S.L. 499.12 Art. 35Cargo and bunker transfer equipment suitability and operational requirements.

(1) All hoses and other appliances used for the handling of dangerous cargoes shall conform with the requirements of the

Relevant Instruments for the usage to which they are being put.

(2) Before and during any operation, hose strings shall be subjected to a close visual inspection for the purpose of determining any possible visible defects in their bore or outer covers, such as evidence of leakage, blistering, abrasion or flattening.

(3) Hoses and other cargo transfer appliances shall have their maximum permissible pressure rating and date of last pressure test clearly and indelibly indicated on them by a testing facility recognised by the Authority. Tests shall be done according to their manufacturer’s specifications at intervals which are in accordance with their manufacturer’s recommendations, but in any case not exceeding one year.

(4) Hoses shall be protected from any chafing or rubbing and steel wires for lifting shall not be permitted to have direct contact with a hose.

(5) All connections, both between sections of hoses and from hoses to manifolds, shall be properly and fully accomplished and excessive weight must not be allowed on the tanker’s manifold.

(6) During cargo handling operations, the hose strings shall be adjusted to avoid undue strain on the hoses or the manifold connections and to ensure that the radius of curvature of the hose remains within the manufacturer’s recommended limits.

(7) When cargo hard arms with approved mechanical couplers are being used, the tanker's manifold flange face shall be smooth and free of rust, to ensure a tight seal.

(8) All cargo hose strings and hard arms used shall be fitted with an insulating flange or a single length of non-conducting hose, to ensure electrical discontinuity between the tanker and shore during connection and disconnection.

(9) Throughout cargo operations adequate supervision shall be maintained in the vicinity of flexible hoses/hard arms, both aboard tanker and ashore, to ensure that in the event of accident, cargo transfer can be stopped without delay.