Class notation for a Vapour emission Control System in accordance with the USCG standard

Purpose

To ensure that a ship is fitted with a safe system for gas returning gas to shore during loading in accordance with the USCG standard, which also complies with the VOC standard in MARPOL Annex VI.

Benefits

The notation ensures that the vessel is equipped with vapour control system under periodical supervision to a defined standard in compliance with statutory regulations.

The vessel can load in US waters.

Features

The class notation covers the USCG's regulations governing for vapour control systems, CFR 46 Part 39, in addition to the requirements for VCS-1. The letter B covers vapour balancing and may be added to the VCS-2 class notation.

Each cargo tank of a tanker is to be equipped with a high level alarm system. The vapour collection system must not disable the proper operation of the cargo tank venting system. However, vapour collection piping may be common or partly common with the vent piping and/or the IGS piping.

Each chemical/product/crude carrier is to have vapour collection piping which is permanently installed, with a tanker vapour connection located as closely as is practical to the loading manifold. In lieu of permanent piping, chemical tankers are permitted to have a permanent vapour connection on each cargo tank for connection to a vapour hose which should be kept as short as practicable, and must in no case be longer than 3 metres.