The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has now published the International Code For The Construction And Equipment Of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases In Bulk (IGC Code, 2016 edition) and is now available for purchase. 

What's it for?

The purpose of the IGC Code is to provide an international standard for the safe carriage, by sea in bulk, of liquefied gases and certain other substances that are listed in chapter 19 of this publication. Through consideration of the products carried, it prescribes the design and construction standards of the ships involved and the equipment they should carry to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment.  

Why is it needed?

At its forty-eighth session in June 1983, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to the International Maritime Convention for the Safety of life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), by resolution MSC.6(48). The amendments adopted included changing text of chapter VII. The new chapter VII made the provisions of the IGC Code (which was adopted by resolution MSC.5(48)) mandatory under the 1974 SOLAS Convention.  

Who does the IGC Code apply to?

According to the IGC Code paragraphs 1.1.1 & 1.1.2:

"The Code applies to ships regardless of their size, including those less than 500 gross tonnage, engaged in  the carriage of liquefied gases having a vapour pressure exceeding 0.28 MPa absolute at a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius and other products, as shown in chapter 19, when carried in bulk."

Unless Expressly provided otherwise, the Code applies to ships whose keels are laid, or which are at a similar stage of construction where: 

1. construction identifiable with the ship begins; and 

2. assembly of that ship has commenced, comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less, on or after July 1, 2016.

Who needs to have the IGC Code?

All ships to which the provisions of the Code apply to are required to have the Code on board as stated in IGC Code paragraph 18.1.2. 

Gas carriers constructed after July 1, 1986 and before July 1, 2016 should have a copy of the IGC Code, 1993 edition with all the supplements in addition to the 2016 edition, unless copies of national regulations incorporating the provisions of the IGC Code are provided on board ship, in which case the IMO publication of the IGC Code need not be carried on board (See MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2). All new builds constructed after July  1, 2016 will require a copy of the 2016 edition of the IGC Code on board ship. Administrations may also choose to have a copy of the 2016 edition of the IGC Code for reference.

Where you can find it?

Contact us here at American Nautical Services to receive your copy of the IGC Code, 2016 edition or you can order it online with us.