How should the vessel be prepared before sinking?

Asbestos can be found throughout ships, from the top of the bridge to the bilge. Identifying the locations and types of asbestos onboard early in the clean-up process is essential for vessel preparation and may involve qualified asbestos inspectors.

Once the type and location of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are identified, a determination should be made whether to remove, encapsulate, or leave the asbestos undisturbed.

The method of demolition is particularly important to the effective management of asbestos on board ships. If the sinking method for the vessel includes the use of explosives, asbestos-containing material that may become disturbed during detonation should be removed from the vessel.

In addition, any asbestos that is moved or disturbed (including during clean-up operations) or can potentially get dislodged as the vessel sinks should be removed from the vessel.

Friable asbestos should be sealed as a precautionary measure to prevent releases of asbestos in high concentrations during the sinking event. Intact and undisturbed asbestos insulation need not be removed.