IHM Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
The IHM Agreement is a term used in the shipping industry, which stands for Inventory of Hazardous Materials Agreement. The agreement is a document that outlines the hazardous substances present on board the ship. It is a legal requirement for all commercial vessels that are over 500 gross tons and flagged under one of the EU member states.
The IHM Agreement aims to protect the environment and human health by ensuring that hazardous waste is not dumped into the sea without proper handling. The agreement was introduced in 2009 and has since been amended several times. It is now widely accepted as the international standard for managing hazardous materials on ships.
What is the purpose of the IHM Agreement?
The main purpose of the IHM Agreement is to ensure that all hazardous substances present on board a ship are identified, documented, and disposed of safely. The agreement outlines the process for identifying and assessing hazardous materials, including asbestos, PCBs, ozone-depleting substances, and others.
Ship owners and operators must submit an IHM Report to the authorities as part of the registration process. This report is used to verify that the vessel complies with the relevant regulations and that all hazardous materials are identified and managed correctly.
What are the benefits of the IHM Agreement?
The IHM Agreement has several benefits for ship owners and operators. Firstly, it helps to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and avoids the risk of fines or legal action. It also protects the health and safety of crew members and passengers by identifying hazardous materials and ensuring safe disposal.
The agreement also helps to reduce the risk of accidents or incidents on board by identifying potential hazards and ensuring that they are managed correctly. This can lead to lower insurance premiums and a more attractive vessel for chartering or resale.
How can ship owners comply with the IHM Agreement?
Ship owners can comply with the IHM Agreement by following a three-step process:
1. Identification: The first step is to identify all hazardous materials present on board the ship. This includes materials used in construction, maintenance, and operation, as well as waste products. Ship owners can use a specialist contractor to carry out this process and provide a comprehensive list of all hazardous materials present on board.
2. Assessment: Once all hazardous materials are identified, the next step is to assess the risk of each material to the environment and human health. This includes considering factors such as location, quantity, and condition. Based on this assessment, ship owners can develop a plan for managing each hazardous material.
3. Management: The final step is to manage all hazardous materials on board the ship according to the plan developed in step two. This includes ensuring safe storage, handling, and disposal of all hazardous materials. Ship owners must also ensure that crew members are trained and equipped to handle hazardous materials safely.
In conclusion, the IHM Agreement is a crucial part of ensuring safe and environmentally responsible shipping. By complying with the agreement, ship owners can avoid the risk of fines, legal action, and accidents on board. Additionally, they can protect the health and safety of crew members and passengers and reduce the risk of harm to the environment.