OCIMF Updates Safety Guide for Tank Barges and Terminals
Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the inland navigation sector with the support of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) have collaborated with other European organizations to produce the second edition of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT).The purpose of ISGINTT is to improve the safe transport of dangerous goods at the interface between inland tank barges and other vessels or shore facilities (terminals).
Safety Data Sheets for Chemical Tankers
Intertanko, the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), the Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council (DGAC) have completed a comprehensive information paper on the requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Chemical Tankers. This information paper brings together the regulatory requirements and guidance governing the provision of SDS and outlines the key information that should be contained in a safety data sheet. This paper is intended to serve as a single point of reference for seafarers, owners and shippers. SDSs are documents which convey hazard information to anyone who may be involved in the preparation, handling, use and/or carriage of substances of mixtures that may be hazardous.
EMSA Updates Chemical-spill Advice Service
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) reminds of its rapid-response service providing expert advice on chemicals in maritime emergencies. In close cooperation with the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and the Centre of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution (Cedre), EMSA created the MAR-ICE Network in 2008. It offers remote product and incident- specific information and advice within 1 hour of the request and more detailed information shortly thereafter. Information provided within one hour includes safety data sheets, and relevant data from international codes & 
regulations; shortly after it provides additional information on product properties from a knowlegeable chemical company (if necessary).
Intertanko Says Simplify Inert Gas Regs
The catastrophic incidents on a significant number of small product tankers and chemical tankers, some of which have led to a tragic loss of life, have highlighted the fact that the industry needs to update the current application of inert gas regulations to new oil and chemical tankers. In 2006 an inter-industry group consisting of Intertanko, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies’ International Marine Forum (OCIMF), European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA)…
EMSA, Cedre, Cefic Sign Agreement
The signature of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers the framework for co-operation between the three organizations in establishing a network of chemical experts called “Marine ICE" or "MAR-ICE network," which aims to strengthen information transfer on chemical substances involved in marine pollution emergencies in EU waters. The purpose of this network is to provide, upon request, the Member States of the European Union and the coastal states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) with remote product specific information on chemicals involved in marine pollution, by contacting experts in chemical companies who are familiar with the substance(s) involved.
