All the responsible officers should be familiar with all aspects of bunkering and the ship’s bunkering system, and one such officer should personally supervise the operation. He must be in close contact with the shore/barge especially with respect to stopping of bunkers in case of emergencies.

On arrival at bunker port delivery documents of the fuel supplier to be examined and compared with instructions of owner/charterer. Density, viscosity, sulphur content, etc. to be matched with ordered ones.

1. All valves should be checked and those not to be used, must be securely closed.
2. Oil absorbent materials should be easily available. Fire fighting appliances to be kept handy. Scuppers should be sealed.
3. Communication system should be checked between ship and shore.
4. All hose connections to be frequently checked.
5. Before bunkering sounding of the ullage at shore installation or barge to be taken and signed jointly.
6. If there is a flow meter fitted in bunker line, counter to be noted.
7. Ship tank soundings to be taken.
8. Overflow tank must be emptied and tank vent drip tray drains to be closed.
9. Bunkering should start at a minimum rate so that any problem may be detected early. Tanks should not be filled more than 90% capacity.
10. For final topping up of tanks, pumping rate must be minimum.
11. Special care to be taken while hose disconnection after completion of bunker.

Instruction to Personnel

Before any transfer of product is undertaken, the officer must confirm the following items, with the person in charge of barge/terminal bunkering. Each will sign the form to acknowledge.

1. Pumping data
2. Quantity and type of stock to be transferred
3. Initial transfer rate
4. Maximum transfer rate
5. Maximum transfer pressure
6. Anticipated stoppage time
7. The method of communication between barge/terminal and vessel has been established.
8. Except for emergencies, minimum stand by time for shutting down to be agreed
9. Hose condition
10. Are connection between barge and vessel/terminal properly secured
11. Are scupper plugs in place
12. A continuous deck watch to be kept by vessel and barge
13. In the event of an oil spill clear understanding for actions to be taken
14. All unused manifold connections are blanked off
15. Method of sampling to be agreed

 

Reference

“SHIP SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION” BY GAUTAM SEN