The Marine Chemist Association, Inc.  

is an independent professional organization composed of chemists certified by the National Fire Protection Association in accordance with the published rules. It had its origin in May 1938, as the Marine Chemists' Subsection of the NFPA Marine Section. Upon termination of the Marine Section in 1948, the present Association was organized for the following purposes:

(a) To promote the science of, and improve the method of evaluation and eliminating health, fire and explosion hazards in marine and associated industries.

(b) To obtain and circulate information relative to these hazards and other information regarding the professional and ethical activities of its members.

(c) To enhance the general welfare of its members by promoting a closer relationship with all concerned industry and regulatory bodies. 

Its membership is arranged in geographical sections: Atlantic, Gulf-Inland and Pacific. This structure has enhanced the exchange of views and the development of professional polices. Representatives of the Association take an active and constructive part in the work of the NFPA Technical Committee on Gas Hazards, Marine Chemist Qualification Board, and Marine Field Service Advisory Committee.  They also hold membership in other professional and standards writing bodies that effect vessel and confined space entry.
  

Through its educational seminars, information bulletins, and Association newsletters, professional advancement is realized. 

 

The esteem in which the Marine Chemist Association, Inc. is held is based on its record of dedicated service and continuous adherence to the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing.

 
The United States Coast Guard and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that a Certificate issued by a Marine Chemist be obtained before hot work or fire producing operations can be carried out in certain spaces aboard a marine vessel. The appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Regulations are contained in 46 CFR 35.01-1(c)(1), 71.60-1(c)(1), 91.50-1(c)(1), 167.30-10(c)(1), and 189.50-1(c)(1). The appropriate OSHA regulations are contained in 29 CFR 1915.14.

 

In complying with both the U.S. Coast Guard and OSHA regulations, the marine chemist applies the requirements contained in National Fire Protection Association Standard 306. NFPA 306, Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, describes conditions that must exist aboard a marine vessel. A survey by the marine chemist ensures that these conditions are satisfied.

 

In addition, a marine chemist, by virtue of his or her training and continuous professional upgrading through the Certification program administered by the Marine Chemist Qualification Board, is able to perform similar evaluations on other than marine vessels where an unsafe environment exists for workers or hot work is contemplated on a system that might contain residues of a flammable or combustible product or materials.