NFPA Rules for the Certification and Recertification of Marine Chemists
As amended effective 1/1/99
  

For the purpose of these Rules, the following definitions shall apply:
 

Applicant - a person applying for certification or recertification as a Marine Chemist.
 
Association - the National Fire Protection Association.
 
Board - the Marine Chemist Qualification Board appointed by the Board of Directors of the National Fire Protection Association.
 
Marine Chemist - the holder of a valid Certificate issued by the National Fire Protection Association in accordance with the "Rules for the Certification and Recertification of Marine Chemists" establishing the holder as a person qualified to determine whether construction, alteration, repair, lay-up, or shipbreaking of vessels, which may involve hazards covered by the Standard, can be undertaken with safety.
 
Standard - the Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, NFPA 306, in its most recent issue, as published by the National Fire Protection Association.
 
Trainee - a person who has been registered to begin training under Section VI. A of these Rules.
 

I.CERTIFICATE:

 
B. Those Certificated Marine Chemists who have evidenced additional experience, training, and knowledge in Flammable Cryogenic Liquids as required by Section V of these Rules shall be authorized to issue certificates under the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Standard. Their Certificates shall be endorsed accordingly.
 

II.QUALIFICATIONS — General

 
B. Applicants for Certification shall be citizens of the United States. Under special or unusual circumstances, and after consultation with the President of the NFPA, the Board may consider foreign nationals for Certification.

 
C. Applicants shall furnish the Board with such evidence of their training as the Board considers necessary or advisable, as set forth in published Rules therefor.

 
D. Each applicant and trainee shall affirm in writing an intention and ability to practice actively as a Marine Chemist.

 
E. Each applicant shall use only the Standard Marine Chemist certificate form as approved and presented in the Standard when acting as a Marine Chemist applying the Standard.

 
F. Each Marine Chemist shall perform all work in accordance with the requirements of the Standard and its official interpretations when acting as a Marine Chemist.

 
G. Each applicant shall indicate an understanding of and intention to comply with these Rules by signing a copy of these Rules as presented at the time of Certification and Recertification, or at such times as these Rules change.

III. QUALIFICATIONS — Professional

 
A. Each applicant shall have at least a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Work shall include the following college level courses intended for science majors:

1. Two semesters or three quarters of general inorganic chemistry with labs.

2. Two semesters or three quarters of organic chemistry with labs.

3. One course in an analytical method with lab.

4. One course in industrial hygiene sampling and analysis.

B. The education, training, knowledge, and experience of any Marine Chemist applicant shall include, but not be limited to, the following subjects:

1. Basic Marine and Shipyard Safety

2. Fire Prevention and Emergency Rescue Procedures

3. Combustion and Explosion Technology

4. Entry into Confined Spaces

5. Principles of Gas Freeing and Shipboard Test Procedures

6. Tank Cleaning Procedures

7. Petroleum Chemistry & Testing of Petroleum Products

8. The Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene

9. Properties of Flammable and Combustible Materials

10. Properties of Toxic Gases, Vapors, and Fumes

11. Properties of Hazardous Cargoes and Materials

12. Properties of Fumigants and Fumigant Testing

13. Properties of Tank Coatings and Preservatives

14. Testing for Toxic Gases, Vapors, Fumes, and Residues

15. Properties of Liquefied Natural and Petroleum Gases

16. Test Instruments and Calibration thereof.

17. Procedures for personally determining conditions prior to issuance of a certificate for subsequent work

18. Certificate writing including minimum content

C. The Applicant shall satisfactorily complete the then current approved Marine Chemist training curriculum in order to substantiate compliance with III. B. above.

 
D. Each applicant shall complete to the Board's satisfaction an examination on the Standard and applicable United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, as amended to the date of application, and on any other technically related or appropriate standards, rules, or regulations considered necessary by the Board.
 

IV.QUALIFICATIONS — Practical

 
In addition to the professional qualifications set forth in the preceding section:

 
A. Each applicant shall have completed at least six (6) months of supervised training in all tests and inspections required prior to the issuance of a Marine Chemist's Certificate as required by the Standard. At least three (3) Marine Chemists shall directly supervise this training. The three (3) training supervisors shall not be from the same company or organization. Each shall supervise at least forty (40) hours of the applicant's shipboard training required by Section IV.B. hereof. All trainers shall have been certified as a Marine Chemist for at least two (2) years.

 
B. Each applicant shall have not less than three hundred (300) hours of supervised training aboard a variety of types of both ocean-going and inland vessels as covered by the Standard. The maximum credit for training in any one type of vessel is ninety (90) hours. In order for credit to be given, however, training in any one type of vessel shall exceed a minimum of thirty (30) hours.

 
C. Each applicant shall have completed at least three years experience, as follows:

1.One year or more full-time employment in the analysis of physical samples similar to those routinely analyzed by Marine Chemists. This employment is to be in a laboratory or other similar work environment acceptable to the Board.

2.The remaining time, but not less than one year, must be in full time employment in marine construction or repair, or in another marine industrial environment, acceptable to the Board.

D. Each applicant shall have a working knowledge of the construction of all common types of vessels including hull and superstructure compartmentation systems, machinery spaces, cargo handling systems, and piping systems.

 
E. The Board considers the above practical requirements essential for favorable consideration of any application. The Board may consider other professional achievements as equivalent to any or all of the above listed items based on information available at the time of its deliberations.

V.QUALIFICATIONS — Endorsements

 
A. Flammable Cryogenic Liquid Carriers Endorsement:

Each Marine Chemist who submits satisfactory evidence of compliance with the following required experience, training, and knowledge shall receive a Flammable Cryogenic Liquid (FCL) Carriers endorsement on the Marine Chemist's Certificate attesting to the fact of authorization to issue certificates under the requirement of Chapter 6 of the Standard.

1.Each Marine Chemist so applying shall show evidence of:

a. Possession of a valid Marine Chemist's Certificate issued under Part VI. B. of these Rules.

b. Thorough familiarity with construction features of all types of Flammable Cryogenic Liquid Carrier cargo containment and handling equipment.

c. Knowledge of the location of gas detectors and temperature sensors aboard the vessels and familiarity with their operation.

d. Familiarity with hold space inerting and cargo tank cool down procedure.

e. Familiarity with hold space gas freeing and cargo tank warmup procedure.

2.The Marine Chemist shall have conducted at least one gas testing survey aboard an FCL carrier or an approved liquefied natural gas (LNG) simulator under the direct supervision of a certificated Marine Chemist having the special endorsement for gas testing aboard such carriers.

3.The Marine Chemist shall submit to an oral, written or combination examination covering structural design of FCL carriers, nomenclature pertinent to such carriers and their cargoes, Chapter 6 of the Standard, pertinent requirements of 46 CFR part 154 (USCG regulations for vessels carrying bulk liquefied gases) and such other subjects as may be included by the Marine Chemist Qualification Board.

VI.APPLICATION PROCEDURES — Registration, Initial Certification and Recertification

 
A. Registration as a Marine Chemist Trainee

1.A candidate shall register with the Marine Field Service Specialist of the Association.

2. Registration shall be completed on the specified form supplied by the Marine Field Service Specialist outlining the candidate's initial qualifications and the persons they will train under.

3.A fee of $200 shall accompany the registration form. Included in this registration fee is the processing fee in VI. B. 1. a.

4.Each Trainee shall affirm in writing the intention to actively pursue certification and upon certification, to practice actively as a Marine Chemist.

5. Each Trainee shall annually provide the Board with an update of the status of his or her training on a form provided by the Marine Field Service Specialist.

6. A Trainee who fails to provide the annual report for two consecutive years or, who, upon filing such report, fails - in the determination of the Board - to demonstrate adequate activity towards certification for two years, may - after due notice and opportunity to be heard in writing - be removed as a Trainee by the Board. Such removal shall be without prejudice to a new application filed pursuant to these rules.

B. Initial Certification

1.Each Applicant for initial certification shall apply to the Board by way of the Marine Field Service Specialist by submission of the following:

a. Official application form, legible and properly completed, accompanied by the required processing fee for certification.

b. Not less than three references to whom inquiry may be made concerning the character and ability of the Applicant.

c. The names of all Marine Chemists involved in the applicant's training.

d. A list of all vessels tested during the training period, including the date, name, time aboard, cargo, type, and purpose of each test; work to be performed; serial number of Marine Chemist Certificate(s) if issued; and the name and number of the supervising Marine Chemist.

e. A personal thesis outlining the Applicant's knowledge of those items in III. B. of these Rules as assigned.

f. A medical doctor's statement on a form provided by the Board attesting to the Applicant's physical and mental ability to perform the duties of a Marine Chemist.

g. Such additional evidence of the foregoing as may be required by the Board.

h. An agreement to submit a monthly report of Marine Chemists' activities and collect and submit the surcharge fees to the Marine Gas Hazards Control Program.

2.An Applicant shall have a personal interview with the Board. At such interview, the Applicant and any persons brought by the Applicant to the interview who can attest by personal experience to the Applicant's qualifications and practical experience, shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The application of any Applicant who fails after reasonable notice to appear at a scheduled interview shall be deemed withdrawn by the Applicant subject to renewed processing at the convenience of the Board.

C. Recertification

The following procedures shall be followed for recertification:

1. Recertification shall only be considered by the Board for Marine Chemists who have actively engaged in Marine Chemist professional activities during their current five-year certification period. Minimum requirements for recertification shall be the issuance of ten certificates per year during the most recent certification period. Copies of the ten most recently issued certificates shall be submitted for recertification.

 

2.Applicants for recertification shall submit to the Board the following:

a. A letter of request for recertification accompanied by the required fee.

b. resume of the Marine Chemist's activities during the current certification period.

c. A medical doctor's statement on a form provided by the Board, attesting to the Applicant's physical and mental ability to perform the duties of a Marine Chemist.

d. Copies of ten sequential, recently issued certificates.

e. A list of the instruments and calibration equipment currently being used by the applicant.

f. Evidence of completion to the Board's satisfaction an examination on the Standard and applicable United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, as amended to the date of application, and on any other technically related subjects or appropriate standards, rules, or regulations considered necessary by the Board.

g. Evidence of attendance at a minimum of three technical seminars sponsored by the Marine Chemist Association for the Marine Chemist's professional enhancement during the current certification period. One shall be an Annual Seminar and one shall be a Sectional Seminar. The remaining Annual or Sectional Seminar shall be at the discretion of the Marine Chemist.

h.  Reports of any accidents involving the Applicant's Marine Chemist activities during the current certification period.

i. Any other information on professional activities during the current certification period considered necessary by the Board.

j. Such additional evidence concerning a Marine Chemist's ability to apply the procedures and judgement required of Marine Chemists that the Board may deem necessary including, at the Board's discretion, an interview with the applicant.

k. Evidence that surcharge fee payments to the Marine Gas Hazards Control Program are current.

3.Notwithstanding the provisions of Section VI. C. 1. above, in instances where an Applicant has been inactive as a Marine Chemist, or has failed to complete the aforementioned examination in a manner satisfactory to the Board, the Board may require a personal interview and oral examination, a period of retraining, reexamination, or any combination thereof. Provisions of this section shall not be available to any applicant for two consecutive periods of recertification.

VII.REPORTS

 
A. Marine Chemists shall submit monthly reports to the Marine Field Service Specialist that shall include:

1. A report of all certificates issued during the previous month on the current prescribed report form as supplied by the Marine Field Service Specialist of the Association.

2. A copy of one certificate issued during the month. However, Marine Chemists may be required to submit a copy of each certificate issued during a specific time if required by the Board.

B. Marine Chemists shall send a statement of remittance to the designated custodian of the "Marine Gas Hazards Control Program" in accordance with the procedures established by them.

 
C. Marine Chemists and registered trainees shall promptly notify the Marine Field Service Specialist of any change of address (business or residence), and of any change of employment.

 
D. Marine Chemists are requested to report information promptly to the Marine Field Service Specialist and to provide reasonable documentation and reports as requested regarding any fire or explosion on a vessel, the details of which are available to them because of their personal knowledge of the incident.

 
E. Marine Chemists shall notify the Marine Field Service Specialist within 24 hours of any accident occurring in connection with their professional Marine Chemist activities, or where to their knowledge the lack of a Marine Chemist was a factor and shall supply such reasonable documentation and reports as requested by the Marine Field Service Specialist.

VIII. REVOCATION & RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATES

 
A. Certificates issued shall be valid for a period of five (5) years or such reduced or extended time or times as is considered appropriate by the Board unless the Certificate is sooner cancelled due to receipt by the Board of evidence of the Marine Chemist's inability to apply consistently and safely the procedures and judgments required of Marine Chemists.

 
B. The Board reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or cancel the Certificate issued to a Marine Chemist at any time. The Board shall notify the Marine Chemist of such action by mailing the notice to the last known address of the Marine Chemist. The following are among the causes for which a Certificate may be suspended, revoked, or cancelled:

1. Failure to comply with any of the foregoing requirements for reporting and notification.

2. If, after examination of the facts of any complaint filed with or coming to the attention of the Board, it is the opinion of the Board that the Marine Chemist is no longer qualified to be certificated.

3. Falsification of information on the application for certification and recertification.

4. Failure to adhere to the Standard and its official interpretation.

C. Upon receipt of information or a written complaint regarding an alleged misconduct or violation of the Rules for Certification and Recertification on the part of a Marine Chemist, the Secretary shall forward such information to the Board. After consideration of said information or written complaint and upon a review of any and all relevant information, the Board may take appropriate action under these Rules.

 
D. Where a suspension, revocation or cancellation may be contemplated by the Board, the Marine Chemist involved shall receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing before the Marine Chemist Qualification Board prior to suspension, revocation or cancellation. However, in circumstances in which information has come to the attention of the Board which gives evidence of the Marine Chemist's inability to apply the procedures and judgments required of Marine Chemists or where information has come to the attention of the Board which indicates that there may be a cause for suspension or cancellation of a Marine Chemist's Certificate, the Board may suspend the Marine Chemist's Certificate immediately and prior to a hearing, if the public interest and public health and safety require such action and the Board makes such a determination. In such case the Marine Chemist who has been suspended shall be promptly notified of such action by a notice being mailed to the last known address of the Marine Chemist. Thereafter, the Marine Chemist shall be afforded a hearing within ten (10) days of said suspension. Should the Marine Chemist request an adjournment of the hearing date, it may be granted at the discretion of the Board.

 
E. In circumstances where a Marine Chemist is notified of the Board's intention to conduct a hearing concerning the suspension, revocation or cancellation of the Marine Chemist's Certificate, the Marine Chemist may be served, at the Board's discretion, with a request to produce documents and information relating to the Chemist's activities. Failure to produce any requested information of a timely basis shall be sufficient grounds for suspension or cancellation at the discretion of the Board.

 
F. Prior to the scheduled hearing, the Marine Chemist shall be given notice of the charges. The Marine Chemist shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard by the Board and an opportunity to appear before the Board and present a defense.

 
G. Appeal from action taken by the Marine Chemist Qualification Board may be brought directly to the National Fire Protection Association Board of Directors.