficiency, with particular reference to inert gas
               systems;

        (iii)  harmful properties of cargo carried;

        (iv)   accidents to personnel and associated first-aid procedures;

   (c)  hazards to the environment, covering-

        (i)    the effect on human and marine life from the release of oil,
               chemicals or gases;

        (ii)   effect of specific gravity and solubility;

        (iii)  danger from vapour cloud drift;

        (iv)   effect of vapour pressure and atmospheric conditions;

   (d)  reactivity hazards; self-reaction; polymerization; effects of
        temperature; impurities as catalysts; reaction with air, water and
        other chemicals; and

   (e)  corrosion hazards, covering-

        (i)    the dangers to personnel;

        (ii)   attacks on constructional materials;

        (iii)  effects of concentration and evolution of hydrogen.

5. Hazard control

Inerting water padding, drying agents and monitoring techniques; anti-static
measures; ventilation; segregation; cargo inhibition and the importance of
compatibility of materials.

6. Safety equipment and protection of personnel

The function and calibration of measuring instruments and similar equipment;
specialized fire-extinguishing appliances; breathing apparatus and tanker
evacuating equipment; safe use of protective clothing and equipment; use of
resuscitators and other rescue and escape equipment.

7. Pollution prevention

Procedures to be followed to prevent air and water pollution and measures to
be taken in the event of spillage, including the need to-

   (a)  immediately report all relevant information to the appropriate
        officials when a spill is detected or when a malfunction has occurred
        which poses a risk of a spill;

   (b)  promptly notify shore-based response personnel; and

   (c)  properly implement shipboard spill-containment procedures. (L.N. 107
        of 1998)