Scottish Government

CLYDE AND HEBRIDES FERRY SERVICES: INVITATION TO TENDER

ANNEX 4
DANGEROUS GOODS TO BE CONVEYED

The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods & Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997 made mandatory the International Maritime Organisation's recommendations on the carriage of Dangerous Goods contained in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (ISBN No. 92-801-5090-1). Substances classed as Dangerous Goods are listed in the IMDG code. For information, Tenderers will wish to note that the following are carried on a regular basis on the CHFS network:

• explosives
• propane/butane
• other gases
• petrol
• kerosene/diesel
• hay
• fertilizers
• clinical waste
• corrosives
• whisky
• bitumen

The number of dangerous goods journeys on a route-by-route basis for 2003/04 are detailed on the next page.

With the exception of MV's Loch Portain, Alainn and Bhrusda, none of CalMac's small vessels have been constructed to allow them to carry dangerous goods. However, they have been permitted to operate in 'cargo mode' only (i.e. 12 passengers maximum) on a letter of authority issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency Dangerous Goods Branch in Southampton. A safety case was completed by CalMac in Spring 2003 which has been accepted by the MCA in principle subject to certain conditions. The MCA will issue a Document of Compliance to carry Dangerous Goods (DOCDG) to each vessel in turn once CalMac has ensured and stated that each of these conditions has been met. This document will be valid for 5 years and will incorporate the terms of the exemption to carry prohibited dangerous goods presently issued as a separate document. We expect all small vessels to have been issued with their DOCDG by the commencement of the 2005 summer timetable. More information about this exemption will be available from VesCo.

Tenderers should note that it is a requirement of the contract that adequate provision is made for the carriage of dangerous goods. It will be the responsibility of the Operator to satisfy the MCA of its procedures for carrying dangerous goods.