OTM-7.14	Oil Tanker Manual OTM Cargo Sampling	Doc No.: OTM 7.14 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1. APPLICATION

This document applies to Deck Officers and Watch Keepers onboard fully managed Tank vessels.

2. PURPOSE

To specify procedures on Cargo Sampling for protection against cargo claims.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Chief officer - Overall in charge of cargo sampling.
• Deck officers - Responsible officers to assist chief officer.
• Watch Keepers - Assist during sampling operation.

4. CARGO SAMPLING PROCEDURES

Take following samples at load port:

• Manifold sample for each grade prior opening manifold valve.

Warning:

• Suspend loading operation, if manifold samples appear off spec.
• Running sample if restrictions imposed by the terminal. (e.g. manifold valve cannot be kept closed).
• Closed hatch samples is to be taken under normal circumstances, by pump circulation and in case of charterer’s request for open hatch sampling, office concurrence must be obtained.

Open Sampling

At times, despite taking precautions to ensure good quality samples, the samples drawn through the closed sampling method may be unsatisfactory. Viscosity and pour point issues can make closed sampling difficult.

In this case, the parties involved may consider open sampling.

Open sampling is an exception, not a readily available alternative. It risks exposing personnel to harmful cargo vapours and poses electrostatic hazards (see ISGOTT ed 6, section 12.8.2).

If open sampling is needed, it should be done according to the operator's SMS and agreed by the Master and the Terminal Representative.

The risk of open sampling should be evaluated and risk assessed considering the characteristics of the cargo, personal exposure to toxic/flammable vapours, the electrostatic hazard, and the weather.

Open sampling should not be carried out under no wind or light wind conditions or with lightning in the area.

To reduce the risk, ensure the level of PPE, including RPE, meets the requirements of the risk assessment. Isolate the IG branch valve and release the cargo tank pressure, open one tank at a time and stop any cargo operation. Use a toolbox talk to brief the crew involved in operation on the hazards and safety procedures.

Once the open sampling is complete, restore the system to normal operation and check the oxygen content to confirm the tank remains inert.

An RA with office approval and terminal concurrence is required.

Do not throw first sample from manifold.

Tank composite sample drawn from bottom, middle & upper level after any internal transfer.

Take following samples at Discharge Port:

• Tank composite sample drawn from bottom, middle & upper level.

Responsible officer to examine samples for:

• Color
• Clarity
• Smell
• Water
• Dirt or particulate matter

Immediately Notify following parties if samples appear off spec:

• Attending surveyor
• Charterers
• COMPANY office
• P&I Club after consulting Vessel Manager

Mark sample bottles with:

• Voyage number
• Date
• Grade of cargo
• Source of sample
• Reference number, if any

Sampling Procedure:

• Take samples in clean bottles.
• Responsible officer to supervise sampling.
• Use closed sampling device.
• Use glass sampling bottles.
• Clean sampling equipment prior use.

Store Samples in:

• Designated sample lockers within cargo area.
• Storage locker equipped with adequate ventilation.
• Storage locker equipped with adequate firefighting system. To prevent bottle movement, divide storage cells.
• Segregate cargoes which may react with each other.

Retention of Samples:

• Minimum 12 months from the date of discharge.

Disposal of Samples:

• Follow MARPOL requirements for disposal.
• Prior disposal, seek approval from Company office & operator.
• Dispose inhibited cargo samples after expiry date of the Inhibitor.

Coution:

• Never mix Annex-I cargo samples with Annex-II
• Use slop tanks for disposal of Annex-I samples & recorded in oil record book.
• Obtain disposal certificate when samples disposed ashore.

Consignee Samples:

• Kept on board from load to discharge port.
• Handed over to the receiver or its representative at discharge port.
• Obtain signed receipt once handed over.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Keep duplicate of each sample handed over.

5. REFERENCED FORMS AND CHECKLISTS

• TNK 19 - Cargo Sample Log