Bunkering

Question 1

Bunkering procedure (Bens cruise stuff in brackets)

Answer 1

Appropriate PPE
Sound the tanks using ullage method and use calibration tables, accounting for any trim
Chief orders fuel grade, type and quantity to fill each tank to 90%
Have a pre-bunkering meeting the day before with roles and responsibilities established, the loading plan discussed, equipment to be prepared at bunker station, pumping rate, communications and signals established.
Test overflow alarms for each tank
On the day - close all scuppers and save-alls, place red flag or activate red light to indicate ongoing bunkering operation to other vessels.
No smoking signs placed (and announced over PA)
All accommodation doors should be closed
(Duty personnel posted in bunker station and ECR)
(Call security to open bunker station shell door)
Barge alongside and secured
Communications with barge established, flow rate and pressure agreed, emergency stop device given to ship.
Someone goes onto barge and sounds tanks to confirm amount.
Trade paperwork which is a BDN (request to witness sampling, declaration of inspection, proforma invoice, sample detail form, hose certificate, MSDS)
Put oil containing floats between ship & barge
Connect hose to manifold
Open bunkering filter inlet & outlet
Reset counters and flow meters
Connect sample container to sample valve to take continuous drip samples
Confirm with ECR that everything is ready
Start pumping at slow rate, verify no leakages, differential pressure on filter is ok and counters are working.
Notify ECR that they are okay
ECR will give order to increase rate to the agreed rate
Tell barge to increase slowly while monitoring pressure and flow
Once bunkering is complete
Sound the tanks to confirm amount received
BDN is given by barge
Chief engineer compares amounts and signs - can write a letter of protest if there is a high discrepancy to send to shoreside
Close all tank inlet valves and blow through the line
Close manifold valve and disconnect hose, blind it, bag it and return it to barge to ensure no spills.
5 samples total - 2 at barge, 3 at manifold
Receive a sample from barge
Give a sample and copies of paperwork to barge
Keep 2 samples and 1 to lab, 1 is spare.
(Call security to close shell door)
Revert everything to normal operating condition, ensure to close filter valves and clean the filter.
Chief engineer fills in ORB with details of the bunkering operation.