Ship Safety Bulletins (SSB)
Date (Y-M-D): 1998-12-02
Subject: Ship/Shore Bonding Cable by Terminal
This Bulletin draws attention to the fact that the practice of using bonding cables, at some bulk oil terminals in Canada, has continued despite international recommendations that this practice is outdated and may in fact be hazardous.
Both the "Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes and Related Activities in Port Areas" published by the International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) and the "International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals" or ISGOTT as it is now known, discourage the use of bonding cables.
Recent concerns regarding the use of ship/shore bonding cables, by some terminal operators in Canada, highlighted the necessity of ensuring that the persons engaged in loading and unloading liquid bulk dangerous cargoes are familiar with the recommendations.
The use of a ship/shore bonding cable is considered to be ineffective and could also be dangerous. Terminal operators are hereby recommended to adopt the international standards, concerning the use of an insulating flange or a non-conducting hose, to ensure electrical discontinuity between the ship and shore as outlined in the above publications.
Keywords: Questions concerning this bulletin should be addressed to:
2. Bonding Cable
3. Insulating Flange
Naim Nazha
613-991-3140
Marine Safety
Tower C, Place de Ville
11th Floor, 330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8
To add or change your address, contact us at: marinesafety@tc.gc.ca
Owners of commercial vessels, registered and licensed, automatically receive Bulletins.