GENERAL
1 These Guidelines provide recommendations on the access to tanks, cargo holds and
ballast spaces of oil tankers and bulk carriers, to enable the hull structure to be
examined in a safe and practical way, when performing the overall and close-up surveys
required in SOLAS regulation XI-1/2 and in the relevant parts of the International Code on
the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil
Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), adopted by Assembly resolution A.1049(27).
2 These Guidelines recall:
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.1 SOLAS regulation II-1/12-2 (as amended by resolution MSC.27(61)) on the "Access
to spaces in the cargo area of oil tankers", which applies to oil tankers
constructed on or after 1 October 1994 but before 1 January 2005;
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.2 SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6 (as amended by resolution MSC.134(76)) on the "Access
to and within spaces in, and forward of, the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk
carriers", which applies to oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after
1 January 2005 but before 1 January 2006;
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.3 SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6 (as amended by resolutions MSC.151(78) and
MSC.194(80)) on the "Access to and within spaces in, and forward of, the cargo
area of oil tankers and bulk carriers", which applies to oil tankers and bulk
carriers constructed on or after 1 January 2006;
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.4 the "Recommendation on safe access to and working in large tanks and
recommendation on safe access to and working in large cargo holds of bulk
carriers", adopted by resolution A.272(VIII); and
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.5 the "Amendment to the Recommendation on safe access to and working in large
tanks (resolution A.272(VIII), annex 1) to include large water ballast tanks",
adopted by resolution A.330(IX).
They also take into account general Principles of the ILO publication on Safety and
health in dock work.
3 These Guidelines should apply to ships constructed on or after 1 October 1994. In case
of ships constructed before 1 October 1994, the Guidelines should be applied in so far
as the Administration deems reasonable and practicable.
4 These Guidelines recommend the owner to agree with the shipyard, in consultation with
the Administration or an organization recognized by the Administration, to develop and
incorporate, at the time of construction of new oil tankers or bulk carriers, secure and
practical means of access to tanks, ballast spaces and cargo holds for an efficient and
effective inspection and maintenance, taking into consideration the following
aspects.
5 Safe access to enclosed spaces can only be provided if an adequate standard of
cleaning, ventilation and testing is achieved prior to entry.footnote
ACCESS TO AND WITHIN TANKS AND DOUBLE HULL SPACES OF OIL TANKERS
Access from weather deck
6 Tanks, and subdivision of tanks, having lengths of 35 m and above, should be fitted
with at least two access hatchways and ladders, as far apart as practicable
longitudinally. Where the tanks are of confined construction, two separate means of
access from the weather deck are recommended, one each at either end of the tank
space.
7 Access to cofferdams, vertical wing and double bottom space of ballast tanks, cargo
tanks and other spaces in the cargo area should be direct from the open deck and such as
to ensure their complete inspection. Access to double bottom spaces, particularly with
regard to double hull tankers, may be interpreted to include a ladder/platform
arrangement that leads from the open deck to the double bottom space through the double
hull space. Access to double bottom spaces may be through a cargo pump-room, pump-room,
deep cofferdam, pipe tunnel or similar compartments, subject to consideration of
ventilation aspects.
Accessibility for personnel safety and inspection
8 The dimensions of any access hatchway should be sufficient to allow a person wearing a
self-contained breathing apparatus to ascend or descend the ladder without obstruction
and also to provide a clear opening to facilitate the removal of an injured person from
the space. Alternatively, one of the deck access hatches can be enlarged and fitted with
a hinged top ladder and with clear vertical straight access down to the tank bottom.
9 For access through horizontal openings, hatches and manholes, the minimum clear
opening should be not less than 600 mm by 600 mm. Openings of 600 mm by 600 mm minimum
clearance, or larger, should be provided in each horizontal girder in vertical alignment
within the vertical wing space. The term minimum clear opening of not less than 600 mm
by 600 mm means that such openings may have corner radii up to 100 mm maximum, due
regard being given to stress concentration.
10 Any opening or open hatchway larger than 200 mm diameter on bulkhead stringers and
horizontal girders should be fitted with gratings or safety guide rails of adequate
design and construction. The free edge of walkways, bulkhead stringers and horizontal
girders should be fitted with two-tier guide rails and vertical plate at least 50 mm
high around edge of platform except in way of ladder. Guide rails or fencing should be
free from sharp edges and should consist of an upper rail at a height of 900 mm and an
intermediate rail at a height of 500 mm. The rails may, where necessary, consist of taut
wire or taut chain. Step rungs and grip rails should be provided on inclined or curved
surfaces to assist footing.
11 For access through vertical openings, or manholes providing passage through the
length and breadth of the space, the minimum clear opening should be not less than 600
mm by 800 mm, at a height of not more than 600 mm from the bottom shell plating or
stringer unless gratings or other footholds are provided. Such openings should be
provided with grab bars. The term minimum clear opening of not less than 600 mm by 800
mm also includes an opening with corner radii of 300 mm. For inspection purposes, an
adequate number of vertical access openings should be provided.
12 Smaller dimensions may be approved by the Administration in accordance with SOLAS
regulation II-1/12-2.5 or regulation II-1/3-6.5.3, as applicable.
Access methods for inspection of tank structures
13 The access methods for the inspection of tank structures may include:
- .1 permanent access arrangement such as:
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.1 the fitting of permanent staging;
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.2 the fitting of bulkhead stringers as walkways;
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.3 the fitting of horizontal girders as walkways;
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.4 the fitting of independent horizontal walkways;
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.5 the use of enlarged longitudinal girders as walkways;
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.6 the fitting of step rungs on face plates of longitudinal girders;
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.7 the fitting of vertical climbing rails on face plates of longitudinal
girders;
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.8 the fitting of vertical or inclined ladders on face plates of
longitudinal girders;
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.9 the fitting of vertical and inclined ladders on transverse
bulkheads;footnote
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.10 the fitting of step rungs and grip rails on inclined or curved surfaces;
and
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.11 the fitting of permanent lugs, clips and pad eyes for temporary staging
or portable staging support;
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.2 temporary staging;
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.3 portable staging/mobile platform/mechanical arms;
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.4 temporary/portable ladder;
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.5 rafting;
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.6 remotely operated vehicles;
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.7 use of divers; and
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.8 remotely-operated video system.
Inspection in cargo tanks
14 Rafting and climbing are possible in open type cargo tanks. However, it is
recommended that the following should also be provided:
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.1 Permanent staging and/or walkway at strategic locations below the deckhead to
monitor possible structural fractures and corrosion.
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.2 Permanent walkways along the longitudinal and transverse bulkheads.
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.3 Large access openings in swash bulkheads and centreline and side girders for
raft passage, where feasible. Alternatively, large deck access hatches should be
provided on both sides of the swash bulkhead.
Inspection in vertical wing spaces
15 Rafting in the double hull vertical wing space is not considered practical and is
deemed unsafe. Permanent access arrangements, therefore, should be provided.
16 Permanent horizontal walkways with clear width of 600 mm or greater, positioned at
intervals harmonized with the design of ship's structures, should give an adequate
coverage for inspection purposes. These may be formed by horizontal girders or enlarged
longitudinal girders, as opposed to purpose-built walkways. Such permanent walkways
could be incorporated in the design of the ship's structures during the design
stage.
17 Step rungs, grab bars and vertical ladders should be considered only as secondary
means to assist in reaching those vertical areas which cannot readily be visually
inspected from the walkways. These should also be limited to 3 m to 4 m extent.
ACCESS TO AND WITHIN CARGO HOLDS OF BULK CARRIERS
Access to cargo holds
18 If separate hatches are used to access the ladders required in each cargo hold, each
hatch should have a clear opening of at least 600 mm by 600 mm. The access hatch and
associated ladders should, unless used solely for inspection and maintenance and not for
operational access, be located such that a person using them will not enter the volume
defined by the vertical projection upwards and downwards of the uppermost cargo
hatchway. Accesses and ladders should be so arranged that personnel equipped with
self-contained breathing apparatus may readily enter and leave the cargo hold. Access
hatch coamings having a height greater than 450 mm should be fitted with steps or
footholds inside the coaming and, if greater than 900 mm, should also have steps on the
outside in conjunction with cargo hold ladders.
Access within cargo holds and ballast tanks
19 Each cargo hold should be provided with at least two ladders as far apart as
practicable longitudinally. If possible, these ladders should be arranged diagonally,
e.g. one ladder near the forward bulkhead on the port side, the other one near the aft
bulkhead on the starboard side, from the ship's centreline. Ladders should be so
designed and arranged that the risk of damage from the cargo handling gear is
minimized.
20 Vertical ladders should be at an angle of not less than 70 degrees to the horizontal
and should comprise one or more ladder linking platforms spaced not more than 6 m apart
vertically and displaced to one side of the ladder. Adjacent sections of ladder should
be laterally offset from each other by at least the width of the ladder.
21 Tunnels passing through cargo holds should be equipped with ladders or steps at each
end of the hold so that personnel may easily get across such tunnels.
22 Where it may be necessary for work to be carried out within a cargo hold or ballast
tanks, consideration should be given to suitable arrangements for the safe handling of
staging or movable platforms. Such staging and platforms should always be adequately
supported and fitted with handrails. Planks should be free from splits and lashed down.
In topside and lower hopper tanks, it may be necessary to arrange staging to provide
close-up examination of the upper parts of the tank, particularly the transverse web
frames, especially where protective coatings have broken down or have not been
applied.
23 Hydraulic arm vehicles ("Cherry Pickers") may be used for close-up examination of the
cargo hold bulkheads and the upper parts of the cargo hold structure. The standing
platform should be fitted with a safety harness. For those vehicles equipped with a
self-levelling platform, care should be taken so that the locking device is engaged
after completion of manoeuvring to ensure that the platform is fixed.
24 Extending/articulated ladders (frame walk) may be used to enable close-up examination
of both the lower and upper portions of side shell frames and end brackets. These
ladders incorporate a hydraulic locking system and a built-in safety harness. Portable
equipment requires regular maintenance and inspection and this should be confirmed prior
to its use.
25 When a short portable ladder is used to gain access to the lower portion of the side
shell plating, frames and lower brackets, they should be fitted with adjustable feet,
lashings or other safe means, to prevent them from slipping and falling.