Agricultural products have been fumigated onboard entered vessels with highly toxic methyl bromide
The West of England P&I Club has recently dealt with a number of cases where it has become apparent that, contrary to IMO recommendations, agricultural products have been fumigated onboard entered vessels with highly toxic methyl bromide whilst the vessels have been in transit.
Vessels loaded with bagged rice in both India and Vietnam have recently had methyl bromide fumigant applied to the cargo spaces prior to departure while the crew remained onboard. In each case the fumigator in charge provided the Master with instructions to commence ventilation of the cargo spaces to remove the fumigant gas a number of days into the voyage.
As methyl bromide can be absorbed and subsequently desorbed by cargo, making adequate ventilation of the cargo spaces following fumigation problematic, the IMO recommends that its use should only be permitted when a vessel is within a port and the crew have been disembarked.
The IMO recommendations on the use of methyl bromide are quite clear:
MSC.1/Circ.1358 Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships
Fumigation with methyl bromide should bepermitted only when the ship is in the confines of a port (either at anchor or alongside) and to disinfest the spaces after the crew members have disembarked (See 3.1.3.3). Prior to re-embarkation of the crew, ventilation of the treated spaces should be completed and a gas-free certificate should be issued as described in 3.1.4 before personnel are permitted to enter. [Emphasis in original text].
In-ship in-transit fumigations with Methyl Bromide should not be carried out. Fumigation with Methyl Bromide should be permitted only when the ship is in the confines of a port (either at anchor or alongside) and to disinfest before discharge, once crew members have disembarked (see 3.1.2.3). Prior to discharge, ventilation must be done, forced if necessary, to reduce the gaseous residues below the occupational exposure limit values set by the Flag State regulations in the free spaces.
Where fumigation is required, operators are advised to ensure that the IMO recommendations on the safe use of pesticides are followed. BIMCO has recently published a newCargo Fumigation Clause, drafted with the assistance of various BIMCO members including the West of England, which requires fumigation to be carried out in accordance with the IMO recommendations contained in MSC.1/Circ.1264. Operators should endeavour to incorporate the clause into charterparties where possible.
Source: The West of England P&I Club
