CLOSED LOADING SYSTEM

Vessels which are loading or discharging a volatile, flammable, toxic or noxious cargo must operate at all times in the Closed Operation Mode.
Closed operations refer to the procedures whereby tankships conduct cargo transfer and ballast operations into cargo tanks, with tank apertures closed and with vapour being emitted only by means of dedicated venting system which is designated to disperse the vapour out of the working areas and possible ignition sources or to convey it to the shore vapour collecting system.
The operations related to cargo tanks ullage measurements, sampling, water and temperature detection and dipping must be carried out under closed system, through the fittings described herewith.
At least one dipping points fitted with vapour lock must be available in the aft part of each cargo tank.
Whereas the terminal requirement is for the cargo vapour to be routed back to shore, the ship’s venting system must be approved by the Classification Society as meeting the requirements of the IMO MSC Res. 585.
To the extent of the application of this requirement, fuel oils, heavy fuels and similar cargoes are to be regarded as noxious cargoes.

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