What is the IBC Code, what does chapter 17 and the tank requirements cover, and how does it differ from the BCH Code?
Short answer
| IBC Code | BCH Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to chemical tankers built | on or after 1 July 1986 | before 1 July 1986 |
| Mandatory under | SOLAS chapter VII and MARPOL Annex II | MARPOL Annex II (originally recommendatory under SOLAS) |
| Stringency | more comprehensive: ship type, survival, tank location | the older, less demanding standard |
| Key chapters | 17 minimum requirements per product; 18 products outside the Code; 2 survival and tank location | VI, VII and II respectively |
- IBC Code: mandatory under SOLAS chapter VII and MARPOL Annex II for chemical tankers built on or after 1 July 1986; its output is the Certificate of Fitness listing the products the ship may carry.
- Chapter 17: per product the pollution category (X, Y, Z), hazards, ship type (1, 2 or 3), tank type and the chapter 15 special requirements; chapter 18 lists products outside the Code.
- Tank requirements (chapter 2): type 1 for the most hazardous cargoes, tanks furthest inboard and the greatest survival capability; type 2 intermediate; type 3 least; venting and gauging follow the cargo.
- BCH Code: the predecessor for ships built before 1 July 1986, mandatory under MARPOL Annex II, less stringent; IBC chapters 17, 18 and 2 map to BCH chapters VI, VII and II.
- As Chief Engineer: pumps, heating, inert gas, washing and venting support the Code; only the products on the Certificate of Fitness are carried.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.