IMO: Manual on Chemical Pollution - Section 1

Problem Assessment and Response Arrangements

This publication provides guidance on ways of assessing hazards associated with spillages of hazardous and noxious substances and of setting up response organizations. Further, it describes safe operational practice in response.

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the transport and storage of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS). If allowed to escape, these materials can present a danger to a ship’s crew, the vessel, coastal populations and/or the environment. Accordingly, public concern over these materials has grown, and both Governments and industry have taken steps to address and respond to such incidents.

Marine spills involving HNS are not as frequent as oil spills, and may receive little publicity due to their less visible nature. However, on a global basis, marine spills involving HNS are not rare. In fact, a worldwide survey of marine HNS emergencies showed that:

• there is a wide range of cargoes which need to be considered as potential threats;
• most accidents involved mainly two classes of HNS: flammable liquids and corrosive materials;
• one to two major HNS accidents can be expected each year;
• a wide variety of ship types were associated with HNS accidents; and
• HNS accidents were almost equally divided between ‘‘bulk’’ and ‘‘packaged goods’’ shipments.