SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part B, Reg. 4. Clause 2.1.1 states:
“The following limitations shall apply to the use of oil as fuel, except as otherwise permitted by this paragraph, no oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C shall be used.”
If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe the below precautions:
- Vent all the fuel tanks.
- No Smoking, No naked flame, and No hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
- Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks.
- If the vessel is out at sea it may be possible to obtain a dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to the next arrival port.
- Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.
ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of the onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.
Check the full article for more
