Amendments to SOLAS 74 Chapter II-2 / Reg.4.5.10 "Protection of cargo pump-rooms" will enter into force on 1 July 2002. This regulation is established on the basis of IACS Unified Rule F39 which mainly describes measures to prevent explosion accidents in cargo pump-room. This regulation applies to tankers carrying flammable products. Some of these regulations apply to existing ships, compliance should be achieved by the date of the first scheduled dry docking after 1 July 2002, but not later than 1 July 2005.

An outline of the amendments is given below:

A. Temperature sensor and alarm for pumps
For preventing fire and explosion caused by over heating of the pumps fitted in cargo pump rooms temperature sensor and alarms for pumps are required.

B. Monitoring system for hydrocarbon gases
For preventing fire and explosion of in pump-rooms through leakage of product gases, concentration monitoring devices and alarms for hydrocarbon gases are required.

C. Bilge level monitoring devices
For early detection of leakage of the product, bilge level monitoring devices in cargo pump-rooms are required.

D. Interlock of lighting and ventilation (applying to new ship only)
For maintaining a safe working-environment in cargo pump-rooms, interlocking of lighting and ventilation is required.


Concerning provisions A to C, these provisions with partial reduction of the contents apply to existing ship.

(To be continued)


Regarding all existing ships to which the amendment applies, this society will examine all drawings before onboard survey in order to verify that the equipment and instruments meet the requirements. For such ships, please prepare for submission of drawings etc in accordance with Attachment 2 "Chart of procedure". According to the results of the plan examination, an onboard survey will be undertaken to confirm the installations concerned.
Concerning the application and the requirements of this amendment and submission of drawings for approval etc, please refer to Attachment 1. For any questions about the above and for submission of drawings for approval, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Hull Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2017
Fax: +81-3-5226-2019
E-mail: hld@classnk.or.jp

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Attachments 1: Application and details of requirements for existing ships
2: Chart of procedure
Attachment 1 to
ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0462


Application and details of requirements for existing ships


(1) Application
This regulations applies to both existing ships covered by 74SOLAS and tankers carrying products having a flashpoint not exceeding 60°C. However, as the chemical code and the gas code are not amended corresponding to SOLAS amendment, this requirement does not apply to the ships which is covered by the chemical code or the gas code until these codes are amended concerning this matter.

New ships: ships commencing their construction on or after the date of entry into force (1 July 2002)
Existing ship: any ship which is not a new ship

(2) Subject cargo pump-rooms
Pump-rooms intended solely for ballast transfer need not comply with these requirements. They are applicable only to the pump-rooms where pumps for cargo, such as cargo pumps, stripping pumps, pumps for slop tanks, pumps for COW or similar pumps are provided.

(3) Due date for existing ships
Complianc