3.5 Access to spaces in the cargo area
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1983 IGC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk - Chapter 3 Ship Arrangements - 3.5 Access to spaces in the cargo area

3.5 Access to spaces in the cargo area

  3.5.1 Visual inspection should be possible of at least one side of the inner hull structure without the removal of any fixed structure or fitting. If such a visual inspection, whether combined with those inspections required in 3.5.2, 4.7.7 or 4.10.16 or not, is only possible at the outer face of the inner hull, the inner hull should not be a fuel-oil tank boundary wall.

  3.5.2 Inspection of one side of any insulation in hold spaces should be possible. If the integrity of the insulation system can be verified by inspection of the outside of the hold space boundary when tanks are at service temperature, inspection of one side of the insulation in the hold space need not be required.

  3.5.3 Arrangements for hold spaces, void spaces and other spaces that could be considered gas-dangerous and cargo tanks should be such as to allow entry and inspection of any such space by personnel wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus and in the event of injury to allow unconscious personnel to be removed from the space and should comply with the following:

  • .1 Access should be provided:

    • .1.1 to cargo tanks direct from the open deck;

    • .1.2 through horizontal openings, hatches or manholes, the dimensions of which should be sufficient to allow a person wearing a breathing apparatus to ascend or descend any ladder without obstruction and also to provide a clear opening to facilitate the hoisting of an injured person from the bottom of the space; the minimum clear opening should be not less than 600 mm x 600 mm; and

    • .1.3 through vertical openings, or manholes providing passage through the length and breadth of the space, the minimum clear opening of which should be not less than 600 mm by 800 mm at a height of not more than 600 mm from the bottom plating unless gratings or other footholds are provided.

  • .2 The dimensions referred to in 3.5.3.1.2 and .1.3 may be decreased if the ability to traverse such openings or to remove an injured person can be proved to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  • .3 The requirements of 3.5.3.1.2 and .1.3 do not apply to spaces described in 1.3.17.5. Such spaces should be provided only with direct or indirect access from the open weather deck, not including an enclosed gas-safe space.

  3.5.4 Access from the open weather deck to gas-safe spaces should be located in a gas-safe zone at least 2.4 m above the weather deck unless the access is by means of an air-lock in accordance with 3.6.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.