9.2.1 Interbarrier and hold spaces associated
with cargo containment systems for flammable gases requiring full
or partial secondary barriers shall be inerted with a suitable dry
inert gas and kept inerted with make-up gas provided by a shipboard
inert gas generation system, or by shipboard storage, which shall
be sufficient for normal consumption for at least 30 days.
9.2.2 Alternatively, subject to the restrictions
specified in chapter 17, the spaces referred to in 9.2.1 requiring
only a partial secondary barrier may be filled with dry air provided
that the ship maintains a stored charge of inert gas or is fitted
with an inert gas generation system sufficient to inert the largest
of these spaces, and provided that the configuration of the spaces
and the relevant vapour detection systems, together with the capability
of the inerting arrangements, ensures that any leakage from the cargo
tanks will be rapidly detected and inerting effected before a dangerous
condition can develop. Equipment for the provision of sufficient dry
air of suitable quality to satisfy the expected demand shall be provided.
9.2.3 For non-flammable gases, the spaces referred
to in 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 may be maintained with a suitable dry air or
inert atmosphere.