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.
