scope:

These guidelines specify procedures for determining that the cargo tanks and associated loading equipment of marine vessels are in a suitably clean condition to receive the intended cargo. They apply to vessel tanks intended to load crude oil, petroleum, and petrochemical cargoes. The extent of pre-loading tank inspection will vary depending on the nature of the cargo to be loaded. These guidelines recommend the extent of inspection that should be instituted for certain general types of cargoes and an example of a format that may be used for reporting the findings of tank inspections. Because of the wide variety of conditions that may exist when performing pre-loading tank inspections, this guidelines is not intended to restrict the judgment of the person performing the inspection.