Inert Gas Operations

Tankers using an inert system should maintain their cargo tanks in a non-flammable condition at all times:

1. Tanks should be kept in an inert condition at all times, i.e. the oxygen content should be not more than 8% by volume and the atmosphere should be maintained at a possitive pressure.
2. Before any tank is gas freed, it should be purged with inert gas until the hydrocarbon content of the tank atmosphere is below the critical dilution line.
3. When a ship is in a gas free condition before arrival at a loading port, the tank must be inerted prior to loading.