To whom it may concern
When Owner/Shipbuilder wishes to have multiple bottles with smaller capacity located in accommodation for the storage of medical oxygen, instead of a single bottle with capacity of 40 litres located outside the accommodation conforming the MFAG guide required by IMDG/IGC/IBC, they should forward their proposal and get approval of IVW-DS (Inspecti Verkeer Waterstaat / Divisie Scheepvaart) of the Netherlands. IVW-DS will give their approval on a ship by ship basis upon request by the Owner/shipbuilder.

The requirements of the government for approval of storage of multiple medical oxygen bottles in the accommodation are as follows:

1. For every ship, a request for acceptance to be forwarded to IVW-DS.
2. The bottles must be properly secured, so as to prevent movement of the bottles.
3. Maximum number of bottles is four.
4. In case more than one bottle is used, an additional reducing valve, flow meter/manometer, inhalation mask and spanner is to be available.
5. As long as the bottles are not in use, the seal of the bottle is to remain intact, so as to prevent leakage as much as possible.
6. All bottles are to have the same colour and connection.
7. The pressure in all bottles are to be the same.
8. The space where the bottles are stored is to be properly ventilated.
9. The bottles are to be clearly marked MEDICINALE ZUURSTOF (medical oxygen)
10. The crew are to be properly instructed on the danger of oxygen.
11. On the entrance door to the storage space it is to be indicated that bottles with oxygen are present.
12. This matter is also to be stated in the Risk assessment and evaluation plan※ and Fire fighting procedures for certain scenario※.
(Note※: Documents that the companies are required to prepare by the law of the Netherlands.)

Above requirements are required to be applied to all Netherlands flagged vessels.
(To be continued)