Replacing one gas atmosphere in a cargo tank with another (typically replacing flammable hydrocarbon with inert gas before tank entry, or vice versa before loading).
Regulatory detail & full definition
On crude tankers, purging means replacing tank atmosphere with inert gas to < 8% O2 before loading or after discharge. On LNG carriers, purging means replacing inert gas with cargo vapour (gassing-up). Documented in tank atmosphere log; entry to a purged tank requires SCBA and confirmed atmosphere test (O2, LEL, H2S, CO).
Source: ISGOTT Ch. 11; SOLAS III/19 (enclosed-space drills)
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