The International Maritime

Fumigation Organisation

Code Of Practice
On Safety And Efficacy
For Marine Fumigation

IMFO 2010
The International Maritime Fumigation Organisation Code of Practice

Index

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 3
2. Scope and definitions ............................................................................................. 5
3. Aims and objectives ............................................................................................... 7
4. Technical Standards ............................................................................................... 9
5. Roles and tasks..................................................................................................... 10
6. Port-to-Port Service ............................................................................................. 11
7. Load port .............................................................................................................. 13
8. Voyage Safety Plan .............................................................................................. 15
9. Safety during voyage ........................................................................................... 16
10. Discharge port .................................................................................................. 17
11. Review.............................................................................................................. 18
12. Amendment ...................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A ................................................................................................................. 20
Appendix B ................................................................................................................. 21
Appendix C ................................................................................................................. 26

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The International Maritime Fumigation Organisation Code of Practice

1. Introduction

1.1. The main purpose of marine fumigation (or fumigation in ship's holds
continued in transit) is to prevent from idle time of ships under fumigation in
port. Marine fumigation became possible with introduction of Phosphine (or
Hydrogen Phosphide) - the only fumigant used for this purpose nowadays
according to IMO Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships. The
process of marine fumigation begins with fumigant application to the cargo at
load port, continues with fumigant exposure during voyage and ends with
degassing and fumigation efficacy control at discharge port. To provide for
maximum safety and achieve the targeted efficiency for this complicated process
the cooperation of all parties involved is essential: traders, fumigators, mariners,
stevedores, etc. With the aim to increase the standards of marine fumigation, to
improve cooperation between all parties concerned and to provide for
comprehensive and guaranteed treatment the International Maritime Fumigation
Organisation (IMFO) was founded.

1.2. The IMFO consisting of independent national fumigation companies located in

many different countries at its creation was established as a non-profit making
organisation with the objective of enabling member companies to provide levels
of treatment to the international shipping market that they could not provide as
individual companies. A decade of cooperation between IMFO members has
shown that national fumigation companies may prove better at providing
fumigation services both within export and import oriented countries of goods
which are subject to fumigation, as national companies place greater emphasis
on building consumer confidence and trust. National companies are also more
accurate in observance of national law, as members of international organisation
- also complying with international regulations, and in relation to customers –
more precise in respect of handling of personal and other identifying
information.

1.3. This Code of Practice (COP) is defined as a set of written rules and standards
that serve as a guidance for conduct of IMFO members - participants in the field
of marine fumigation.

1.4. The requirements of the COP are intended to be compatible with, where
practicable, the Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships
(Edition 2008) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Code of
Ethics of the IMFO. This COP is as well based on experience and qualification
of the members of IMFO and also is about matters of fairness and honesty in
relation to customers, port workers, ship crews and other participants of the
process of marine fumigation.

1.5. This COP is intended to promote a common approach to safety and efficacy for
marine fumigation amongst member companies.

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1.6. This COP provides a method of identifying potential weaknesses in marine

fumigation safety and efficacy and outlines safety roles, tasks and measures to
deter, detect and respond to threats to human health by:

1.6.1. Recommending that a marine fumigation is carried out by the IMFO

member or an appropriate authority in each port.

1.6.2. Recommending that a pre-fumigation check be carried out.

1.6.3. Recommending that a safety voyage plan (SVP) be produced covering

the issues identified in the assessment and identifying appropriate safety
measures to be implemented.

1.6.4. Applying safety guidelines to all areas and accommodations of the ship,
and those working in, having business on and requiring access to the
ship. This includes ship’s crew, passengers and passengers’ baggage,
cargo, material, stores and equipment originating from within and outside
the ship.

1.6.5. Promoting safety awareness on board a ship and the training of personnel
appropriate to their roles and responsibilities.

1.6.6. Maximizing the effectiveness of safety measures through exercises, tests

and audits of safety procedures to identify and correct non-compliance,
failures and weaknesses.

1.7. This COP is not a legally binding instrument and it does not affect obligations
to comply with applicable national laws, regulations and rules.

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2. Scope and definitions

2.1. This COP applies, as appropriate, to all persons, organisations or entities operating
in, or having any other legitimate reason to deal with marine fumigation.

2.2. This COP binds all IMFO members and is intended to promote positive relations of
cooperation between all participants of the process of fumigation in transit.

2.3. Where there is any conflict or inconsistency between the COP and member
company states legislation, national legislation shall prevail.

2.4. Definitions used in this part of the COP are, to the extent practicable, in keeping
with those contained in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),
Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships, 1996 Edition. For ease
of reference certain terms used in this COP are defined in this section.

2.4.1. Fumigant – is a chemical which, at the required temperature and

pressure, exists in the gaseous state in sufficient concentrations to be
lethal to a targeted pest.

2.4.2. Fumigant Application - is the process of introduction of a toxic gas or a

chemical releasing toxic gas into the product to be treated and its
enclosure for control of target pests.

2.4.3. Fumigant exposure – is the time of toxic gas action in the fumigated
space to control the targeted pest.

2.4.4. Fumigation - is the process of application, exposure and dissipation of a

toxic chemical in its gaseous state with the purpose of control of target
pests in the product and its enclosure.

2.4.5. Gas – is the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states
by very low density and viscosity, relatively great expansion and
contraction with changes in pressure or temperature, the ability to diffuse
readily, and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly
throughout any chamber.

2.4.6. In-transit Fumigation - is the process of fumigation during a voyage.

Note: as the vessel will normally sail shortly after completion of fumigant
application it is impossible to assess the full efficacy of the fumigation
before sailing.

2.4.7. Degassing (venting) - is the process at the end of the exposure period,
after the fumigation enclosure is unsealed, when fumigant gas desorbs
and diffuses out of the product that was fumigated and the fumigation
enclosure.

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2.4.8. Removal of spent fumigant- is the process of removal of retrievable

parcels (sleeves, sachets, plates, blankets) of residues from the reacted
metal phosphides at the end of the exposure / fumigation process.
Residues must be handled in accordance with the applicable regulations
and manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

2.4.9. Disposal of spent fumigant - is the process of collection of the waste

residues from onboard vessels and other means of transport for
neutralisation and destruction by an approved and qualified operator.

2.4.10. Clearance (also known as “gas free”) - is the procedure after the
degassing period when the fumigator tests the air in the workspace to
make sure that the concentration of fumigant gas has fallen to or below
safe levels.

2.4.11. Re-circulation System – the ancillary equipment for improvement of gas

penetration in the fumigated cargo.

2.4.12. In-transit Fumigation Certificate (or Fumigant Application

Certificate) – is the document issued after fumigant application stating
the characteristics and procedure applied, which does not guarantee
efficacy of marine fumigation.

2.4.13. Clearance Certificate (or Gas Free Certificate) - is the document issued
after degassing (venting) of the cargo at or just prior to destination,
indicating safe levels of the fumigant tested and declaring the area safe
for workers to enter a fumigated space and/or handle a fumigated
product.

2.4.14. Fumigator – is the appointed fumigation company.

2.4.15. Safety – is a condition whereby the level of risk is deemed acceptable.

2.4.16. TLV – the threshold limit value for a substance in the air has been
defined as the time-weighted average concentration for normal eight-hour
working day to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day
after day, without adverse effect.

2.4.17. Voyage safety plan (VSP). A written set of documents that describes the
measures the Ship’s crew should take to reduce poisoning hazards, deter
threats and respond to danger situations.

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3. Aims and objectives

3.1. The objective of IMFO is to market and promote certain ethics and technology
of sanitary and phytosanitary services, and to establish a network of reliable
companies with common technical procedures regarding safety and efficacy
around the world exerting every effort to enhance the prestige of IMFO by
means of performing excellent services.

3.2. This COP concerns security issues at the time of fumigation in transit and is a
part of an integrated approach to fumigation in transit – related security, safety
and health issues where security fits into existing health and safety guidance
documents. This COP is intended to promote a common approach to safety and
efficacy for marine fumigation amongst all IMFO members.

3.3. This COP provides a method of identifying potential weaknesses in a vessel/

fumigation object’s security and outlines security roles, tasks and measures to
deter, detect and respond to dangerous situations by:

3.3.1. Recommending that a safety assessment is carried out by IMFO members

on each vessel/ fumigation /object.

3.3.2. Promoting safety awareness on vessels/ fumigation/ objects and the

training of personnel appropriate to their roles and responsibilities.

3.3.3. Maximizing the effectiveness of safety measures through systematic tests

and audits of safety procedures to identify and correct non-compliance,
failures and weaknesses.

3.4. The practical recommendations contained in this COP have been designed to:

3.4.1. Provide guidance to all those responsible for addressing the issue of
fumigation in transit. This COP will assist in the identification of the
roles and responsibilities of fumigation companies, ship crew, customers,
ship and forwarding agents.

3.4.2. Provide that customers, ship and forwarding agents and ship crew are
aware that their assistance and cooperation is of utmost importance for
fumigation companies.

3.4.3. Minimize cases of member organisations breaching the practice and

principles identified in IMO Recommendations on the Safe Use of
Pesticides in Ships, the IMFO Code of Ethics, and other international
instruments, applicable in the field of marine fumigation.

3.4.4. Minimize level of risk to ship’s crew at sea and at discharge and increase
quality of goods treatment to grain traders

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3.4.5. Develop common and improved standards of efficacy and safety for
marine fumigation;

3.4.6. Provide grain traders with an option of guaranteed marine fumigation by

controlling the fumigation at both load and discharge port;

3.4.7. Enable seafarers, stevedores, workers and other stakeholders to minimize

the risk to health from the threat posed by fumigant poisoning.

3.5. The COP provides a guidance framework to develop and implement the marine
fumigation safety and efficacy strategy appropriate to identified threats to good
marine fumigation practice

3.6. Safety measures should be devised to reduce risks and should in the main
revolve around procedures to establish and control safety measures during
voyage and cargo operations in the port.

3.7. This COP promotes common standards and a culture among member
organisations of conducting their business in accordance with best practices and
increase customers confidence in doing business with IMFO members, as
fumigation in transit cannot be designated private business of a customer and a
fumigation company, as it is about safety and security of many people, quality of
fumigated goods that are mostly foodstuffs, and preservation of the environment.

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4. Technical Standards

4.1. The IMFO Technical Committee (TC) is formed among IMFO members for
determining Common Technical Standards (CTS) for guidance of all IMFO
members.

4.2. The IMFO TC is responsible for advising members when required and for
observing compliance with CTS by all IMFO members.

4.3. Only good quality fumigation materials should be used by IMFO members for
marine fumigation.

4.4. The fumigation materials used by IMFO members should be applied strictly in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions given on
the label with regard to any limitations applied by the law of the country of
loading, destination or flag of the ship, contracts related to the cargo, or ship
owner’s instructions

4.5. All IMFO Members shall comply with CTS and report to TC all facts of CTS
violation by IMFO members.

4.6. In case of iterative non-compliance with CTS by an IMFO Member the TC can
apply to IMFO Board of Directors (BOD) with inquiry to suspend the member
concerned.

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5. Roles and tasks

5.1. In accordance with the IMFO Code of Ethics which was agreed at the
Shareholders Meeting on 14 – 15 November 1997, based on IMO
Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships (1996 Edition) and in
support of and compliance with other international regulations applicable in the
sphere of fumigation in transit,

5.2. Members of the International Maritime Fumigation Organisation:

5.2.1. In Relation to Public:

5.2.1.1. In their advertisements or other solicitation of business, shall

not use tricky, fraudulent, or misleading wording or methods.

5.2.2. In Relation to Customers:

5.2.2.1. The IMFO members shall render skilled, intelligent and

conscientious service.

5.2.2.2. The members shall thoroughly analyze the requirements of

their customers, and shall conscientiously recommend the
means best suited for the customer's needs.

5.2.2.3. Any lack of awareness by a customer of the requirements and

risks of the process of fumigation in transit, and inability to
understand the offer shall not be exploited.

5.3. Relation of members to IMFO

5.3.1. The members shall be loyal to the principles of the IMFO.

5.4. Grievance and disciplinary actions

5.4.1. The conduct of members of IMFO shall be expected at all times to be in

accordance with the provision of the Code of Ethics and the policies
adopted by IMFO.

5.4.2. A complaint against a member of the IMFO shall be referred to any

director, who will report to the Board of Directors (BOD). The BOD will
resolve the situation.

5.4.3. It shall be the earnest endeavor of the BOD to remove the cause of
complaint without taking recourse to punitive action against a member
whose delinquency has been established. Expulsion from the membership
shall be taken as a last resort where persuasion fails. In such an event and
with reference to the Articles of the Shareholders

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6. Port-to-Port Service

6.1. Port-to-port service (P2PS) can be defined as complete procedure of marine

fumigation provided by the IMFO Group in similar stages as standard
fumigation: fumigant application, exposure, degassing and efficacy control.

6.1.1. Quarantine authorities in different countries often have different and very
specific requirements to the method of fumigation and level of residues in
the imported cargo.

6.1.2. The IMFO member at origin of cargo having the information on

requirements at destination from the IMFO member at discharge port
enjoys the unique possibility to use the appropriate method of treatment
preventing the shipper form unexpected delays due to improper
fumigation.

6.1.3. The IMFO member at destination, having the qualified and experienced
staff and being properly equipped, can perform ventilation of the
fumigated goods at discharge port and dispose of the spent fumigation
materials.

6.1.4. The Gas Free (or Clearance) Certificate issued by the IMFO member at
discharge port declares the area safe for workers to enter a fumigated
space and/or handle a fumigated product.

6.1.5. In case of in-transit fumigation failure the re-fumigation of the cargo can
be promptly arranged by the IMFO member at destination.

6.2. P2PS is rendered by IMFO group companies in both port of loading and port of
destination to secure customers from losses due to incomplete marine
fumigation, which may result in delay of discharge.

6.3. This COP recommends that upon receipt of the nomination for in-transit
fumigation the IMFO member at origin shall inform all risks of marine
fumigation to the customer and offer the P2PS explaining the advantages of this
arrangement.

6.4. The customer shall be afforded an opportunity to make a free choice in respect
of whether to use the P2PS option or not.

6.5. IMFO members at both port of loading and port of discharge shall accord
favourable treatment for the vessel/ fumigation object and other parties
concerned, shall exert every effort to render assistance to the IMFO member in
need of degassing or re-fumigation services at the minimal cost agreed in the
interest of each IMFO member and in the common interest of promotion and the
prestige of the IMFO Group.

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6.6. On providing the P2PS, IMFO members may also resort to assistance of other
fumigation companies where there is no IMFO membership.

6.7. In countries, ports and all areas where IMFO members are available they shall
cooperate with each other on mutually agreed favourable terms based on the
interests of each IMFO member.

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7. Load port

7.1. Prior to application of fumigant safety assessment should be carried out by

IMFO member at load port considering IMO Recommendations, requirements of
IMFO CTS and with regard to any limitations applied by the law of the country
of loading, destination or flag of the ship, contracts related to the cargo, or ship
owner’s instructions.

7.2. The Voyage Safety Plan (VSP) should be discussed with and signed by the
shipmaster prior to sailing to discharge port including checklist confirming the
following:

7.2.1. Before fumigant application:

7.2.1.1. The inspection required before loading has been performed

7.2.1.2. All the cargo spaces to be fumigated are satisfactory for fumigation

7.2.1.3. Spaces, where found not be satisfactory, have been sealed

7.2.1.4. The master or his trained representatives have been made aware of the
specific areas to be checked for gas concentrations throughout the
fumigation period

7.2.1.5. The master or his trained representatives have been made familiar with
the fumigant label, detection methods, safety procedures and
emergency procedures

7.2.1.6. The fumigator-in-charge has ensured that gas-detection and respiratory

protection equipment carried on the ship is in good order, and that
adequate fresh supplies of consumable items for this equipment are
available to allow sampling

7.2.1.7. The fumigator-in-charge has ensured that the necessary medicines and
medical equipment, and the latest version of the Medical First Aid
Guide for Use in Accident Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG) are
available on board the ship

7.2.1.8. The master has been notified in writing of:

a. the spaces containing cargo to be fumigated

b. any other spaces that are considered unsafe to enter during the
fumigation

7.2.2. After fumigant application:

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7.2.2.1. Presence of gas has been confirmed inside each hold under fumigation

7.2.2.2. Each hold has been checked for leakage and sealed properly

7.2.2.3. Spaces adjacent to the treated cargo spaces have been checked and
found gas-free

7.2.2.4. The responsible crew members have been shown how to take gas
readings properly when gas is present and they are fully conversant
with the use of gas-detection equipment provided

7.2.2.5. Methods of application described

7.2.2.6. The master or trained representatives have been briefed fully on the
method of application and the spread of the gas throughout the hold

7.2.2.7. The master or trained representatives have been made:

a. aware that even though the initial check may not indicate any
leaks, it is essential that monitoring is to be continued in the
accommodation, engine-room, etc. because concentrations may
reach their highest levels after several days

b. aware of the possibility of the spreading of gas throughout the

duct keel and/or ballast tanks

c. aware that the master is responsible for all aspects of the safety of
the fumigation once the “fumigator-in-charge” has formally
handed over responsibility to him , and left the vessel..

7.2.2.8. The fumigator-in-charge has supplied a signed statement to the master

conforming to the provisions of IMO Recommendations.

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8. Voyage Safety Plan

8.1. The IMFO Members should produce a common Voyage Safety Plan (VSP) that
provides the foundation to develop directives, rules and regulations as
appropriate.

8.2. VSP should take into account provisions of IMO Recommendations, relevant
international conventions, codes and other established national practices for both
load and discharge port and include the following:

8.2.1. PREFUMIGATION NOTICE

8.2.2. STATEMENT OF THE VESSEL SUITABILITY FOR FUMIGATION

8.2.3. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

8.2.4. STATEMENT OF HAND OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR

MAINTAINING SAFE CONDITIONS

8.2.5. FUMIGATION PLAN

8.2.6. PRECAUTIONS DURING VOYAGE NOTICE

8.2.7. INSTRUCTION FOR AERATING THE HOLDS

8.2.8. IN-TRANSIT FUMIGATION CERTIFICATE (or FUMIGANT

APPLICATION CERTIFICATE)

8.3. The In-Transit Fumigation Certificate is issued, where insects-free and gas-free
condition of goods cannot be certified. This certificate indicates only initial data
of fumigation, such as dosage applied and required exposure time and cannot
guarantee efficacy of marine fumigation.

8.4. Along with In-transit Fumigation Certificate clear written instructions must be
given to the master of the ship, to the receiver of the cargo and to the authorities
at the discharging port if no IMFO member has been appointed, as to how any
powdery residues are to be disposed of.

8.4.1. With use of the VSP IMFO Members ensure a legal framework is in place to
carry out the provision of this COP.

8.5. The VSP should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changing
circumstances

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9. Safety during voyage

9.1. The IMFO member at load port is responsible for Safety awareness of the ship’s
master and crew with information vital to the safety, security and health of ship’s
crew during voyage.

9.2. The shipmaster should be informed by IMFO member at load port of the
minimum precautions during voyage to be observed in accordance with IMO
Recommendations and VSP.

9.3. The IMFO member at load port should ensure that necessary gas-detection and
respiratory protection equipment carried on the ship is in good order, and that
adequate fresh supplies of consumable items are available and the captain or his
designated representatives are familiar with their use.

9.4. On application of the fumigant, the IMFO member at load port should post
warning signs at all entrances to places notified to the master according to the
provisions of IMO Recommendations and VSP.

9.5. Areas considered safe and/or non-safe during voyage should be clearly explained
and indicated by IMFO member in the VSP. Although areas listed in the VSP
considered safe during voyage the master should be recommended that any
accommodations or storage areas next to fumigated areas to be periodically
monitored with the detection equipment.

9.6. Prior to sailing to discharge port the IMFO member at load port should formally
hand over to the master in writing responsibility for maintaining safe conditions
in all occupied spaces of the ship.

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10. Discharge port

10.8. Safety and efficacy measures at discharge port are most effectively performed
based on information received in advance from the IMFO member applying
fumigant at load port. This will normally require the authorization from the
shipper.

10.9. The IMFO member at discharge port being nominated for P2PS should carefully
study the information provided by the IMFO member at origin for ventilation/
aeration procedure assessment.

10.10. The IMFO member at discharge port should take all necessary actions for
ventilation/ aeration allowing safe discharge of the fumigated goods with
accordance to local health regulations and other rules of discharge port. Such
ventilation/ aeration may be considered under two headings:

10.10.1. Additional cargo ventilation/ aeration where some ventilation/

aeration have been done prior to ship's docking. In such case
remaining fumigant concentration level should be checked to
establish necessity of further ventilation/ aeration for safe discharge.

10.10.2. Complete cargo ventilation/aeration where on aeration/ ventilation

has been started prior to ship’s docking. In such case an auxiliary
equipment for faster aeration/ventilation can be used.

10.11. The IMFO member’s own findings or information from the parties involved can
be used for evaluation of the fumigation efficacy. These findings should be
informed to the IMFO member at load port.

10.12. All residue-retaining bags, if used, should be retrieved from the fumigated holds
by the IMFO member at destination and disposed of safely at the approved site.

10.13. The re-circulation equipment, if used, should be retrieved by the IMFO member
at destination from the fumigated holds and, according to order of IMFO
member at load port, either disposed of, or shipped back to IMFO member at
load port.

10.14. The appropriate Gas-Free (or Clearance) Certificate should be issued in favour
of the IMFO member at load port. Copy of such Gas-Free (or Clearance)
Certificate can be delivered to sanitary or port authorities at destination after
authorization from the IMFO member at load port.

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11. Review

11.1. The COP shall be subject to review whenever the IMFO members or the Board
of Directors considers necessary.

11.2. In conducting the review, opinion of all IMFO members shall be taken into
consideration by the IMFO Management and the Board of Directors.

11.3. The review shall be presented to all IMFO members.

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12. Amendment

12.1. The IMFO Management or the Board of Directors may at any time resolve to
amend the COP.

12.2. Once an amendment has been made, the IMFO Management will ensure that:

12.2.1. Each IMFO member receives notice of the amendment,

12.2.2. The amendment is adequately publicized so that all those non-IMFO-

members concerned may be made aware of the amendment.

12.3. This COP will always be available at www.imfo.com

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Appendix A

(A Danger sign example)

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Appendix B

VOYAGE SAFETY PLAN

Ship's name IMO Number

Ship’s registry Port of registry
Cargo Destination
Quantity loaded Holds loaded
Holds fumigated Fumigant used
Application date/time Exposure time

Safety of operations requires that all questions should be answered by ticking the appropriate boxes. If a question
is considered to be not applicable write "n/a", explaining why if appropriate.

PART A.

The following documents have been provided and required minimal preparations Yes No
have been done:

1. PREFUMIGATION NOTICE

2. STATEMENT OF THE VESSEL SUITABILITY FOR FUMIGATION

3. FUMIGANT LABEL

4. STATEMENT OF HAND OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR

MAINTAINING SAFE CONDITIONS

5. FUMIGATION PLAN

6. PRECAUTIONS DURING VOYAGE NOTICE

7. INSTRUCTION FOR AERATING THE HOLDS

8. CERTIFICATE OF FUMIGATION IN TRANSIT

9. Two crewmembers have been designated as the Master’s representative for

maintaining safe conditions during the voyage:
......................................................................................... (print the name and rank)

10. The crew has been briefed in regards of minimal safety precautions

11. Precautions during the voyage have been posted on the information board

12. Dangerous areas have been placarded with danger signs

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PART B:
Maintaining safe conditions:
The following procedure should be carried out after application of fumigant and closing and sealing of cargo spaces.

The following areas of the vessel are not safe during the voyage:
CARGO HOLDS __________________________ AND ANY OTHER AREA PLACARDED
WITH DANGER SIGNS.
Except in extreme emergency, cargo spaces sealed for fumigation in transit should never be
opened at sea before exposure period is over.
Gas concentration safety checks at all appropriate locations should be continued throughout the
voyage beginning from the time of application at eight-hour intervals first three days and at least
once an each following day. Such checks should be recorded in official log book.
TLV : ..........................................................................................................................................
(to be advised by fumigator-in-charge)
Indicate the spaces to be checked for gas concentration: ...........................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
(should include accommodation, engine-room, navigation room, forecastle, frequently visited working areas, adjacent
to the fumigated holds)

Number & location of gas testing equipment:............................................................................

Number & location of respiratory protective equipment: ..........................................................
Number & location of SCBA: ....................................................................................................
Number & location of EEBA: ....................................................................................................
Not less than 24 Hrs prior to arrival the Master should inform the appropriate authorities of the country of destination and
port of call that fumigation in transit is being carried out.

Quarantine authorities contact:.........................................................................................................

………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Agent’s contact .................................................................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Date/time of ship’s arrival: .............................. Port of arrival: .......................................................

Hold aeration commenced:............................... Hold aeration completed: ..................................... s
Yes No
Mechanical ventilation engaged

The results of final check of gas concentration after hold aeration:

Ship holds NoNo. ......................(one meter above the cargo) ..................................... less than 0,1 ppm
Work areas on the weather deck (adjacent to the cargo holds)................................. less than 0,1 ppm
Workshop and lockers in the forecastle ................................................................ less than 0,01 ppm
Living quarters and engine room ............................................................................ less than 0,01 ppm

Discharging commenced: ............................... Discharging completed: ....................................

Comments:........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................

In all your action follow the instructions given by the fumigator-in-charge.

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PART C:
Emergency procedures:

Gas leakage from the hold.

All actions should be confirmed by ticking the appropriate boxes.In the event of gas leakage the following steps should be
done.
Date/time of occurance:....................................................................................................................
Comments:........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................

Yes No
1 Presence of gas has been confirmed by appropriate testing equipment

2 Gas concentration exceeds the TLV on weather deck adjacent to the leaking hold

3 Crew evacuated from the weather deck

4 Accommodation has been sealed effectively

5 Ship has been brought down wind (Living quarter should be brought windward)

6 Two designated crew, wearing adequate gas protection equipment, have detected the leak

7 Leaking cargo space has been re-sealed (use all sealing materials such as sealing tape, sealing foam,
tarpaulin, all kind of PHV film etc.)

8 Gas concentration has been checked

9 Gas concentration less than TLV

If NO, try to find the source of leaking again and contact with fumigation company by the mean of emergency
call: ............................................................................................................................................................................
(contact phone no. or email)

Coordinate all your actions in accordance with given instructions and you SMS Fleet Manual in regards of
emergency procedures.

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Entry into the hold in emergency case

Except in extreme emergency, cargo spaces sealed for fumigation in transit should never be entered.
If entry is imperative, the following steps should be done.
Date/time of occurrence: ..................................................................................................................
Reason of entry:................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
1 At least two crew are ready to enter the hold, wearing SCBA, safety harness and lifeline

2 One person outside the space, similarly equipped, has been appointed to tend the lifeline

3 All other personal have been evacuated from weather deck

4 Accommodation has been sealed effectively

5 Ship has been brought down wind (Living quarter should be brought windward)

6 Hold has been re-sealed on completion of operation

7 Gas concentration has been checked

8 Gas concentration less than TLV

All operations should be recorded as prescribed by the ENTRY IN ENCLOSED SPACE procedures in your SMS
Fleet Manual. In case of fire do not use the water or foam for extinguishing of fire in the fumigated hold.
The case of emergency entry should be reported to the fumigation company:

........................................................................................................................................................................................................

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The International Maritime Fumigation Organisation Code of Practice

GAS Poisoning
Follow the Annex 1 to PRECAUTIONS DURING THE VOYAGE NOTICE and MFAG, and coordinate your
actions in accordance with appropriate chapter of your SMS Fleet Manual.

Date/time of occurrence: ....................... Comments: ......................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................
Yes No
1 The victim has been removed on fresh air

2 Oxygen has been given to him

3 Appropriate first medical aid has been given in accordance with the Annex 1 to PRECAUTIONS
DURING THE VOYAGE NOTICE, MFAG and fumigant label

4 Contact with the shore based hospital has been established via INMARSAT
......................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................UHF telephone
......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................HF/MF telephone
......................................................................................................................................................................
(indicate time the station and p.i.c. is being contacted)

8. Contact with shipping company emergency team has been established

The above mentioned voyage safety plan has been agreed :

Time: ................................................ Date: ................................................................

Master: ............................................. Fumigator-in-charge: .......................................

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The International Maritime Fumigation Organisation Code of Practice

Appendix C

References

The information given in this appendix is intended to provide background and

references on the COP and other sources of information that may be of interest.

2. Details of the following may be found on the IMFO web site – www.imfo.com

3. The Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships (Edition 1996) of

the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

4. USDA Fumigation Handbook

5. IMFO Code of Ethics

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