What certificates are required for a chemical tanker and what are the contents of the Certificate of Fitness?
Short answer
| Certificate | Parent Instrument | Purpose | Key Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (COF) | IBC Code (MSC.181(79)), MARPOL Annex II reg 9, SOLAS Ch VII | Proves ship meets construction/equipment standards for chemical cargoes | Ship particulars, ship type (1/2/3), list of approved products with tank and condition limits |
| International Pollution Prevention Certificate for Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk | MARPOL Annex II reg 9 | Pollution prevention for NLS | Equivalent to COF for IBC-certified ships |
| IOPP Certificate | MARPOL Annex I | Oil pollution prevention | Required if carrying oil cargoes |
- Main certificate: International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (COF)
- Parent instruments: IBC Code (MSC.181(79)), MARPOL Annex II regulation 9, SOLAS Chapter VII
- COF contents: ship particulars, ship type (1/2/3), list of approved products with conditions (which tanks, ship type)
- Survey regime: initial survey, periodical surveys; certificate issued after survey confirms IBC Code compliance
- Equivalence: COF under IBC Code has same force as MARPOL Annex II certificate for ships constructed on/after 1 Jul 1986
- Additional certificates: standard cargo ship certificates, ISM DOC/SMC, IOPP if carrying oil cargoes
- As CE: verify COF validity, ensure cargo matches approved list and conditions, arrange endorsements after changes
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.