OTM-7.8	Oil Tanker Manual OTM Operational Checks in Port	Doc No.: OTM 7.8 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1. APPLICATION

This document applies to all personnel onboard fully managed Tanker vessels.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to specify operational checks required in port.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Master – Overall in-charge for arrival / departure / cargo documents
• Chief Officer – Overall in-charge of operational checks
• Chief Engineer – Liaise with chief mate for operational tests of all machinery required for cargo operations
• Deck officers – Assist chief officer in operational tests and follow cargo operations
• Deck Crew – Assist chief mate as directed

4. OPERATIONAL CHECKS

4.1 Continuous draught and UKC monitoring

• Check draughts continuously by the remote draught gauge, and compare with approved Loading Plan
• When alongside a berth, if possible, compare remote, calculated and visual draughts
• Monitor and record UKC periodically
• Check UKC using echo sounder or manually using hand lead line / sounding rod at the deepest draft

4.2 Cargo and ballast calculations

• OOW should compare the actual temperature every watch
• Monitor cargo tank ullages, ballast tank soundings and drafts throughout the loading operation
• Calculate and record cargo / ballast quantities and draft hourly
• OOW to verify ship and shore quantities very two hours
• If the ship–shore difference is more than 0.3%, re-calculate the cargo on board and reconfirm shore figures
• If difference is same, inform Chief Officer and terminal about the discrepancy
• If difference continues to rise further, stop cargo operation and investigate the cause
• OOW to compare actual cargo sequences with approved cargo plan
• Inform chief officer of any abnormality
• On completion of de-ballasting operations, verify sounding of all ballast tank compare with approved cargo Plan
• Inform chief officer of any abnormality

4.3 Hull stress control by the dedicated cargo loading computer

• Conduct function and accuracy test of the cargo loading computer:
  • Using class approved test conditions
  • As per the manufacturer’s instruction manual
  • At least once every four months
  • Maintain test records
• Use Cargo Loading Computer at least every hour during cargo operations to verify:
  • Intact stability
  • Shear forces
  • Bending moments
  • Bending and shear forces are within limits as guided by the ship loading manual.

4.4 Moorings

• The Watch Officer is responsible for frequent and careful tending of moorings
• Consider following when tending moorings:
  • Significant increase in wind speed
  • Change of wind direction
  • Swell conditions
  • Periods of tidal flow
  • Low under keel clearance
  • Close passing of other ships
• Maximum weather criteria (wind speed) and maximum sea/swell criteria for vessels to stay alongside berth with cargo arm / hoses connected and to continue to conduct cargo operation during deteriorating weather is as follows:



Note:

• Vessel to discuss above during initial safety meeting with the terminal / barge representative and record it in TNK06A i.e. Ship Shore Safety Checklist. If terminal has lower values, then the most stringent criteria prevails. For SBM weather criteria to be discussed with the Mooring master as the stress on the chain can be checked using the tension meter if fitted or monitored visually.
• Buoy mooring:
  • Precautions for berthing and cargo handling apply same as at jetty
• Multi buoy mooring:
  • Restrict tanker movement by keeping lines taut at all times

Note:

• Excessive movement can rupture of the cargo connections.
• Single point moorings: Station a watchman on the forecastle to report:
  • any failure or imminent failure of moorings
  • Leakage of oil
  • If the vessel 'rides up' to the buoy
• Towing off wires:
  • Rig forward and aft, where tugs are available, if terminal requires
  • Run eyes of towing off wires out and maintained one metre above the water line
  • For vessels alongside a jetty rig at offshore side
  • For vessel at a buoy mooring rig on side opposite to the hose strings

4.5 Manifold

• Frequently check the loading arm connection and manifold
• Inspect both onshore and offshore manifolds for complete integrity
• Always keep a watchman stationed near the manifold during operations

4.6 Opening / Closing vessel openings (as described in 33 CFR 155.815)

• Open following and any other tank openings only when required to load or discharge tank:
  • Expansion trunks
  • ullage openings
  • sounding ports
• Openings must remain closed at all other times

4.7 Pump room (Cargo / Ballast)

• Check pump room for integrity at least hourly
• Follow pump room entry procedures as per FOM 10.13 Permit to Work Systems
• Emergency stops
• Test before use of cargo and ballast pumps
• Lubricating systems:
  • Check and ensure topped up to correct levels
• Temperatures:
  • Check bearing temperatures frequently during operation
  • If fitted, use temperature alarms and trips
  • If pump bearing / casing temperatures increase and approach cut-out levels during operations, shut down the pumps and investigate the cause

4.8 Weather

• Maintain careful watch for adverse weather conditions
• During electrical storms whilst cargo operations:
  • Stop operations
  • Close all tank openings and vent lines
• At exposed sea berth:
  • Adverse winds may require stoppage of cargo operation
  • Liaison closely with shore authorities

4.9 Water around vessel

• Keep watch on water around vessel for oil slicks.
• On seeing oil around the vessel, establish its source i.e., whether coming from:
  • Another vessel
  • Jetty
  • Own ship
• On seeing oil, make an appropriate entry in the port log book

4.10 Gas evolution

• When loading high vapour pressure cargoes, keep a watch on the wind speed and direction
• When there is little air movement, a gas cloud may form on lee side of accommodation
• In such conditions, Master to liaise with the Terminal on requirement to stop cargo for safety reasons

4.11 Routine checks

• Check Ballast tanks and voids next to cargo tanks daily for cargo leakage
• Cross check MMC’s with fixed ullage gauge to check accuracy

4.12 Air conditioning system

• Maintain positive pressure in accommodation to prevent the entry of hydrocarbon vapours
• Partially open-air intake of the air conditioning system:
  • Keep access doors closed
  • Do not operate system in 100% re-circulation mode, as extraction fans in galley / sanitary spaces reduces pressure in accommodation
• There is a benefit from having a gas detection and/or alarm system fitted to air conditioning intakes.
• If hydrocarbon vapours are present at the inlets:
  • Shut down the ventilation system
  • Suspend cargo transfer till the surrounding atmosphere is free of hydrocarbon vapours

5. SAFE HANDLING OF THE PRODUCTS

• Permit smoking only in designated safe areas.
• Do not carry out welding or hot work during cargo operations.
• Personnel should avoid:
  • Breathing cargo vapours
  • Direct contact with products
• After completion of transfer, drain hoses back into the transfer vessel or facility

5.1 Cargo spill, leaks

• Immediately secure transfer operations
• Attempt to contain spill on deck
• Begin clean-up operations
• Notify Vessel Manger and Marine Superintendent
• In United States immediately notify:
  • National response centre, Telephone 1-800-424-8802 Telex 892427
  • Local US Coast Guard Captain of Port/Marine Safety Office
  • Agents
  • Owners
  • Qualified Individual

5.2 In case of personnel exposure

• Flush affected area with water.
• Flush eyes with approved eye wash.
• Remove victim from area.
• Provide fresh air.
• Provide medical attention.

5.3 Emptying fixed containment

• Transfer any cargo spilled in fixed containment after each transfer operation, into ship's tank by:
  • A portable pump or
  • Manually with buckets or
  • By gravitation
• Wipe and clean residual oils

5.4 Emergency shutdown and communications

• When activating emergency shut down close all valves, in the cargo system.
• Maintain communication by two-way radios with the facility.

6. PORT LOG ENTRIES

• Times, duration and reasons for not able to maintain agreed manifold pressure
• Any stoppages / delays due to:
  • Weather
  • Lightning
  • Terminal requests
  • Vessel requirements
  • Pumping stoppages/delays
  • Delays due to Customs/Port authorities
• Commencement/Completion of:
  • Hose connections
  • Ullaging/gauging/sampling
  • Individual ballast tank start/stop
  • Individual cargo tank start/stop
  • Top-off times
• Additionally, during lightering operations
  • Times of all vessels/barges coming alongside
  • Hose connection/disconnection

7. CARGO HOSE HANDLING

• A responsible officer should check ship's gear and, if required, the shore rig
• Pay special attention to the topping lifts
• If the shore rigging seems unsafe in any respect, discuss it with shore personnel

Coution:

• If the rigging or the hoses fail, there is a serious risk of fire and explosion.
• Plug scuppers effectively
• Place drip trays under manifolds to hold any drips
• Keep plenty of rags and sawdust ready in case of any spillage on to the deck while disconnecting
• Well position the cranes to avoid the hose swinging when released
• Tag-lines should:
  • Have a good spread
  • Be tight and
  • Lines not made fast to a winch
• Inspect the hose for cuts and breaks.
• After rigging, inspect for:
  • Sweating
  • Pinhole leakage
  • Leakage around nipples
  • Hose-bends
  • Chafing
• Tighten all bolts evenly

Coution:

• Do not wet gaskets for a tight fit in freezing weather as it will blow when warm oil thaws it.
• Plug or cap the end of hoses before lowering to the shore.
• Drain, clean and blank hoses before stowing.
• Do not stow hoses near steam lines.

8. LOSS CONTROL

• For cargo measurement, an independent inspector may attend cargo operations.
  • Give full co-operation to inspector
  • Deck Officer must go with cargo inspectors during ullaging and sampling
• Take following measures during discharge:
  • Strip all cargo tanks using the most effective method
  • Discharge all possible liquid
  • Ask receiver's representative to verify that ROB is un-pump able and unreachable by ships equipment
• Verify stripping results by using dip-rods if practicable
• Discharge remaining cargo line content ashore using stripping pump or other means

9. EMERGENCY CARGO TRANSFER

• Vessels normally have portable pumps, such as on vessels having a Framo system installed
• Most portable pumps fit through the butterworth or tank hatch
• To Operate the pump
  • Follow the manufacturers instruction manual
  • Issue a Dangerous Work Permit for Cold Work

  Note:

  • Use HSSEQ-08 – Cold Work and high pressure pipelines permit
• Transfer Procedure
  • Depends on type of cargo
  • Problem comes if cargo is sensitive or cargo properties changes due to butterworth hatch opening
  • Knowledge about the cargo is important - for further help in this respect contact Marine superintendent
• Inerted Tanks
  • For inerted tank, provision to reduce the leakage of IG is important
  • Use a makeshift plugging around hoses to maintain inert gas pressure
  • Vessels may need to fabricate a contingency cover out of non-ferrous sheet metal (such as Aluminium)
  • Framo manufactures sluice valve systems to fit on the Butterworth hatch to more professionally maintain the integrity of tank while transferring
• USCG regulations
  • Title 33 CFR, Title 46 CFR and other related regulations.
  • Check with local MSO and the vessel's QI person.
  • When in doubt, contact outside assistance such as:
    • National Response Corporation or
    • Resolve Marine Group

10. REFERENCED FORMS AND CHECKLISTS

• NAV Form 002B – Under Keel Clearance – Monitoring during Cargo Operations
• TNK 08B – Hourly Monitoring Record
• HSSEQ-08 – Cold Work and high pressure pipelines permit