The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 13, 2024, issued the International Code of Safety for ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels (IGF Code) and its applicability-reg.
The following has been stated:
• Construction:
i. Ships to which this Notice applies shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the IGF Code.
ii. Construction shall be approved and supervised by a Recognized Organisation.
iii. Upon completion of construction, the Recognized Organization, shall issue an applicable Safety Construction Certificate, indicating that the ship complies with “part G of chapter II-1 of the Convention using “LNG” as fuel.”
• Enclosed Space Entry:
i. Under normal operational circumstances, personnel shall not enter fuel tanks, fuel storage hold spaces, void spaces, tank connection spaces, or other enclosed spaces where gas or flammable vapours may accumulate. Personnel may enter these enclosed spaces only if the gas content of the atmosphere in such space is determined using fixed or portable equipment to ensure oxygen sufficiency and the absence of an explosive atmosphere.
ii. Personnel entering any space designated as a hazardous area shall not introduce any potential source of ignition into the space unless it has been certified gas-free and maintained in that condition.
For further details, kindly refer to the document attached.
[Notification No 13-28/1/2024-ENGG-DGS]
