FUMIGATION
 

	Fumigation in charge to be designated by appropriate authority.
	FIC will provide master the following information: Type of fumigant Hazards TLV Precautions to observe.

Fumigation in port

	In port, normally fumigation is done in empty cargo spaces and accommodations.
	It is done by certified fumigator companies.

 
Preparations

	A thorough cleaning of cargo spaces after discharge.
	Box beams, stiffeners, deck girders, pipe casings, bilge wells, strum boxes etc, are cleaned thoroughly from cargo residues.
	Cargo spaces to be air tight.
	All compartments, accommodations, store rooms to be available to the fumigators. They should be opened internally, but outside doors locked. Food staffs must be removed unless permitted by fumigators.
	The ship has been prepared as required by the fumigator.
	Watchmen posted to prevent unauthorized boarding.
	Warning notices posted on gangway and entrances of the accommodation.
	All crews to be landed ashore during the fumigation period.
	A complete search to be carried out for any crew or person left onboard and a certificate is given by master, countersigned by fumigator to this respect.
	All blowers, air cons, fans in holds and accommodations to be switched off. The generators may be shut off for the fumigation period.

Procedures

	Fumigation is carried out to disinfest the ship.
	Carried out in cargo holds and accommodations.
	Strong toxicants are used.
	Fumigants are applied as solid or liquid but act as gases.
	No pesticides to be applied on human or animal foods without professional’s advice.
	After all preparation and precautions, fumigant is released and the ship kept under gas for at least two hours for empty ship and four hours for loaded ship.
	Entry to be made in fumigated spaces in an extreme emergency.
	People must be wearing protective equipment, breathing apparatus and safety harness in case of such an entry.
	As per the fumigators, when the ship is disinfested adequately,
	Fumigator is to inform master.
	With assistance of necessary crew, they will gas free the ship.
	Engine personnel to start generator, ventilation fans.
	The must be wearing sufficient protective clothing with breathing apparatus.
	When the ship is gas free and safe for reoccupy, a test of all spaces to be made for toxic gases and oxygen content.
	A gas free certificate is to be issued by fumigators stating that the ship is free of toxic gases and safe for re-occupancy.

 
Fumigation at sea

	Done at the discretion of master.
	Master to be aware of the flag state regulations regarding transit fumigation.
	Done only in cargo spaces, empty or loaded.
	It may be done in following occasions: Fumigation done in port but ship is not gas freed. Fumigation is done but no clearance certificate is issued.

 
Preparation

	Fumigators to demonstrate and train required ship personnel, at least 2 crews and one officer.
	A trained representative should brief the crews before the operation takes place.
	A thorough cleaning of empty cargo spaces after discharge.
	Box beams, stiffeners, deck girders, pipe casings, bilge wells, strum boxes etc, are cleaned thoroughly from cargo residues.
	Cargo spaces to be air tight.
	Warning notices to be posted.
	Details of fumigants, their properties, hazards are known.
	Symptoms of poisoning are known.
	First aid and emergency procedures in case of poisoning are known.
	Required medicines are on board.
	A copy of latest MFAG is onboard.
	Necessary gas detection equipments are available.
	Protective equipments are available.
	Measures taken to ensure E/R, accommodation and other working areas are free of fumes and prevent leakage of fumigants.

 
Procedures

	Fumigation is carried out by fumigators and/ or trained personnel.
	Carried out in cargo holds.
	Strong toxicants are used.
	Fumigants are applied as solid or liquid but act as gases.
	No pesticides to be applied on human or animal foods without professional’s advice.
	After all preparation and precautions, fumigant is released and the ship kept under gas for specified time required by fumigators, generally 1 week.
	After ascertaining that the ship is safe to sail and there is no leakage, the FIC should furnish the master following written statement: The gas in hold spaces reached certain high concentration to determine any leakage. Spaces adjacent to the cargo spaces have been checked and found gas free. The ship's representative is fully conversant with the use of gas detection equipment.
	Entry to be made in fumigated spaces in an extreme emergency.
	People must be wearing protective equipment, breathing apparatus and safety harness in case of such an entry.
	When the spaces are disinfested sufficiently (after required time as per the fumigators): Thorough ventilation of cargo spaces is done. Cargo holds may be opened few days before arrival port. A test for the presence of toxic gases is made. All to be done under supervision of trained personnel. Protective equipments are to be worn. Discard of residues of fumigants as per fumigators advice. A detail entry of all the procedures in deck log book and official log book is to be made in chronological order.

Updated: July 02, 2003