The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) first published Standards for Oil Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment in 1971. The guidance was subsequently revised in a second edition, published in 1975, primarily to take account of changes in practice reflecting the increased usage of hard arms, the introduction of large diameter floating hoses at some Single Point Moorings (SPMs) and the increased frequency of lightering operations. Further revisions in 1981 and 1991 contained expanded recommendations on lifting equipment and vapour manifolds respectively as well as a new title Recommendations for Oil Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment.

This new publication, the first edition of Recommendations for Oil and Chemical Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment supersedes the earlier titles. It takes account of the many years of industry experience with the previous guidance and builds on the earlier recommendations. The following summarises the more significant changes that have been introduced:

This is now a joint publication with the Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), who have provided valuable input to support the development of recommendations for chemical tankers.

Guidance has been expanded to include chemical tankers and dual classed oil/chemical tankers with the aim of achieving improved compatibility with shore facilities, particularly when these vessels trade to oil terminals.