Liquid cargo is nowadays usually transferred using an articulated arm
loading/discharge system, and groups of arms are often found on a shore refinery or offshore loading facilities. It connects to the tanker's manifold, usually located near the center of the ship.
Before commencing fuel oil transfer operation, chief engineer shall post a line diagram of the vessel’s oil transfer piping including the location of each valve,
pump, control device, vent and overflow. Also the location of the shut-off valve or other isolation devices that separate all bilge or
ballast system from the oil transfer system.
Cargo piping – tankers:
Cargo piping in tankers is usually mild steel and is protected from
rusting by external painting. Most large oil tankers have the main ring system that allows increased operational flexibility and
the penalty of reduced segregation.
Tankers fitted with deep-well
pumps in cargo tanks have dedicated piping. Each tank will have
its pump, pipe, and cargo manifold. Stainless steel piping is
invariably used with stainless steel tanks. On chemical tankers,
cargo pipes must be joined by welding. Flanged connections are
allowed on oil tankers, as well as on chemical tankers at valve
connections and for fitting portable spool pieces, which are
removable short lengths of pipe used for segregation of piping.
Regular pressure testing of cargo pipes is essential to detect
weak points before they fail.
Hydraulic piping systems
Hydraulic pipes are high-pressure pipes. Hydraulics are used for:
- Manoeuvring the steering gear
- Actuating controllable pitch propellers and thrusters
- Control of watertight doors and valves
- Lifting appliances and deck equipment
- Opening stern, bow or side doors
- Moving mobile ramps for hatch covers
- Driving cargo and ballast pumps and for many other minor
shipboard utilities.
It is a requirement that hydraulic systems for steering, pitch control
and watertight doors have dedicated piping and pumps.
Some hydraulic fluids are highly flammable. As a result, hydraulic
equipment and pipework must be kept clear of hot surfaces.
Alternatively, hot surfaces must be protected by spray shields.
It is important to prevent the external corrosion of hydraulic piping
located on the deck. Hydraulic pipes operate at very high pressure, and
corrosion-induced weakness frequently causes hydraulic pipes to
burst. A high standard of cleanliness is necessary when working
with, or replacing, hydraulic piping. Check the systems regularly
for leaks, corrosion or mechanical damage.
Use only good-quality and clean hydraulic fluid.
Oil discharge containment and procedures for emptying the oil containment.
The oil discharge containment is a metal box welded to the deck under or around
each fuel oil, bulk lubricating oil tank vent, overflow, and filling pipe in accordance
with 33CFR155.320.
Drop the oil into fuel oil tank using the by-pass valve or transfer into the fuel oil
tank by other methods.
Oil Discharge Monitoring And Control Equipment
Vessels fitted with equipment for monitoring the discharge of effluent from slop tanks must ensure that this equipment is operational before any release is made. The operation of this equipment must be following the approved "Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems Operation Manual."
The ODME shall be calibrated following the manufacturer's recommendations as necessary to conform to manufacturer's specifications, but in no case shall the interval between calibrations exceed five years.
The ODME shall be self-tested before each use. According to the manufacturer's manual, a test is to be carried out at intervals, not exceeding one month.
Printed records from the monitoring equipment must be retained on board for inspection by surveyors.
Number of personnel on duty
More than two crew members (at least one engineer) shall be on duty to conduct the oil transfer operation. Each crewmember engaging in the oil transfer operation shall familiarize himself
with the line diagram of the piping, valves, tanks, etc.
Chief engineer
The chief engineer shall inspect each equipment and confirm their reasonable condition and
give adequate instructions to the person in charge.
The person in charge shall aid the chief engineer and operate valves and check ullage.
Engine hands
Engine hands shall engage in oil transfer operation under the command of chief
engineer and the person in charge.
Procedures for tending the vessel’s mooring
The person in charge of oil transfer shall assure that the vessel is securely moored, and the moorings are being tended as necessary through consultation with the deck officer on duty.
Each deckhand on duty shall watch ship mooring and report to the officer on duty and
operate the mooring winch.
Operations at SBM, CBM / MBM and Tandem Moorings (F(P)SO’s)
Environmental and operating conditions will vary from terminal to terminal, and working practices are developed accordingly. When operating at an SBM, CBM, or a terminal utilizing tandem mooring, the terminal's operational requirements shall be carefully reviewed and strictly complied with. Any abnormal condition shall be immediately reported to the Loading / Mooring Master as appropriate.
Environmental conditions – wind/sea / swell conditions and currents / tidal streams (as appropriate) shall be monitored throughout and appropriate actions taken as agreed with the terminal in the event of unexpected changes or operating conditions deteriorating to close to operating limits. Weather forecasts shall be obtained from all available sources.
In all cases, the hose string shall be carefully monitored for product leakage.
If the terminal hoses/lines are to be flushed with seawater on completion of operations, this should be addressed appropriately.
Procedures for operation the emergency shutdown
When charging fuel oil from shore facility or barge, the emergency shutdown must be
provided by the transferring facility. When transferring fuel oil by ship's pump,
an engineer in charge shall operate the emergency shutdown button.
Procedures for topping off tanks
When topping off tanks, an engineer in charge shall check ullage continuously and request the shore personnel to reduce the loading rate if necessary to avoid the possibility of the oil spill.
Communications during oil transfer operation
The chief engineer shall discuss with shore personnel about communications during the transfer operation. Communications require that continuous two-way voice communications be possible at all times, ex. walkie-talkie.
Procedures for closing all valves used during oil transfer operation
The chief engineer shall ensure that all valves used during the oil transfer operation
are closed after completion of the transfer.
Procedures for closing and opening the vessel’s openings-
i) Hatches
-
ii) Ullage openings
-
iii) Sounding pipes
-
No person shall open the abovementioned openings without permission of the chief
engineer.
Procedures for reporting oil discharge into the water
In the case of an oil spill, Master shall report to the terminal and the undermentioned immediately-
Local port authority
-
In U.S. water: The National Response Center(NRC),
Washington, D.C.
Tel. (800)424-8802(24) &
Coast Guard Government Official
If directly reporting to the NRC is not practicable, reports may be made to the Coast
Guard or Government Officials for the geographic area where the discharge occurred.
Contents of Reporting-
Date and time of discharge
-
Date and time of reporting
-
Ship’s name
-
Company’s name
-
Where the discharge occurred
-
Kind of oil
-
Quantity of discharge
- Weather
- Tide and current
- Sea condition
- Cause of incident
The above facts shall be entered in the Log Book and the Oil Record Book. Advise owners office and also report to ships flag authority regarding all details.
Related articles
Ships bunkering guideline- planning, preparation, safety checks & confirmation
Ship to Ship transfer - operational guideline for oil tankers
Controlling oil pollution- emergency measures for ships
Countermeasures against oil spillage onboard
How to report in case of an oil spillage onboard
Bunkering arrangement and safety factors onboard
Bunkering safe procedure and detail guideline for ships
Operational guideline during bunkering
How to keep bunkering record ?
Precautions prior transferring fuel oil into storage tanks
Related articles:
Basic procedure for pumproom management
Ship to ship transferring oil Basic procedure and guideline
Oil pollution control Oil tanker safety guideline
Oil pollution countermeasures Oil tanker safety guideline
Oil cargo loading Preparation and guideline
Oil spillage prevention Oil tanker safety guideline
Disaster prevention in oil tanker Procedure and guideline
Acceptance / rejection of fuel in a quality dispute
Operational guideline during bunkering
Bunker fuel sulfer limit of 3.50 % - Fuel Oil Regulations Frequently asked questions
Ships bunkering guideline- planning, preparation, safety checks & confirmation
Bunkering arrangement and safety factors onboard
Bunkering safe procedure and detail guideline for ships
How to keep bunkering record ?
Precautions prior transferring fuel oil into storage tanks
Treatment of waste oil and oily bilge
Bulk liquid cargo handling - Ship to shore safety checklist
Procedure for oil tankers and how to maintain records
Acceptance or rejection of fuel oil
Heating of fuel oil storage tank
Fuel oil viscosity control
Ships bunkering guideline- planning, preparation, safety checks & confirmation
Tanker vessel safety guideline - inert gas system
Tanker vessel safety guideline - gas freeing procedure
Precautions prior entering freezing zone - Check items in oil tankers operation
Tanker vessel safety guideline Check items in oil tankers operation
Tanker vessel safety guideline - how to prevent oil spillage
Tanker vessel safety guideline - tank cleaning procedures
How to ensure safe working atmosphere onboard?
Related Information
General guidance for oil tankers
Tanker equipment and machinery
Pumproom procedure
Pumproom inspection for tankers
Safe stability guideline for oil tankers Learn basic procedure
Treatment for waste oil or oily bilges
Oil pollution prevention method
General precautions for tankers
Tanker equipment and machinery
General guidance for oil tankers
Crude oil washing for tankers
Other info pages !
Ships Charterparties Related terms & guideline
Stevedores injury How to prevent injury onboard
Environmental issues How to prevent marine pollution
Cargo & Ballast Handling Safety Guideline
Reefer cargo handling Troubleshoot and countermeasures
DG cargo handling Procedures & Guidelines
Safety in engine room Standard procedures
Questions from user and feedback Read our knowledgebase
Home page
ShipsBusiness.com is merely an informational site about various aspects of ships operation,maintenance procedure,
prevention of pollution and many safety guideline. The procedures explained here are only indicative,
not exhaustive in nature and one must always be guided by practices of good seamanship.
User feedback is
important to update our database. For any comment or suggestions please Contact us
Site Use and Privacy - Read our privacy policy and site use information.
//Home //Terms and conditions of use
Copyright © 2015 www.shipsbusiness.com All rights reserved.
