5.2. Pest Control

Question 1

(a) State the purpose of the de-rat certificate and period of validity

Answer 1

1. In accordance with the World Health Organization every ship must be kept free of rodents and must be periodically de-ratted.
2. The certificate is valid for six months and may be extended by one month.
3. De-Ratting inspections may only be conducted by approved health authorities in port.
4. A De-Ratting exemption may be issued when a ship uses bait and traps, and the ship is found to be rat free by a health inspector.

Question 2

(b) State the need for a beetle certificate especially when carrying grain

Answer 2

IMDG Supplement - Safe Use of Pesticides on Ships

♣ All recommendations regarding the safe use of pesticides in cargo spaces and accommodation spaces should be followed, particularly with regards to the application of certain fumigants by qualified personnel.

♣ Insect infestation of a cargo will cause damage and partial or even complete loss, as the insects multiply quickly if unchecked.

♣ Recommendations for inspecting areas in cargo holds where infestation occurs should be followed, as well as the maintaining of high standards of cleaning of cargo spaces prior to loading and after discharge.

♣ Any residue from cleaning operations should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the escape of insects and the material disposed of at sea if possible.
A beetle free certificate will only be issued to a vessel carrying grain cargoes after inspection.

Question 3

(c) Describe methods of preventing infestation and fumigation especially with regard to safety precautions before and after fumigation

Answer 3

Prevention:
♣ High standards of house-keeping should be followed at all times.

♣ Known areas of infestation should be kept in a good state of repair, and materials collected during cleaning should be treated to prevent any insects escaping. The material may also be jettisoned well out to sea and in accordance with MARPOL.

♣ Known areas where infestation occurs should also be thoroughly cleaned after discharge.

Fumigation:
♣ Fumigants should only be applied by suitably qualified personnel.

♣ Commonly used fumigants are:
- Methyl Bromide. To be applied in the confines of
port, and not in-ship when in-transit.
Forced ventilation may be employed to ensure
residue is clear of holds prior to entry.
- Hydrogen Phosphide (Phosohine).
Various formulations are available for in-ship in-
transit or at-berth application. Application methods
vary according to requirements (surface only,
probing or perforated tube), but clear instructions
should be given to the Master as to disposal of
powder residues.

♣ A list of commonly used pesticides used on ships is available in Annex 1 of the section, as well as their applications

Before Fumigation:
a) Muster all crew.
b) Search ship for unauthorised persons.
c) Post warning signs at gangway and entrances of
spaces to be fumigated.
d) Seal accommodation.
e) All personnel to leave the vessel if required for the
duration of the fumigation and ventilation.
f) If personnel are remaining onboard during fumigation regular gas checks should be made of accommodation areas, and recorded in the log.

After Fumigation:
a) Proper forced ventilation of the spaces should be
done.
b) Atmospheres must be checked by qualified
personnel and an entrance certificate must be
issued prior to entry into treated spaces.
c) In colder weather complete ventilation of a space
will take longer, and the atmosphere may need to be
checked several times.
d) Special attention should be paid to areas where
ventilation is difficult (fore peak space and deep
holds), and the use of extra forced ventilation should
be considered. The schedule of the vessel should
be considered when starting ventilation to reduce
delays.
e) If accommodation fumigation has been done,
bedding should be taken outside and beaten.