Answer
The construction, equipment, and operation of chemical tankers are governed by a stringent framework of international and national regulations to ensure safety and pollution prevention.
Core International Codes
IBC Code (International Bulk Chemical Code): * Full Name: International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.
Applicability: Mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VII (Part B) and MARPOL Annex II. It applies to chemical tankers constructed on or after 1 July 1986. It prescribes the design and construction standards of ships and the equipment they must carry to minimize risks to the ship, its crew, and the environment.
BCH Code (Bulk Chemical Code):
Full Name: Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.
Applicability: Applies to older chemical tankers constructed before 1 July 1986. It acts as the predecessor to the IBC Code but remains relevant for any vintage vessels still in service.
Related Mandatory Conventions & Codes
MARPOL Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) in Bulk. It categorizes substances (X, Y, Z, and OS) and establishes strict discharge criteria.
SOLAS Chapter II-2: Contains specific fire protection, fire detection, and fire extinction requirements for tankers (e.g., Inert Gas Systems, deck foam systems).
ISM Code & ISPS Code: Fully applicable for operational safety, risk assessment, and security management.
IGC Code (International Gas Carrier Code): Applicable only if the vessel is a dual-classed Gas/Chemical carrier carrying liquefied gases listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code alongside liquid chemicals.
National Legislation (India)
Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Act, 2025: Provides the legal framework for enforcing SOLAS, MARPOL, and the IBC Code within Indian territorial waters and for Indian-flagged vessels. It empowers the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Mercantile Marine Departments (MMD) to conduct Port State Control (PSC) and Flag State Inspections (FSI) ensuring compliance with NLS certificates and cargo-handling safety.