Provision of Cargo Information
Regulations 16.2.6 and 16.2.9 of the IBC Code require that for certain cargoes information be provided in respect of viscosity and melting point. Since the entry into force of the revised MARPOL Annex II in January this year, the revised categorization system and criteria for classification of products have meant that regulations 16.2.6 and 16.2.9 apply to many more products than previously. Such information on the physical properties of products can only be supplied by the manufacturer and/or shipper of the product, but it appears that some manufacturers and shippers of such products are unaware of their obligation to provide this information, which can cause problems for ship owners and operators in meeting their obligations under the IBC Code.
IPTA therefore proposed to the fifty-sixth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee that a Circular be issued requesting member states to remind the relevant sectors of industry of their obligations with regard to the provision of the information required under regulations 16.2.6 and 16.2.9 of the IBC Code. The Committee unanimously agreed that a joint MSC/MEPC Circular should be issued, and the Maritime Safety Committee endorsed the Circular in October 2007.
We would suggest that owners make reference to the attached circular as approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee when needing to obtain the information from charterers and shippers.