MEPC 54/21

ANNEX 5

RESOLUTION MEPC.144(54)

Adopted on 24 March 2006

AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF

SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK (BCH CODE)

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE,

RECALLING article 38(a) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization

concerning the functions of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (the Committee)
conferred upon it by international conventions for the prevention and control of marine pollution,

RECALLING ALSO resolution MEPC.20(22) by which the Committee adopted the Code
for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
(BCH Code),

NOTING article 16 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as the “1973 Convention”) and article VI of the Protocol of
1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973
(hereinafter referred to as the “1978 Protocol”) which together specify the amendment procedure
of the 1978 Protocol and confer upon the appropriate body of the Organization the function of
considering and adopting amendments to the 1973 Convention, as modified by the 1978 Protocol
(MARPOL 73/78),

CONSIDERING that it is highly desirable for the provisions of the BCH Code which are
mandatory under MARPOL 73/78 and recommendatory from a safety standpoint, to remain
identical, when adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee and the Maritime
Safety Committee,

HAVING CONSIDERED the proposed amendments to the BCH Code,

1. ADOPTS, in accordance with article 16(2)(b), (c) and (d) of the 1973 Convention, the
amendments to the BCH Code, the text of which is set out at the annex to the present resolution;

2. DETERMINES, in accordance with article 16(2)(f)(iii) of the 1973 Convention, that the
amendments to the BCH Code shall be deemed to have been accepted on 1 February 2007 unless,
prior to that date, not less than one-third of the Parties or Parties, the combined merchant fleets of
which constitute not less than 50 per cent of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant fleet, have
communicated to the Organization their objection to the amendments;

3. INVITES the Parties to note that, in accordance with article 16(2)(g)(ii) of the
1973 Convention, the amendments to the BCH Code shall enter into force on 1 August 2007
upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;

4. INVITES ALSO the Maritime Safety Committee to note this resolution and take action as
appropriate;

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5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General, in conformity with article 16(2)(e) of the

1973 Convention, to transmit to all Parties to MARPOL 73/78 certified copies of the present
resolution and the text of the amendments to the BCH Code contained in the annex; and

6. REQUESTS FURTHER the Secretary-General to transmit copies of the present

resolution and its annex to the Members of the Organization which are not Parties to
MARPOL 73/78.

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ANNEX

AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND

EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS
IN BULK (BCH CODE)

The BCH Code is amended as follows:

Preamble

1 The following new paragraph is added:

“7 The Code has been revised to reflect the 2007 revision of MARPOL Annex II”

CHAPTER I
General

1.1 Purpose

2 In the second sentence, the words “as defined in regulation 1(1) of Annex II thereof” are
deleted and the references to (Pollution Category) “A, B or C” are replaced by “X, Y or Z”.

1.4 Definitions

3 Paragraph 1.4.16A is replaced by the following:

“1.4.16A Noxious Liquid Substance means any substance indicated in the

Pollution Category column of chapter 17 or 18 of the International Bulk Chemical
Code, or the current MEPC.2/Circular or provisionally assessed under the
provisions of regulation 6.3 of the amendments to the Annex of the Protocol
of 1978 relative to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from Ships, 1973, as falling into Category X, Y or Z.”

4 In paragraph 1.4.16B the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

5 The paragraph number of the definition of “anniversary date” which was adopted as
“1.4.16C” by resolution MEPC.41(29) is amended to read “1.4.16D”.

1.7 Effective date

6 In the second sentence of paragraph 1.7.2, the reference to “regulation 1(12)” is replaced
by “regulation 1.17”.

1.8 New products

7 In the first sentence of paragraph 1.8, the reference to (Pollution Category) “A, B or C” is
replaced by “X, Y or Z”.

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CHAPTER II
Cargo Containment

G – MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
2.17 General

8 The existing text is replaced by the following:

“2.17.1 Structural materials used for tank construction, together with associated piping,
pumps, valves, vents and their jointing materials, should be suitable at the temperature
and pressure for the cargo to be carried in accordance with recognized standards. Steel is
assumed to be the normal material of construction.

2.17.2 Where applicable, the following should be taken into account in selecting the
material of construction:

.1 notch ductility at the operating temperature;

.2 corrosive effect of the cargo; and

.3 possibility of hazardous reactions between the cargo and the material of

construction.

2.17.3 The shipper of the cargo is responsible for providing compatibility information to
the ship operator and/or master. This must be done in a timely manner before
transportation of the product. The cargo shall be compatible with all materials of
construction such that:

.1 no damage to the integrity of the materials of construction is incurred; and

.2 no hazardous, or potentially hazardous reaction is created.

2.17.4 When a product is submitted to IMO for evaluation, and where compatibility of
the product with materials referred to in paragraph 2.17 renders special requirements, the
GESAMP/EHS Product Data Reporting Form shall provide information on the required
materials of construction. These requirements shall be reflected in chapter IV and
consequentially be referred to in column o of chapter 17 of the IBC Code. The reporting
form shall also indicate if no special requirements are necessary. The producer of the
product is responsible for providing the correct information.”

2.18 Additional requirements

9 In paragraph 2.18, the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

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CHAPTER III
Safety equipment and related considerations

E − FIRE PROTECTION

10 After the heading, the following words are inserted:

“(SOLAS regulations referred to in Part E mean, unless expressly provided otherwise,

regulations in chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,
1974 and its relevant amendments adopted before by resolution MSC.99(73))”.

3.13 Fire safety arrangements

11 In paragraph 3.13.3 the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

12 The following new paragraph 3.13.5 is added:

“3.13.5 The following requirements in SOLAS chapter II-2, as adopted by MSC.99(73),

should apply:

(a) regulations II-2/[Link].1 and [Link].4 and a system for continuous

monitoring of the concentration of flammable vapours shall be fitted on
ships of 500 tons gross tonnage and over by the date of the first scheduled
dry-docking after [the date of entry into force of the amendment], but not
later than [3 years after the date of entry into force of the amendment].
Sampling points or detector heads should be located in suitable positions
in order that potentially dangerous leakages are readily detected. When
the flammable vapour concentration reaches a pre-set level which shall not
be higher than 10% of the lower flammable limit, a continuous audible and
visual alarm signal shall be automatically effected in the pump-room and
cargo control room to alert personnel to the potential hazard. However,
existing monitoring systems already fitted having a pre-set level not
greater than 30% of the lower flammable limit may be accepted.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, the Administration may exempt
ships not engaged on international voyages from those requirements;

(b) regulations [Link] to [Link] and 13.4.3 should apply to ships

of 500 tons gross tonnage and over;

(c) regulations in Part E of chapter II-2 of SOLAS Convention except

regulations [Link] and [Link] thereof, should apply to ships, regardless
of their sizes;

(d) where deep-fat cooking equipment is newly installed, regulation 10.6.4

should apply; and

(e) fire-extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301, and 2402 and
perfluorocarbons should not be newly installed as prohibited by
regulation [Link].”.

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F − PERSONAL PROTECTION

13 After the heading, the following words are inserted:

“(SOLAS regulations referred to in Part F mean, unless expressly provided otherwise,

regulations in chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,
1974 and its relevant amendments adopted before by resolution MSC.99(73))”.

CHAPTER IV
Special requirements

4.12 Materials of construction

14 In paragraph 4.12, the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

4.15 Cargo contamination

15 In paragraph 4.15.1, the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

CHAPTER V
Operational requirements

5.2 Cargo information

16 In paragraph 5.2.5, the viscosity figure “25 mPa”, which appears twice, is replaced
with “50 mPa”.

17 In paragraph 5.2.6, the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

18 In paragraph 5.2.7, the existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

CHAPTER VA
Additional measures for the protection of the marine environment

19 The existing text is deleted and the word “Deleted” is inserted.

CHAPTER VI
Summary of minimum requirements

20 The IBC/BCH cross-references to the requirements under Materials of construction

(column m) and the following cross-references under special requirements (column o) are
deleted:

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“IBC Code reference BCH Code reference

15.16.1 4.15.1
16.2.7 5.2.6
16.2.8 5.2.7
16A.2.2 5A.2.2”

CHAPTER VIII
Transport of liquid chemical wastes

21 In paragraph [Link] reference to “chapter 19” of the IBC Code is replaced by

“chapter 20”.

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APPENDIX

Model form of Certificate of Fitness for the

Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

22 The existing form is replaced by the following:

“MODEL FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF

DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK
CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR
THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK
(Official seal)
Issued under the provisions of the
CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING
DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK
(resolutions MSC.9(53) and MEPC.20(22), as amended)

under the authority of the Government of

………………………………………………………………………………………………
(full official designation of country)

by……………………………………………………………………………………………
(full designation of the competent person or organization recognized by the Administration)
Particulars of ship1
Name of ship …………………………………….
Distinctive number or letters …………………………………….
Port of registry …………………………………….
Gross tonnage …………………………………….
Ship Type (Code paragraph 2.2.4) …………………………………….
IMO Number2 …………………………………….

Date on which keel was laid or on which the ship was at a

similar stage of construction or (in the case of a converted ship)
date on which conversion to chemical tanker was commenced ………………………….

The ship also complies fully with the following amendments to the Code:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………

1
Alternatively, the particulars of the ship may be placed horizontally in boxes.
2
In accordance with IMO ship identification number scheme adopted by the Organization by
resolution A.600(15).

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The ship is exempted from compliance with the following provisions of the Code:

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………

THIS IS TO CERTIFY:
1 That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with the provisions of section 1.6
of the Code;
2 That the survey showed that the construction and equipment of the ship and the
condition thereof are in all respects satisfactory and that the ship:
.1 complies with the relevant provisions of the Code applicable to ships
referred to in 1.7.2;
.2 complies with the relevant provisions of the Code applicable to ships
referred to in 1.7.3;
3 That the ship has been provided with a manual in accordance with Appendix 4 of
MARPOL Annex II as called for by regulation 14 of the Annex, and that the
arrangements and equipment of the ship prescribed in the Manual are in all
respects satisfactory;
4 That the ship meets the requirements for the carriage in bulk of the following
products, provided that all relevant operational provisions of the Code and
MARPOL Annex II are observed:
Product Conditions of carriage Pollution
(tank numbers, etc.) Category

Continued on attachment 1, additional signed and dated sheets3

Tank numbers referred to in this list are identified on attachment 2, signed and dated
tank plan.
5 That, in accordance with 1.7.3/2.2.53, the provisions of the Code are modified in
respect of the ship in the following manner:
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
6 That the ship must be loaded:
.1 in accordance with the loading conditions provided in the approved
loading manual, stamped and dated ........................ and signed by a
responsible officer of the Administration, or of an organization recognized
by the Administration3;

3
Delete as appropriate.

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.2 in accordance with the loading limitations appended to this Certificate3.

Where it is required to load the ship other than in accordance with the above
instruction, then the necessary calculations to justify the proposed loading
conditions should be communicated to the certifying Administration who may
authorize in writing the adoption of the proposed loading condition4.
This Certificate is valid until ……………………………………...………………………5
subject to surveys in accordance with 1.6 of the Code.
Completion date of the survey on which this certificate is based: …………………………
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Issued at ….…………………………………………………
(Place of issue of certificate)

…………………… ………………………………………………
(Date of issue) (Signature of authorized official
issuing the certificate)

(Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate)

Notes on completion of Certificate:
1 The Certificate can be issued only to ships entitled to fly the flags of States which
are a Party to MARPOL 73/78.
2 Ship Type: Any entry under this column must relate to all relevant
recommendations, e.g., an entry “Type 2” should mean Type 2 in all respects
prescribed by the Code. This column would not usually apply in the cases of an
existing ship and in such a case should be noted “see paragraph 2.2”.
3 Products: Products listed in chapter 17 of the Code, or which have been evaluated
by the Administration in accordance with 1.8 of the Code, should be listed.
In respect of the latter “new” products, any special requirements provisionally
prescribed should be noted.
4 Products: The list of products the ship is suitable to carry should include the
noxious liquid substances of Category Z which are not covered by the Code and
should be identified as “chapter 18 Category Z”.
5 deleted

3
Delete as appropriate.
4
Instead of being incorporated in the Certificate, this text may be appended to the Certificate if signed and
stamped.
5
Insert the date of expiry as specified by the Administration in accordance with [Link] of the Code. The day and
the month of this day correspond to the anniversary date as defined in 1.4.16D of the Code, unless amended in
accordance with [Link] of the Code.

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6 Conditions of carriage: If a Certificate is issued to a ship which is modified in

accordance with the provision of regulation 1(12) of MARPOL Annex II the
Certificate should indicate in the top of the table of products and conditions of
carriage the following statement: “This ship is certificated to carry only pollution
hazard chemicals”.

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ENDORSEMENT FOR ANNUAL AND INTERMEDIATE SURVEYS

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that at a survey required by 1.6.2 of the Code the ship was found
to comply with the relevant provisions of the Code.

Annual survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

Annual/Intermediate3 survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

Annual/Intermediate3 survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

Annual survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

3
Delete as appropriate.

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ANNUAL/INTERMEDIATE SURVEY IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH [Link].3

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that, at an annual/intermediate3 survey in accordance with

paragraph [Link].3 of the Code, the ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the
Convention:

Signed
(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

ENDORSEMENT TO EXTEND THE CERTIFICATE IF VALID

FOR LESS THAN 5 YEARS WHERE PARAGRAPH [Link] APPLIES

The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in
accordance with paragraph [Link] of the Code, be accepted as valid until
........................................................................

Signed
(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

ENDORSEMENT WHERE THE RENEWAL SURVEY HAS BEEN

COMPLETED AND PARAGRAPH [Link] APPLIES

The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in
accordance with paragraph [Link] of the Code, be accepted as valid until
........................................................................

Annual survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

3
Delete as appropriate.

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ENDORSEMENT TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF THE CERTIFICATE

UNTIL REACHING THE PORT OF SURVEY OR FOR A PERIOD
OF GRACE WHERE PARAGRAPH [Link] OR [Link] APPLIES

This Certificate shall, in accordance with paragraph [Link]/[Link] of the Code, be accepted as
valid until …………………...……

Signed
(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

ENDORSEMENT FOR ADVANCEMENT OF ANNIVERSARY DATE WHERE

PARAGRAPH [Link] APPLIES

In accordance with paragraph [Link] of the Code, the new anniversary date is
........................................................................

Signed
(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

In accordance with paragraph [Link], the new anniversary date is

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

Signed
(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)

3
Delete as appropriate.

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ATTACHMENT 1
TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS
CHEMICALS IN BULK

Continued list of products to those specified in section 3, and their conditions of carriage.

Products Conditions of carriage Pollution

(tank numbers, etc.) Category

Date
(as for Certificate) (Signature of official issuing the Certificate
and/or seal of issuing authority)

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ATTACHMENT 2
TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS
CHEMICALS IN BULK

TANK PLAN (specimen)

Name of ship:

Distinctive number or letters:

Cargo area

(Diagrammatic tank plan to be drawn in this area)

Date
(as for Certificate) (Signature of official issuing the Certificate
and/or seal of issuing authority)”

***

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