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Marine safety publications

By Ensign Barbara Rose

Coast Guard publications provide guidance to maritime personnel on all aspects of the Marine Inspection Program. Available to the public, the publications present up to the minute news on Coast Guard safety regulations, enforcement policies, investigations, administrative procedures and other important subjects.

The Marine Safety Information System (MSIS) computer has also documented inspections, casualties and other vessel information.

Following is a brief description of available publications and computer information.

Marine Safety Manual

Consisting of eight volumes, the Marine Safety Manual provides timely information on Coast Guard safety regulations, their development and application. The volumes, which are updated periodically, are available from the United States Government Printing Office. (These volumes are listed on the next page.)

NVICS

Published throughout the year, Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) inform the marine industry and the public of specific Coast Guard policies and regulations. They may be purchased as a full set by calender year or individually from the subscription service of the United States Government Printing Office. Prices vary. NVIC No. 0-92 contains the names and prices of previous issues. The annual subscription fee is $38, payable in advance.

Copies of previous NVIC issues can be obtained from:

Commanding Officer

United States Coast Guard
Marine Safety Center

400 7th Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20590-0001

Attn: Ms. Janice McKenzie

Equipment list

Commandant Instruction M16714.3DEquipment List is an index of equipment that has been approved or certified by the Coast Guard for use on commercial vessels. It can be obtained under stock number 050-012-00-306-8 for $12.00 from the U. S Government Printing Office.

IMO

The IMO's Publications Section provides the maritime community with numerous texts, including The 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as amended, and the Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil. IMO publications may be purchased at cost based on the current exchange rate for British currency. A catalog of all titles is available from:

International Maritime Organization
Publications Section

4 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7SR

MSIS

The Marine Safety Information (computer) System (MSIS) connects all facets of Coast Guard activity concerning the promotion of life, property and environment in the marine domain. MSIS records safety information on certificates of inspection and compliance, and SOLAS documents. It also maintains records of vessel casualties, pollution incidents, boardings, inspections, and histories of violations of federal regulations on safety and environmental protection.

A tape of the MSIS data file can be purchased for $453.00 (including handling) by ordering as follows:

Merchant Vessels of the United States
PB91-506907

National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
Telephone: (703) 487-4650

To order Coast Guard publications from the United States Government Printing Office, give the name, stock number and price. Send to: Superintendent of Documents

U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402

Telephone: (202) 783-3238

Ensign Barbara Rose is a project officer in the Compliance and Enforcement Branch of the Merchant Vessel Inspection and Documentation Division.

Telephone: (202) 267-1464.

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New publications

July-August 1992

Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water, 1990 Edition (CIM 16616.6A)

Updating the 1982 edition, the new Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water includes a number of new entry data pages, and, where available, the MARPOL Annex II pollution category, the Environmental Protection Agency's pollution category, the threshhold limit value published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limit.

The new edition introduces three new features: a list of oils, a section on conversion factors and another on temperature conversion. It also includes a new section of appendixes with the compatibility chart as well as the medical kit information and carcinogens list.

In addition, the synonym index has been completely revised, as has the reprint of the 46 CFR part 150 -- Compatibility of Cargoes -incorporating amendments through 1990.

Corrections and suggestions for the next edition are welcome. Call the Hazardous Materials Branch of the Marine Technical and Hazardous Materials Division at (202) 267-1577.

The 1990 edition of the Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water is available for $15.00 under the stock number 050-01200295-9 from:

Superintendent of Documents

U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402

Telephone: (202) 783-3238

Tanker Operations: A Handbook for the Ship's Officer, by G.S. Marton

First issued in 1978, Tanker Operations: A Handbook for the Ship's Officer is a standard reference book, which has been updated and enlarged in a third edition. Used as a text book by United States maritime academies, the publication started out as a basic guide to tanker operations for junior officers, but has become more technical and complex in detail.

Tanker Operations covers detailed instructions of how to load various cargoes and how to plan loading, as well as information on piping, pollution and other pertinent subjects. Three new chapters have been added concerning petroleum and the refining process, vapor emission control, and current legislation and international conventions governing tanker operation, including ramifications of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

In addition, new equipment and procedures have been introduced in the new edition, which is available for $35.00 from:

Cornell Maritime Press
P.O. Box 456

Centerville, MD 21617

Telephone: 1-800-638-7641

Crew Size and Maritime Safety, by the
National Research Council

United States ocean vessels have half the crew size of 30 years ago, due to automation and mechanization. But are reductions in crew size increasing the risk of vessel accidents? Crew Size and Maritime Safety explores how we can minimize risk without hindering technology, thoroughly analyzing issues, including domestic versus foreign manning practices and safety performances; effect of crew size on fatigue, level of training and ship maintenance; and the Coast Guard's approach to crew size regulations.

The volume features a trend analysis of 20 years of maritime safety data, compares United States and international laws and treaties on ship manning, and makes recommendations for improvements. It also includes a model for setting optimum crew levels based on systems engineering and tested with actual ships.

Copies of Crew Size and Maritime Safety are available for $22.95 from:

National Academy Press 2101 Constitution Avenue Washington, D.C. 20418 Telephone: 1-800-624-6242

Chemical of the month

Octane

Almost everyone who has ever filled a gas tank with unleaded gasoline is familiar with the name "octane". The more expensive, higher grades of gasoline are better for an automobile, because they have more octane in them. The octane is a gasoline additive which helps to create a strong, smooth expansion of gas, causing a smooth push of the piston and no knocking sound from the engine. The more octane in the gasoline, the smoother the explosions of gas in the pistons, which cause an engine to be more efficient.

The octane rating of gasoline is based on its "knocking characteristics," which are compared to the traits of gasoline which include "isooctane" (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) and heptane. This gasoline is said to have an octane number of 100. Based on this comparison, the gasoline is given an octane rating between zero and 100. An example would be in the gasoline with an octane rating of 92. This mixture has a knocking characteristic of 92 percent 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and eight percent heptane.

Hazards

Because octane is so common in today's society, it is important to realize its hazards. Overexposure to octane causes skin and eye irritation. Exposure to undiluted octane for one hour causes a diffuse burning sensation. Exposure for five hours causes blisters.

In case of contact with octane, immediately flush the skin or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing. If vapors are inhaled, move the

3/C Eric P. Kowack

victim to fresh air and call for emergency medical care. If the patient is not breathing, give artificial respiration until help arrives.

To control an octane leak or spill, first remove all sources of ignition from the hazard area. Then try to stop the leak, if this can be done without risk. To reduce vapors, use a water spray over the leakage. Take up a small spill with sand or some other noncombustible absorbent material, and then flush the area with water. In a large spill, dike the liquid far ahead of the spill to isolate it for later disposal. Make sure to keep unnecessary people away and to stay upwind of the spill, keeping out of low areas. If a large spill should occur, contact the National Response Center immediately at 1-800-424-8802.

Fires involving octane can be extinguished with water spray, CO2, dry chemical or foam. If a tank is involved in fire, isolate the area for one-half mile in all directions. Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing should be worn at all times. If possible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn. For emergency assistance, call CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300.

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Eric P. Kowack was a third class cadet at the Coast Guard Academy when
this article was written as a special chemistry project for LCDR Thomas Chuba.

This article was reviewed by the Hazardous Materials Branch of the Marine Technical and Hazardous Materials Division of the Coast Guard's Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection. Telephone: (202) 267-1577.

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