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• Republic of Marshall Islands has issued a revised marine notice no. 2-011-2 (copy attached) providing requirements of medical oxygen cylinder as per MFAG and applicability of IMDG code. This notice supersedes Rev.01/15.

• The revised IMDG code is applicable voluntarily from 01 January 2017 and will be mandatory on 01 January 2018.

• Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) used in accident involving material, substance and article covered by IMDG code and Group B cargo of (IMSBC) code.

• Medical equipment requirement including oxygen cylinder as per MFAG (appendix 14) is based on the minimum time period for hospitalization of casualties and as per this criteria vessels are categories in column A, B, C of appendix 14.

Column A: Recommended minimum requirements for ship when casualties cannot be hospitalized on shore within 24 hrs.

Column B: Recommended minimum requirement for ship when casualties can be hospitalized on shore within 24 hrs.

Column C: Recommended minimum requirement for ship when casualties can be hospitalized on shore within two (2) hrs.

• Vessels that fall under Column A or B are required to carry a minimum of 44 liters/200 bar oxygen as follows:

• One (1) 40 liter/200 bar medical oxygen cylinder located in the vessel’s hospital, assembled for direct use, equipped with one (1) flow meter unit (two (2) ports) for supplying oxygen for two (2) persons simultaneously; and

• One (1) complete portable set, ready for use, with a 2 liter/200 bar medical oxygen cylinder and a spare cylinder (also 2 liter/200 bar).

• The single 40 liter/200 bar medical oxygen cylinder may be substituted with either two (2) 20 liter/200 bar cylinders or four (4) 10 liter/200 bar cylinders, provided the equipment/flow meter units are arranged to supply oxygen to two (2) persons simultaneously.

• The cylinders are to be hydrostatically tested every five (5) years, or at an interval specified by the manufacturer, whichever occurs sooner.

• The contents of the cylinders are to be checked and changed as required per manufacturer’s requirements, or every three (3) years, whichever occurs sooner.

• The entire system is to be inspected annually by a competent person in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

• As per RMI, the MFAG is applicable to all vessels carrying cargoes which have UN number and to be used also where vessels are certified for IMDG code, IMSBC code, IBC code, and IGC code

• Medical Oxygen cylinder need not required to carry when vessel is not engaged with carriage of IMDG goods, even vessel has been issued Document of compliance for IMDG. In such instances the provision to be documented in safety management system (SMS) of the vessel, so whenever vessel carry such cargo the cylinder/equipment will be placed.

• Compliance with the requirements of this notice on Medical Oxygen Cylinders is applicable to new gas carriers and chemical tankers constructed on and after 01 July 2016.

• For existing gas carriers and chemical tankers, which are not currently provided with medical oxygen, compliance is required at the next intermediate or renewal survey after 01 July 2016.

• The IMDG Code (Volume 1, Volume 2, and the Supplement) are required to be carried on board all RMI vessels to which the IMDG Code applies. The 2016 version is to be carried mandatorily from 01 January 2018. Electronic or hard copy versions are acceptable.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

1. RMI Marine notice 2-011-2 reg. International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and Medical Oxygen Cylinder Requirements.

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