Tanker Vessels – Terminology
Administration
Means the Government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.
Anti-static additive
A substance added to a petroleum product to raise its electrical conductivity to a safe level above 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m) to prevent accumulation of static electricity.
Approved equipment
Equipment of a design that has been tested and approved by an appropriate authority, such as a government department or classification society. The authority should have certified the equipment as safe for use in a specified hazardous atmosphere.
Auto-ignition
The ignition of a combustible material without initiation by a spark or flame, when the material has been raised to a temperature at which self-sustaining combustion occurs.
Bonding
The connecting together of metal parts to ensure electrical continuity.
Brush discharge
A brush discharge is a diffuse discharge from a single blunt conductor that is more rapid than corona and releases more energy. It is possible for a brush discharge to ignite gases and vapours.
Cathodic protection
The prevention of corrosion by electrochemical techniques. On tankers it may be applied either externally to the hull or internally to the surfaces of tanks. At terminals, it is frequently applied to steel piles and fender panels.
Clingage
Oil remaining on the walls of a pipe or on the internal surfaces of tanks after the bulk of the oil has been removed.
Cold work
Work which cannot create a source of ignition.
Combination carrier
A ship which is designed to carry either petroleum cargoes or dry bulk cargoes.
Combustible (also referred to as ‘Flammable’)
Capable of being ignited and of burning. For the purposes of this guide, the terms ‘combustible’ and ‘flammable’ are synonymous.
Combustible gas indicator
An instrument for measuring the composition of hydrocarbon gas/air mixtures, usually giving the result as a percentage of the lower flammable limit (LFL).
Company
The owner of a ship or any other organisation or person such as the manager, or the bareboat charterer who has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the owner of the ship. This includes the duties and responsibilities imposed by the ISM Code.
Competent Person
A person who has been adequately trained to undertake the tasks they are required to perform within their job description. For personnel in the shipping industry they should be able to demonstrate this competence by the production of certificates approved by the vessel’s Administration.
Corona
A diffuse discharge from a single sharp conductor (less than 5 mm in diameter) that slowly releases some of the available energy. Generally corona is incapable if igniting a gas like propane or vapours like those given-off by gasoline. Corona may ignite vapours like hydrogen or acetylene, which require much lower energies for ignition.
Dangerous area
An area on a tanker which for the purposes of the installation and use of electrical equipment is regarded as dangerous.
Designated Person Ashore
Under the ISM Code, is a person or persons ashore within a ship’s managing office (Company) with direct access to the highest levels of management, who has or have the responsibility and the authority to monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each ship, and to ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are applied, as required.
Dry chemical powder
A flame inhibiting powder used in fire fighting.
Earthing (also referred to as ‘Grounding’)
The electrical connection of equipment to the main body of the earth to ensure that it is at earth potential. On board ship, the connection is made to the main metallic structure of the ship which is at earth potential because of the conductivity of the sea.
Enclosed space
A space which has the following characteristics:
• Limited Openings for entry and exit;
• Unfavourable natural ventilation; and
• Is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
This includes, but is not limited to, cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, pump rooms, compressor rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, engine crankcases and sewerage tanks.
Entry permit
A document issued by a responsible person allowing entry into a space or compartment during a specific time interval.
Explosimeter
See ‘Combustible gas indicator’.
Explosion-proof (also referred to as ‘Flame-proof’)
Electrical equipment is defined and certified as explosion-proof when it is enclosed in a case which is capable of withstanding the explosion within it of a hydrocarbon gas/air mixture or other specified flammable gas mixture. It must also prevent the ignition of such a mixture outside the case either by spark or flame from the internal explosion or as a result of the temperature rise of the case following the internal explosion. The equipment must operate at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited.
Explosive range
See ‘Flammable range’.
Flame arrester
A permeable matrix of metal, ceramic or other heat resisting materials which can cool a deflagration flame, and any following combustion products, below the temperature required for the ignition of the flammable gas on the other side of the arrester.
Flame screen
A portable or fitted device incorporating one or more corrosion resistant wire woven fabrics of very small mesh which is used for preventing sparks from entering a tank or vent opening or, for a short time, preventing the passage of flame. (Not to be confused with ‘Flame arrester’).
Flammable (also referred to as ‘Combustible’)
Capable of being ignited and of burning. For the purposes of this guide the terms ‘flammable’ and ‘combustible’ are synonymous.
Flammable range (also referred to as ‘Explosive range’)
The range of hydrocarbon gas concentrations in air between the lower and upper flammable (explosive) limits. Mixtures within this range are capable of being ignited and of burning.
Flashlight (also referred to as ‘Torch’)
A battery operated hand lamp. An approved flashlight is one which is approved by a competent authority for use in a flammable atmosphere.
Flashpoint
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient gas to form a flammable gas mixture near the surface of the liquid. It is measured in a laboratory in standard apparatus using a prescribed procedure.
Flow rate
The linear velocity of flow of liquid in a pipeline, measured in metres per second (m/s). The determination of the Flow Rates at locations within cargo pipeline systems is essential when handling
static accumulator cargoes. (Also see ‘Loading rate’).
Foam (also referred to as ‘Froth’)
An aerated solution which is used for fire prevention and fire fighting.
Foam concentrate (also referred to as ‘Foam compound’)
The full strength liquid received from the supplier which is diluted and processed to produce foam.
Foam solution
The mixture produced by diluting foam concentrate with water before processing to make foam.
Free fall
The unrestricted fall of liquid into a tank.
Froth
See ‘Foam’.
Gas free
A tank, compartment or container is gas free when sufficient fresh air has been introduced into it to lower the level of any flammable, toxic, or inert gas to that required for a specific purpose, e.g. hot work, entry, etc.
Gas free certificate
A certificate issued by an authorised responsible person confirming that, at the time of testing, a tank, compartment or container was gas free for a specific purpose.
Grounding
See ‘Earthing’.
Halon
A halogenated hydrocarbon used in fire fighting which inhibits flame propagation.
Hazardous area
An area on shore which for the purposes of the installation and use of electrical equipment is regarded as dangerous. Such hazardous areas are graded into hazardous zones depending upon the probability of the presence of a flammable gas mixture.
Hazardous task
A task other than ‘Hot work’ which presents a hazard to the ship, terminal or personnel, the performance of which needs to be controlled by a risk assessment process such as a Permit to Work system.
Hazardous zone
See ‘Hazardous area’.
Hot work
Work involving sources of ignition or temperatures sufficiently high to cause the ignition of a flammable gas mixture. This includes any work requiring the use of welding, burning or soldering equipment, blow torches, some power driven tools, portable electrical equipment which is not intrinsically safe or contained within an approved explosion-proof housing, and internal combustion engines.
Hot work permit
A document issued by a responsible person permitting specific hot work to be done during a specific time interval in a defined area.
Hydrocarbon gas
A gas composed entirely of hydrocarbons.
Inert condition
A condition in which the oxygen content throughout the atmosphere of a tank has been reduced to 8 per cent or less by volume by the addition of inert gas.
Inert gas
A gas or a mixture of gases, such as flue gas, containing insufficient oxygen to support the combustion of hydrocarbons.
Inert gas plant
All equipment fitted to supply, cool, clean, pressurise, monitor and control the delivery of inert gas to the cargo tank systems.
Inert gas system (IGS)
An inert gas plant and inert gas distribution system together with means for preventing backflow of cargo gases to the machinery spaces, fixed and portable measuring instruments and control devices.
Inerting
The introduction of inert gas into a tank with the object of attaining the inert condition.
Insulating flange
A flanged joint incorporating an insulating gasket, sleeves and washers to prevent electrical continuity between ship and shore.
Interface detector
An electrical instrument for detecting the boundary between oil and water.
International Safety Management Code (ISM Code)
An international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. The Code establishes safety-management objectives and requires a “Safety Management System” (SMS) to be established by the “Company”.
Intrinsically safe
An electrical circuit or part of a circuit is intrinsically safe if any spark or thermal effect produced normally (i.e. by breaking or closing the circuit) or accidentally (e.g. by short circuit or earth fault) is incapable, under prescribed test conditions, of igniting a prescribed gas mixture.
Loading over the top (also known as ‘Loading overall’)
The loading of cargo or ballast through an open ended pipe or by means of an open ended hose entering a tank through a hatch or other deck opening, resulting in the free fall of liquid.
Loading rate
The volumetric measure of liquid loaded within a given period, usually expressed as cubic metres per hour (m3/hr) or barrels per hour (bbls/hr).
Lower flammable limit (LFL)
The concentration of a hydrocarbon gas in air, below which there is insufficient hydrocarbon to support and propagate combustion. Sometimes referred to as lower explosive limit (LEL).
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A document identifying the substance and all its constituents, providing the recipient with all necessary information to safely manage the substance. The format and content of an MSDS for MARPOL Annex I cargoes and Marine Fuel Oils is prescribed in IMO Resolution MSC.150 (77).
Mercaptans
A group of naturally occurring sulphur containing organic chemicals. They are present in some crude oils and in pentane plus cargoes. They have a strong odour.
Mooring winch brake design capacity
The percentage of the minimum breaking load (MBL) of a new mooring rope or wire that a winch carries, at which the winch brake is designed to render. Winch brakes will normally be designed to hold 80% of the line’s MBL and will be set in service to hold 60% of the mooring line’s MBL. Brake holding capacity may be expressed either in tonnes or as a percentage of a line’s MBL.
Mooring winch design heaving capacity
The power of a mooring winch to heave in or put a load on its mooring rope or wire. Usually expressed in tonnes.
Naked lights
Open flames or fires, lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes or similar smoking materials, any other unconfined sources of ignition, electrical and other equipment liable to cause sparking while in use, unprotected light bulbs or any surface with a temperature that is equal to or higher than the minimum ignition temperature of the products handled in the operation.
Non-volatile petroleum
Petroleum having a flash point of 60ºC or above, as determined by the closed cup method of test.
Odour threshold
The lowest concentration of vapour in air which can be detected by smell.
OBO, OIL/ORE
See ‘Combination Carrier’.
Oxygen analyser/meter
An instrument for determining the percentage of oxygen in a sample of the atmosphere drawn from a tank, pipe or compartment.
Packaged cargo
Petroleum or other cargo in drums, packages or other containers.
Pellister
An electrical sensor unit fitted in a flammable gas detector for measuring hydrocarbon vapours and air mixtures within the flammable range.
Permit
A document issued by a responsible person which allows work to be performed in compliance with the vessel’s Safety Management System
Permit to work system
A system for controlling activities that expose the ship, personnel and the environment to hazard. The system will provide risk assessment techniques and apply them to the varying levels of risk that may be experienced. The system should conform to a recognised industry guideline.
Petroleum
Crude oil and liquid hydrocarbon products derived from it.
Petroleum gas
A gas evolved from petroleum. The main constituents of petroleum gases are hydrocarbons, but they may also contain other substances, such as hydrogen sulphide or lead alkyls, as minor constituents.
Phase
Oil is considered to have three phases in which it can exist depending on the grade of oil and its temperature. The three phases are the solid phase, the liquid phase and the vapour phase. The phases do not exist in isolation and operators must manage the carriage of oil with an understanding of the combinations of the phases of oil in the cargo being carried.
Pour point
The lowest temperature at which a petroleum oil will remain fluid.
Pressure surge
A sudden increase in the pressure of the liquid in a pipeline brought about by an abrupt change in flow rate.
Pressure/vacuum relief valve (P/V valve)
A device which provides for the flow of the small volumes of vapour, air or inert gas mixtures caused by thermal variations in a cargo tank.
Purging
The introduction of inert gas into a tank already in the inert condition with the object of:
(1) further reducing the existing oxygen content; and/or
(2) reducing the existing hydrocarbon gas content to a level below which combustion cannot be supported if air is subsequently introduced into the tank.
Pyrophoric iron sulphide
Iron sulphide capable of a rapid exothermic oxidation causing incandescence when exposed to air and potential ignition of flammable hydrocarbon gas/air mixtures.
Reid vapour pressure (RVP)
The vapour pressure of a liquid determined in a standard manner in the Reid apparatus at a temperature of 37.8ºC and with a ratio of gas to liquid volume of 4:1. Used for comparison purposes
only. See ‘True Vapour Pressure’.
Relaxation time
The time taken for a static charge to relax or dissipate from a liquid. This time is typically one half minute for static accumulator liquids.
Responsible officer (or person)
A person appointed by the employer or the master of the ship and empowered to take all decisions relating to a specific task, having the necessary knowledge and experience for that purpose.
Resuscitator
Equipment to assist or restore the breathing of personnel overcome by gas or lack of oxygen.
Safety Management System (SMS)
A formal documented system, required by the ISM Code, compliance with which will ensure that all operations and activities onboard a ship are carried out in a safe manner.
Self stowing mooring winch
A mooring winch fitted with a drum on which a wire or rope is made fast and automatically stowed.
Settling time
The time it takes for tank contents to stop moving once filling has stopped. The movement can be because of thermal currents, solids and/or water settling or of gas bubbles rising. Typically this time is 30 minutes.
SOLAS
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, as amended from time to time.
Sounding pipe
A pipe extending from the top of the tank to the bottom through which the contents of the tank can be measured. The pipe is usually perforated to ensure the level of liquid in the pipe is the same as the level of liquid in the body of the tank and to prevent the possibility of spillages. The pipe should be electrically bonded to the ship’s structure at the deck and at its lower end.
Sour crude oil
A crude oil containing appreciable amounts of hydrogen sulphide and/or mercaptans.
Spontaneous combustion
The ignition of material brought about by a heat producing (exothermic) chemical reaction within the material itself without exposure to an external source of ignition.
Spread loading
The practice of loading a number of tanks simultaneously to reduce the velocity of the cargo in the pipelines serving individual tanks to avoid static electricity generation when loading static accumulator cargoes.
Static accumulator oil
An oil with an electrical conductivity less than 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m), so that it is capable of retaining a significant electrostatic charge.
Static electricity
The electricity produced by dissimilar materials through physical contact and separation.
Static non-accumulator oil
An oil with an electrical conductivity greater than 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m), which renders it incapable of retaining a significant electrostatic charge.
Stripping
The final operation in draining liquid from a tank or pipeline.
Tanker
A ship designed to carry liquid petroleum cargo in bulk, including a combination carrier when being used for this purpose.
Tank cleaning
The process of removing hydrocarbon vapours, liquid or residue from tanks. Usually carried out so that tanks can be entered for inspection or hot work.
Tension winch (automated or self tensioning mooring system)
A mooring winch fitted with a device which may be set to automatically maintain the tension on a mooring line. The use of such an automatic system is not usually permitted on tanker berths.
Terminal
A place where tankers are berthed or moored for the purpose of loading or discharging petroleum cargo.
Terminal representative
A person designated by the terminal to take responsibility for an operation or duty.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV)
Airborne concentrations of substances under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed day after day with no adverse effect. TLV’s are advisory exposure guidelines, not legal standards, that are based on industrial experience and studies.
There are three different types of TLV’s:
• Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) — the airborne concentrations of a toxic substance averaged over an 8 hour period, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).
• Short Term Exposure Limit (TLV-STEL) — the airborne concentration of a toxic substance averaged over any 15 minute period, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).
• Ceiling (TLV-C) – The concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
Topping off
The operation of completing the loading of a tank to a required ullage.
Topping up
The introduction of inert gas into a tank which is already in the inert condition with the object of raising the tank pressure to prevent any ingress of air.
Torch
See ‘Flashlight’.
Toxicity
The degree to which a substance or mixture of substances can harm humans or animals. ‘Acute toxicity’ involves harmful effects to an organism through a single short term exposure.
‘Chronic toxicity’ is the ability of a substance or mixture of substances to cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually upon repeated or continuous exposure, sometimes lasting for the entire life of the exposed organism.
True vapour pressure (TVP)
The true vapour pressure of a liquid is the absolute pressure exerted by the gas produced by evaporation from a liquid when gas and liquid are in equilibrium at the prevailing temperature.
Ullage
The space above the liquid in a tank, conventionally measured as the distance from the calibration point to the liquid surface.
Upper flammable limit (UFL)
The concentration of a hydrocarbon gas in air above which there is insufficient oxygen to support and propagate combustion. Sometimes referred to as upper explosive limit (UEL).
Vapour
A gas below its critical temperature.
Vapour emission control system (VECS)
An arrangement of piping and equipment used to control vapour emissions during tanker operations, including ship and shore vapour collection systems, monitoring and control devices and vapour processing arrangements.
Vapour lock system
Equipment fitted to a tank to enable the measuring and sampling of cargoes without release of vapour/inert gas pressure.
Volatile petroleum
Petroleum, having a flash point below 60ºC as determined by the closed cup method of testing.
Water fog
A suspension in the atmosphere of very fine droplets of water usually delivered at a high pressure through a fog nozzle for use in fire fighting.
Water spray
A suspension in the atmosphere of water divided into coarse drops by delivery through a special nozzle for use in fire fighting.
Work permit
A document issued by a responsible person permitting specific work to be done, in a defined area, during a specified time period.