CTM 9.9	Chemical Tanker Manual CTM Cargo Emergencies	Doc No.: CTM 9.9 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1. APPLICATION

This document applies to all Chemical Tankers managed by Company.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to outline procedures and guidelines for cargo handling in case of emergencies.

3. GENERAL

Master shall ensure:

• Standard emergency procedures developed by the Company are kept readily available onboard for immediate implementation.
• Resulting actions are prompt, adequate and timely.
• Ship’s staff understands the properties of the cargo being carried.



Note:

• MSDS sheets are the best guides for understanding the cargo.


• Training and drills are carried out effectively.
• Duty officer is authorized to stop cargo operation:
  • In the event of an emergency or
  • If in the opinion of the duty officer such stoppage is necessary to prevent an emergency.

4. EMERGENCY DISCHARGE OF CARGO AT SEA

If decision is taken to jettison the cargo, especially such cargo which may release large amounts of toxic or flammable vapours, Master/Chief Officer shall ensure the following precautions:

• Alert Engine Room personnel about the sea suction being used.
• Consider discharge through a sea valve on the opposite side of the seawater intakes.
• Close all non-essential intakes.
• If discharge is at deck level, then rig flexible hoses to extend below the water surface.
• Observe all safety precautions related to the release of toxic and flammable vapours.
• If it is possible for the ship to use its own propulsion:
  • Manoeuvre the ship such that the wind & waves clear cargo away from the vessel.
• Broadcast radio warning to all vessels in the vicinity giving:
  • The position of discharge, and if moving
  • The course, speed, and rate of discharge of the cargo into the water.

Also See:

• ECP Matrix 031 - Toxic Liquid Release
• ECP Matrix 013 - Hazardous Vapour Release

5. ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERSONNEL (CDI 5.5.10)

When there is an exposure to the cargo, the key priorities for assisting persons are:

• Send for help and call Master.
• Wear required PPE, especially if the vapour/liquid is toxic in nature.
• Remove the person from the danger zone.



Coution:

• Ensure you do not become a victim yourself.


• If the response is more than one person can handle, then wait for help to arrive.
• Unless special precautions are stated, in case of contact of cargo with the skin:
  • Put the person under the emergency shower immediately to wash off the cargo.
  • Remove victim’s clothing and shoes while under the shower.
  • Wash eyes continuously for a long period if cargo has been in contact.



Coution:

• Do not wash body or eyes in case the cargo is reactive with water.


• If the MSDS calls for special washing procedures, follow those.

Master shall:

• Administer First Aid as indicated in the product MSDS.
• Refer to General advice given in Emergency Schedule (EmS) and the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) for Use in Accidents involving Dangerous Goods.
• Evaluate the seriousness of the exposure and if in doubt:
  • Seek medical advice whilst at sea or
  • Send the person for medical treatment, should the vessel be in port.

Also See:

• ECP Matrix 007 - Decontamination of Personnel

6. CHEMICAL FIRES

Additionally, for fires involving chemicals, be alert to the following and confirm correct emergency procedure for Fire as per cargo MSDS:

• Some cargoes give out oxygen when on fire, thereby supporting the fire.
• Some chemical fires, the source of ignition may be:
  • Heat from a reaction within the cargo itself or
  • Through mixing with other chemicals.
• Chemicals miscible in water will render normal foam useless. For such chemicals use alcohol resistant or dual-purpose foam.
• Some chemicals are miscible in water. Hence their presence may not be recognized.
• Some chemicals are heavier than water and insoluble in water. They may be smothered using water.
• Some chemicals evolve large volumes of toxic vapours when heated.
• Some chemicals have a low auto-ignition temperature. There is a risk of re-ignition of these chemicals.
• Toxic fumes may enter the accommodation. Evacuation of non-essential crew and visitors may become necessary.

7. CHEMICAL CARGO SPILLS

• The initial response to a spill must be immediate and adequate for the chemical or chemicals involved.
• The next actions to be taken will depend on the circumstances of spillages, its size, and location.



Note:

• Safety of personnel shall take priority over environment care.


• While at sea, manoeuvre the vessel such that the hazards of the spill are kept away.
• If the cargo is being washed overboard, do so with large amounts of water.
• Refer to Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan for further actions related to the spill.

8. EMERGENCY REMOVAL OF VESSEL FROM BERTH

If such removal is advised, Master shall:

• Plan resulting actions through discussions with:
  • Port authorities,
  • Terminal officials, and the
  • Authorities who are managing the emergency (fire brigade, spill containment organization, etc.).
• Inform Marine Superintendent of the situation and decision to remove the vessel from berth.

9. POLYMERISATION OF CARGO

• Polymerization should be expected, and charterers notified:
  • >1°C rise of cargo temperature per day over 3 consecutive days.
  • > 2°C rise of cargo temperature within any 24 hours.
• Upon advice/Instructions from Office, add/circulate tanks with additional inhibitor with required concentrations.
• Reduce temperature of tank with water spray.
• Keep vessel vented. If possible, remove the product from the tank before it solidifies. This might require jettisoning, which is described in the emergency segment.
• Vessels engaged in long voyages should consider re-sampling the cargo at a convenient port.
• Please follow CTM 9.10 A3 for detailed instructions.

10. SOLIDIFICATION OF CARGO

• For a heated cargo, daily monitoring of temperature and periodic checking of sediment buildup must be done as per CHEM Form 16.
• In case cargo sediment starts increasing, implying that cargo solidification is increasing, cargo temperature must be increased, if required, then in discussion with charterers.
• In addition, the cargo should be circulated for a few hours till sediments show a decreasing trend.
• The temperature of cargo should be maintained in accordance with the heating and carriage instructions. However, if any sedimentation is noticed, contact Office for advice.
• Check should be carried out always to confirm whether cargo is solidified or not in the pipeline/vents.
• Pump should be tried out periodically to ensure it does not get seized with solidified cargo.
• Avoid ballast water or cold cargoes adjacent to the high melting point cargo being cleaned.
• In case the boiler is inoperational or is not able to maintain the required temperature, alternative means of heating (e.g. portable boiler unit) can be evaluated. Please contact the Office for advice.