Supplying Marine Store Items as per IMPA Codes: Ensuring Safety at Sea

As a leading supplier of marine store items, we understand the importance of adhering to international standards and codes to ensure the safety of crew, passengers, and vessels at sea. The IMPA (International Marine Purchasing Association) codes are a set of guidelines that provide a standardized system for the procurement of marine stores. In this post, we will discuss the significance of IMPA codes and highlight a few essential items that are regularly required on board ships.

The Importance of IMPA Codes

The IMPA codes were introduced to simplify the procurement process for marine stores, making it easier for ship owners, operators, and suppliers to communicate and trade. The codes provide a common language and set of standards for the industry, ensuring that all parties involved in the procurement process are on the same page. By using IMPA codes, we can ensure that the marine store items we supply meet the required quality, safety, and performance standards.

Regularly Required Items on Board Ship

As a supplier of marine store items, we understand that every vessel has its unique requirements. However, there are certain items that are regularly required on board ships to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with international regulations. Here are a few examples:

Life Rafts and Emergency Beacons:

Life rafts and emergency beacons are critical safety equipment that must be on board every vessel. We supply life rafts that meet the IMPA code 331011, which ensures that they are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and can accommodate the required number of passengers.

Fire Extinguishers and Fire Fighting Equipment:

Fire safety is a top priority on board ships. We supply fire extinguishers and fire fighting equipment that meet the IMPA code 332011, which ensures that they are designed to combat various types of fires and are easily accessible in emergency situations.

Navigation and Communication Equipment:

Navigation and communication equipment are essential for safe and efficient vessel operation. We supply navigation equipment such as compasses, GPS devices, and radar systems that meet the IMPA code 341011, and communication equipment such as VHF radios and satellite phones that meet the IMPA code 342011.

Safety Harnesses and Personal Protective Equipment:

Safety harnesses and personal protective equipment are critical for crew safety during deck operations. We supply safety harnesses that meet the IMPA code 351011, which ensures that they are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and can protect crew members from falls and other hazards.

First Aid Kits and Medical Supplies:

First aid kits and medical supplies are essential for providing medical assistance in emergency situations. We supply first aid kits that meet the IMPA code 361011, which ensures that they contain the required medical supplies and equipment to treat various injuries and illnesses.

Chemical Tankers:

Chemical tankers require specialized marine store items to ensure the safe handling and transportation of hazardous chemicals. For example, we supply chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory equipment that meet the IMPA code 352011, which ensures that they are designed to protect crew members from exposure to harmful chemicals.

Passenger Vessels:

Passenger vessels have unique requirements for marine store items to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. For example, we supply life jackets, life rings, and other safety equipment that meet the IMPA code 331011, which ensures that they are designed to accommodate the required number of passengers and meet the relevant safety regulations.

Fishing Vessels:

Fishing vessels require specialized marine store items to support their operations. For example, we supply fishing nets, fishinglines, and other fishing gear that meet the IMPA code 371011, which ensures that they are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and are compliant with relevant regulations.

Research Vessels:

Research vessels require specialized marine store items to support their scientific research activities. For example, we supply laboratory equipment, water sampling devices, and other scientific equipment that meet the IMPA code 381011, which ensures that they are designed to meet the specific requirements of scientific research.

Military Vessels:

Military vessels have unique requirements for marine store items to support their operations. For example, we supply military-grade communication equipment, navigation equipment, and other specialized equipment that meet the IMPA code 342011, which ensures that they are designed to meet the specific requirements of military operations.

Chemical tankers require specific marine store items to ensure the safety of the crew, the environment, and the cargo. These items are necessary to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with carrying hazardous chemicals. Here are some of the marine store items needed for chemical tankers' safety:

Breathing Apparatus:

Chemical tankers must have self-contained air-breathing apparatus that does not use stored oxygen. This equipment is necessary for personnel to enter a gas-filled compartment and perform work there for at least 20 minutes. The breathing apparatus must be inspected at least once a month and tested by an expert at least once a year.

Protective Clothing, Boots, Gloves, and Tight-Fitting Goggles:

Chemical tankers must have protective clothing, boots, gloves, and tight-fitting goggles to protect personnel from exposure to harmful chemicals.

Fireproof Lifeline with Belt Resistant to the Cargoes Carried:

Chemical tankers must have a fireproof lifeline with a belt resistant to the cargoes carried. This equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of personnel working in a gas-dangerous space.

Explosion-Proof Lamp:

Chemical tankers must have explosion-proof lamps to provide lighting in a gas-dangerous space.

Spare Air Bottles or a Special Air Compressor:

Chemical tankers must have either one set of fully charged spare air bottles for each breathing apparatus, a special air compressor suitable for the supply of high-pressure air of the required purity, a charging manifold capable of dealing with sufficient spare air bottles for the breathing apparatus, or fully charged spare air bottles with a total free air capacity of at least 6,000 liters for each breathing apparatus on board in excess of the requirements of SOLAS.

Low-Pressure Line System with Hose Connections or Spare Bottled Air:

Chemical tankers must have a low-pressure line system with hose connections suitable for use with the breathing apparatus or an equivalent quantity of spare bottled air in lieu of the low-pressure air line.

Safety Equipment Locker:

At least one set of safety equipment as required by IMPA codes must be kept in a suitable, clearly marked, easily accessible place near the cargo pump-room.
These marine store items are necessary to ensure the safety of chemical tankers. It is essential to follow the IMPA codes and regulations to prevent accidents and protect personnel, the environment, and the cargo.