Loading and unloading cargo on ships is a dangerous process that can result in significant repercussions. Not only while performing these operations, but also thereafter, ship officers must take special measures.
Tanker ship cargo handling necessitates the employment of a range of equipment and tools, all of which must be handled correctly to ensure safe operations. Following are ten crucial issues to examine when tanker cargo operations have been completed.
1. Check Loaded Quantity
After the cargo has been loaded, a responsible officer and a representative from the shore should check and confirm the loaded quantity of the cargo tanks. Any quantity mismatch must be immediately reported to the master and the appropriate authority.
2. Inform Engine Room
After the discharging is completed, notify the engine department and double-check that the surveyor has provided the vessel with a “Dry Tank Certificate or Empty Tank Certificate.”
3. Keep The Logbook Updated
Ensure that the Cargo journal has the times of all loading/discharging occurrences and that the Deck logbook contains the important points.
4. Close All Valves
All cargo valves involved in the procedure should be closed after the cargo loading/unloading activities are completed. Before closing the tanker valves, close the shore control valves.
5. Remove the Cargo Hoses By Avoiding Oil Spill
Goods hoses should be removed after checking that the valves are closed and that any leaks from cargo remaining in the hoses are gathered in cargo pans. This is critical in order to avoid any form of the oil spill.
6. Check Breather Valve
Check the breather valves to make sure they’re adjusted correctly to keep the pressure within the tank constant.
7. Change the Flange Position
To isolate the line and avoid overflowing, change the fitting position of the Spectacle Blind flange to its blank side.
8. Close Tank Openings
After the cargo loading/unloading is completed, all suitable tank openings should be closed with the proper tools. Under the supervision of the chief officer or another responsible official, this operation will be carried out by a pump-man or a bosun. After being disconnected, cargo manifolds, marine arms, and hoses should be securely blanked.
9. Remove Earth Bonding Cables
After the cargo hoses have been disconnected, the Earth Bonding Cables should be removed.
10. Open Drain Cocks
Close the tanker manifold and shore valves, and open the drain cocks at the tanker’s manifold to allow cargo to drain into fixed drain tanks or portable drip trays.
Did you subscribe to our newsletter?
It’s free! Click here to subscribe!
Source: Marine Insight
