The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) published a new Unified Interpretation UI SC307 on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high level alarms in cargo pump-rooms. The UI is set to be implemented by IACS societies on ships contracted to be built on or after 1 January 2026.
The interpretation says:
1. Characteristics of the cargoes and their vapors (flammability, density, etc.) should be taken into consideration to determine the type and arrangement of detectors.
2. Suitable numbers of detectors or sampling heads should be provided in the cargo pump room at upper and lower positions, at least covering the following places:
• (perpendicular) upper part of each cargo pump or between two cargo pumps;
• within 30 cm above the lowest part of the cargo pump-room bottom floor;
• not more than 1m below the cargo pump room ceiling/head deck; and
• one detector every 10m length or width of the cargo pump-room.
• areas where the air circulation is reduced (e.g. recessed corners).
A high level of liquid in the pump room should activate a continuous audible and visual alarm signal in the pump-room, cargo control room, engine control room and on the navigation bridge.
Download the document: UI SC307