Application
IC 4-2014 rev.1 applies to ships registered in NIS or NOR delegated RO carrying goods covered by and defined in the IMDG Code, the IGC-Code and the IBC-Code.
Definitions
(ref. Regulation of 9 March 2001 No. 439 Concerning Medical Supplies on Ships section 4)
Vessel group A: Ocean-going vessels, including vessel engaged in fishing on the high seas, with no trade area restrictions and ocean-going vessels not falling within the scope of vessel group B.
Vessel group B: Ocean-going vessels, including vessels engaged in fishing on the high seas, in waters less than 150 nautical miles from the nearest port offering medical assistance by qualified personnel or 175 nautical miles from the nearest port offering medical assistance by qualified personnel if the vessel continuously stays within the reach of a helicopter service.
References
- Regulation of 9 March 2001 No. 439 Concerning Medical Supplies on Ships
- Regulation of 25 April 2002 No. 422 concerning welding, welding equipment, hot work and storage of gas cylinders on board ship
- IMDG Code
- Medical First Aid Guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods (MFAG)
Background
This instruction amends and supersedes IC 4-2014 and describes acceptable configurations for arranging medical oxygen supply on board Norwegian flagged ships.
4-2014 rev.1 includes references to the IGC-Code and the IBC-Code.
Instruction to RO
Norwegian ships carrying dangerous goods covered by, and as defined in the IMDG Code, the IGC-Code and the IBC-Code, shall carry medical supplies in accordance with Regulation of 9 March 2001 No. 439 Concerning Medical Supplies on Ships.
Group A and B vessels shall be equipped with a 40 litres 200 bar cylinder with medical oxygen for breathing applications.
Placement
It is acceptable to place the 40 litres 200 bar oxygen cylinder inside the superstructure in the ward room / hospital beside the bed(s). The cylinder shall be securely locked in a frame connected directly to the steel structure of the ship. The installation shall be equipped with a safety valve and a possible overpressure shall vent to open deck through a pipe.
Alternatively the cylinder may be placed in a cabinet outside the superstructure. The installation shall then comply with Regulation of 25 April 2002 No. 422 concerning welding, welding equipment, hot work and storage of gas cylinders on board ship.
Equivalent solutions
The requirement of 40 litres/200 bars oxygen supply may be composed of 2x20 litres/200 bars cylinders or 4x10 litres/200 bars cylinders. Continuous delivery of oxygen shall be ensured.
Other equivalent solutions may be considered on a case by case basis.
Inspections
The arrangements for medical oxygen supply shall be surveyed in conjunction with the annual survey for Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate / Passenger Ship Safety Certificate and should cover the following:
- Verify that the cylinder(s), valve(s) and components necessary to deliver oxygen continuously, are checked and tested according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Verify that the medical oxygen has been renewed according to statutory1 requirements (every third year).