Section 3 Cargo piping systems, valves, vents and pumps

3.1.1 The design of piping systems is to recognize operational and crewing philosophy for the vessel and is to be declared in the design statement.

3.1.2 Piping systems must be designed and operated solely for the transfer of potable water and must be independent of all other piping systems.

3.1.3 All equipment fitted in piping systems is to be readily accessible to facilitate maintenance and survey. For this purpose, valves or cocks are to be interposed between items of equipment and the inlet and outlet pipes in order that any item of equipment may be shut off for opening up and overhauling.

3.1.4 Any filter elements fitted in equipment or piping systems are to be capable of being cleaned and or changed.

3.1.5 Each cargo tank shall have two sampling points. It is to be ensured that contaminants cannot be introduced in the tanks due to the location of the sampling points.

3.2.1 Valves are to be fitted in places where they are at all times readily accessible.

3.2.2 All valves that are provided with remote control arrangements are to be arranged for local manual operation, independent of the remote operating mechanism. The local manual means of operation is to be readily accessible.

3.2.3 Relief valves are to be adjusted and bursting disks so selected that they relieve at a pressure not greater than the design pressure of the system. When satisfactorily adjusted, relief valves are to be protected against tampering or interference by wire with a lead seal or similar arrangement.

3.2.4 Pressure relief devices are to be mounted in such a way that it is not possible to isolate them from the part of the system which they are protecting except that, where duplicated, a changeover valve may be fitted that will allow either device to be isolated for maintenance purposes without it being possible to shut off the other device at the same time.

3.2.5 Hydraulically operated valves are not to be located inside cargo tanks unless it can be demonstrated that there is no risk of contamination during operation and in case of failure.

3.2.6 Tank vents must be so designed that there is no possibility of ingress of sea-water.

3.2.7 Submerged pumps are not permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there is no risk of contamination during operation or in case of failure.

3.3.1 Cargo tanks must be so arranged that there is no risk of contamination in case of boundary breach, except water ballast tanks.

3.3.2 Cargo tanks must be separated by cofferdams from tanks that contain alien fluids or substances that may cause contamination, except water ballast tanks.

3.3.3 Fittings in contact with cargo must be so designed and protected that there is no risk of contamination.

3.3.4 Tanks must be so arranged that sufficient ballast capacity be provided to ensure safe operation under all normal conditions.