Standard Operating Procedure
SOP – ISO Tank Acceptance
To establish minimum documentation and acceptance requirements for ISO Tanks offered for carriage on Sea Express vessels and to ensure that only properly documented and fit units are accepted for loading.
Section A
NON-DG ISO Tank Requirements
1. Mandatory Documents
- Valid ISO Tank Test Certificate: Must be within validity period & tank number must match booking & physical unit.
- Current MSDS/SDS: Must clearly identify the cargo and match booking declaration.
- VGM / Weight Declaration: Gross weight accurately declared within vessel/terminal limits.
2. Acceptance Checks (Operations)
Tank Number
Cargo Description
Gross Weight
POL / POD
Test Cert Validity
Physical Condition
No visible leakage or structural damage
Valves, fittings & frame in satisfactory condition
Note: Expired certs, missing MSDS, incorrect details or unsafe condition places unit on HOLD.
Section B
DG ISO Tank Requirements
1. Mandatory Documents
- Valid ISO Tank Test Certificate
- Current MSDS/SDS
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
- VGM / Weight Declaration
- Additional DG Certificates / Approvals (if applicable)
2. DG Desk / Operations Verification
UN Number
Proper Shipping Name
IMO Class / Division
Packing Group
Marine Pollutant Status
Flash Point
Required Placards / Marks
Vessel & Port Restrictions
Important: MSDS/SDS alone is NOT DG approval. DG cargo must be approved before inclusion in final load list.
Physical Condition Rejection Criteria
ISO Tanks will NOT be accepted for loading if there is:
- ❌ Visible leakage
- ❌ Significant structural/frame damage
- ❌ Damaged valves or fittings
- ❌ Missing/illegible tank identification
- ❌ Expired test/inspection certificate
Final Loading Control
Operations ensures before release:
- ✔ Tank number correctly reflected in final load list
- ✔ Weight & cargo details verified
- ✔ Valid DG approval attached for DG units
- ✔ Vessel received correct stowage instructions
CRITICAL POLICY
KEY ACCEPTANCE RULE
NON-DG FORMULA
Valid Test Cert + MSDS/SDS + VGM
DG FORMULA
Valid Test Cert + MSDS/SDS + DGD + VGM + DG Approval
NO DOCUMENTS / NO APPROVAL = NO LOADING
Role Assignment
Stakeholder Responsibilities
Customer / Shipper
Provide complete and accurate documents and cargo declaration.
Sea Express / DG Desk
Verify documentation and approve/reject the ISO Tank for carriage.
Terminal
Verify physical condition and tank identification at gate-in.
Vessel / Master
Load only approved ISO Tanks appearing on final approved load list.
