Manual on Chemical Pollution - Section 1: Problem Assessment and Response Arrangements, 1999 Edition (KA630E)

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the transport and storage of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS). If allowed to escape, these materials can present a danger to a ship’s crew, the vessel, coastal populations and/or the environment. Accordingly, public concern over these materials has grown, and both Governments and industry have taken steps to address and respond to such incidents.

Marine spills involving HNS are not as frequent as oil spills and may receive little publicity due to their less visible nature. However, on a global basis, marine spills involving HNS are not rare. In fact, a worldwide survey of marine HNS emergencies showed that:

• There is a wide range of cargoes which need to be considered as potential threats
• most accidents involved mainly two classes of HNS: flammable liquids and corrosive materials
• one to two major HNS accidents can be expected each year
• a wide variety of ship types were associated with HNS accidents
• HNS accidents were almost equally divided between ‘‘bulk’’ and ‘‘packaged goods’’ shipments.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Regulatory framework for the carriage of HNS at sea

Chapter 3: Hazards and fate of released HNS

Chapter 4: Chemical emergency preparedness

Chapter 5: Response methods and techniques

Chapter 6: Case histories