Considering the possible environmental hazard from sub-standard oil tankers calling at Indian Ports, the Government has decided to request the elimination of aged tankers and the compliance with Condition Assessment Programme (CAP) rating 2, etc.

1. Crude oil carriers with SBT/PL (*) - below 25 years age.
2. All product tankers with SBT/PL (*) - below 25 years age.
3. All tankers must be classed with major IACS Society, or the Indian Register of Shipping.
4. All tankers above 20 years must have at least CAP 2 rating (for hull, machinery and cargo equipment) from classification society (IACS) or IRS.
5. Tanker charterers and Oil Terminals shall exercise due diligence in ensuring the quality of tankers in-chartered.

The above guidelines for contracts/charters shall come into force from the 1 April 2004.

For the detail and accuracy, attached please find the S. D. Circular No. 8 of 2003 issued by the Government of India on 14 August 2003.

(*) SBT/PL:
Reg. 13 and Reg. 13 E required "New Oil Tanker" defined Reg. 26 Annex 1 MARPOL 73/78

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Marine and Industrial Service Department, Information Center, Head Office
Address: 1-8-5 Ohnodai , Midori-ku, Chiba 267-0056, Japan
Tel.: +81-43-294-6131
Fax: +81-43-294-7212
E-mail: mid@classnk.or.jp
Attachment: S.D. Circular No. 8 of 2003