Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

VESSELS 59
Priority levels are based on the minimum requirements. Some countries may already apply above or
beyond certain standards that are recommended in Volume II.
Recommendations for prevention are made for both tanker barges carrying dangerous goods in
bulk and barges carrying packaged dangerous goods. Problems are identified from the risk analysis or
industry standards, with references and the main causes of major incidents in the inland waterborne
transport and maritime industry.
The basis for the recommendations originates from the results of the Risk Analysis, and the
identification of the priority areas. Priority areas for vessels differ from country to country, and even
within one country where "low-standard" and "high-standard" vessels have been used as references.
As the idea is to reach common standards in the future, the recommendations have taken into account
practical and feasible solutions to improve the transport of dangerous goods. The results give a very
reasonable reflection of the current situation vis-à-vis what should be there. It may be that some
fleet owners already apply or go beyond some of the recommended standards and guidance. The
recommendations are very important to reduce the risks of fire, explosion or pollution and to increase
the safety of crews and protect the environment.
Although most of the recommendations apply to all barges carrying dangerous goods, some
recommendations apply specifically to tanker barges and some to barges carrying dangerous goods
as general cargo or in containers.
For each recommendation a target group is mentioned, being the group of barges to which it applies.
The following target groups are considered:
• all barges including barges carrying dangerous goods, ferries and passenger vessels;
• tanker barges or barges equipped with tanks that may carry dangerous goods in bulk such
as petroleum products and chemicals; and
• cargo barges or barges built to carry solid dangerous goods in bulk or packaged dangerous
goods either as general cargo or in containers.
3.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION
The recommendations for prevention are divided in the following sections:
• Design, Construction and Equipment;
• Operations and Procedures;
• Management;
• Human Elements; and
• Documentation.
3.3.1 Design, Construction and Equipment
3.3.1.1 Vessel Design and Construction
Target group: All barges
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries should establish standards for the design and construction of vessels and verify
that these standards are complied with.