With a background of unprecedented challenges for the maritime sector, safety continues to be a priority for the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). To ensure that the very best guidance is available for the chemical tanker sector, ICS has launched a new edition of the standard reference work for those working on tankers carrying chemical cargoes, the ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals).

The fifth edition of the Guide provides chemical tanker operators and crew with up-to-date best practice guidance for safe and pollution-free operations on ships regulated under MARPOL Annex II.  This includes oil tankers operating in accordance with Annex II when they are carrying chemical cargoes.

Chris Oliver, Nautical Director at the International Chamber of Shipping and project leader says: “Senior industry experts have contributed their expertise and experience to the technical working group to help shape the new Guide. We have worked to simplify this new edition and to make it easier to use – and hence more likely to be used. Techniques learned in the aviation industry have been incorporated to make the checklists more effective and the industry’s greater understanding of human factors means that we can make the messaging more relevant to the user, and consequently more effective.

“Sadly, the industry continues to see the same type of incidents time and time again. We have identified these areas and expanded the guidance on key safety issues, including enclosed space entry, risk assessments and PPE. This really is the essential guide for every tanker carrying chemical cargoes.”

Fully aligned with the latest edition of ISGOTT (the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals), the ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) can be purchased from ICS Publications or from maritime booksellers worldwide.