The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued Advisory 2015-02 with regard to possible contamination by hazardous materials due to explosions in Tianjin, China.

Following the tragic explosions on 12 and 15 August 2015, there are concerns about the possible existence of potentially hazardous ash, debris or residues on vessels or cargo. A comprehensive list of chemicals involved in the Tianjin incident is not yet available, but several hazardous chemicals are reported to have been in the main warehouse, including sodium cyanide (UN1689) and calcium carbide (UN1402). Given the substantial size of the explosions and the suspected hazardous chemicals involved, ships and cargo in port at or near the times of the explosions may have been exposed to potentially hazardous dust, ash, or debris.

In the circumstances, the USCG and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are monitoring all U.S bound cargo and vessel traffic which was in the port of Tianjin on or after 12 August 2015, and vessels are requested to report to the nearest USCG Captain of the Port as soon as possible any suspected hazardous conditions, illnesses, or unknown substances or residues.

According to Lamorte Burns & Co., Inc., our correspondents in the US, the USCG and CBP do not yet have a protocol in place for testing samples of residue taken from cargo, ship’s holds or containers. However, the authorities expect that vessels will on arrival in the US report any contamination of cargo or crew illness etc. that they may encounter on the voyage there. When considering an appropriate response the USCG and CBP will also consider the proximate location of the cargo to the warehouse that exploded. In this respect, Lamorte Burns & Co., Inc. has recommended that during loading operations the crew check the cargo closely for any unusual dust, debris or other contamination that may be present on the cargo, as well as closely monitoring the health of crewmembers who come into contact with the cargo during loading operations and the subsequent voyage. The US Authorities should be advised as early as possible prior to arriving in US waters about any such unusual contamination or crew illness. The Master should be prepared to answer questions from the US authorities upon arrival, including on the weather conditions at the time of loading, the subject cargo and measures taken by the vessel to ensure the cargo was not contaminated.