BALTIC SEAENVIRONMENT PROCEEDINGS No. 59 - Helcom

INTRODUCTION - Volume III
ANNEX 6
The marine transport and storage of hazardous chemicals has in recent years increased
greatly, and the concern for the transportation of these chemicals and their potential outflows
has grown. The Baltic Sea States have therefore taken steps towards prevention and control
of incidents involving hazardous chemicals in the Baltic Sea Area.
The exceptional hydrographic and ecological characteristics of the Baltic Sea and the
sensitivity of its marine environment and coastal areas, threatened by accidental discharges
of chemicals, require development of efficient contingency plans to respond to any possible
accidents to chemical tankers. Such plans must be based on adequate information on
kinds and quantities of chemicals carried in bulk and in packaged form
risk analysis on
the likelihood of accidents
regional risk distribution related to kinds and quantities of chemicals carried
. potential outflow quantities
response option
. recovery methods and techniques
. measures for maintaining safety of navigation
. alerting measures for safety of adjacent populated areas
. emergency and first aid measures for strike teams
The Contracting Parties to the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of
the Baltic Sea Area, 1974, (Helsinki Convention), are aware of the continuously increasing
safety standard of seabome chemical transportation, but nevertheless the Helsinki
Commission has decided on the need for a specific document containing detailed and specific
information on
the sea transport of chemicals
behaviour of chemicals if released into the sea or if packages are washed overboard
response methods in case of liquid spills and release of toxic or explosive vapour
clouds.
This document has now been prepared. It has been edited as a Volume III of the Baltic Sea
Area Combatting Manual with the subtitle “Response to Chemical Spills from Tankers”. The
document also serves as a regional supplement to the IMO Manual on Chemical Pollution.
This Volume III is based on the principles of co-operation in combatting marine pollution
as laid down in Annex VI of the Helsinki Convention. It is intended to facilitate the ability
of the Contracting Parties to react on and combat spillages of harmful substances other than
oil at sea.
334
Updated, May 1993
Amendment No. 2