ISGOTT: International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals
The joint ICS, OCIMF and IAPH guide, sixth edition 2020: its chapter structure, its standing in vetting, and where its enclosed space material sits.
The International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals is the tanker sector’s operating reference, published jointly by the International Chamber of Shipping, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum and the International Association of Ports and Harbors. The sixth edition was published in June 2020 by Witherbys, ISBN 9781856099189, with support acknowledged from INTERTANKO, SIGTTO and SGMF.
It is not an instrument and carries no treaty force, but it is incorporated by reference into charter parties, drawn on by tanker vetting inspection questionnaires, and cited in flag state guidance, which gives it practical weight well beyond its formal standing.
Enclosed space entry is chapter 10, sections 10.1 to 10.13, running from identifying enclosed spaces and the hazards of their atmospheres through authorisation of entry and precautions during entry to rescue and evacuation, cargo pumproom entry and respiratory protective equipment. Gas evolution and measurement is chapter 2, permit to work systems are at 4.7 and 9.3, hot work at 9.4, and the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist at chapter 25. The full article will cover the guide’s structure, its revision history and its relationship to the mandatory instruments.