An updated edition of the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) has been published by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) together with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
The seminal text, which has become the definitive reference guide for the safe operation of oil tankers and the marine terminals they visit, has been updated and improved to reflect current best practices and legislation, and has been updated to ensure ease of use by on board and ashore personnel.
ISGOTT's Sixth Edition encompasses the latest thinking on a range of topical issues including enclosed space entry, which continues to be a significant risk issue both on board tankers and in terminal facilities.
It also addresses critical issues, including gas detection, petroleum products' toxicity and toxic effects (including benzene and hydrogen sulphide), static electricity generation and stray currents, fire protection, and the increasing use of mobile electronic technology.
Rob Drysdale, director, OCIMF, said, “ISGOTT has become a vital tool for ensuring the safe operation of oil tankers and marine terminals, and use of the guidance has, I have no doubt, positively enhanced the safety of the marine industry. To build on this, we have joined with partners and multidisciplinary subject matter experts in what has been a collective effort to thoroughly review, enhance and refresh the guidance for the benefit of the entire industry.”
Chris Oliver, nautical director, ICS, commented, “Alongside compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s regulations and codes, publications such as ISGOTT provide an invaluable resource for our industry in sharing and supporting best practice. In updating ISGOTT, the opportunity was taken to include new topics and to significantly reappraise topics previously covered that have undergone a shift in emphasis since the last edition.”
The ship/shore safety and bunkering operations checklists contained in the publication have been released for use in conjunction with ISGOTT to download free of charge, enabling both individual and joint responsibilities for the tanker and the terminal to be communicated clearly and easily before arrival, as well as when alongside.
The new ISGOTT revision updates and replaces the previous Fifth Edition, published in 2006. Other industry associations, including the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), the Society of International Gas Tankers and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), and other industry specialists have provided support.
In the Sixth Edition, significant emphasis was placed on reflecting changes in understanding the impact of human factors in tanker and terminal operations, and ensuring that ISGOTT recommendations are included in Safety Management Systems (SMSs) and procedures.
Other major areas updated include marine terminal management and tanker/terminal interface critical importance, alternative and emerging technologies, and bunkering operations, including the use of alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
