POL-011 - Requirements For Ship To Ship Operations Plans

TO:

SUBJECT:

Reference:

Supersedes:

ALL SHIPOWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS AND OFFICERS OF

MERCHANT SHIPS, AND AUTHORIZED CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES

Requirements for Ship To Ship Operations Plans a) Maritime Regulation 2.37

1. IMO Resolution MEPC.186 (59)
2. MARPOL, Annex I Chapter 8
3. IMO’s “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention” as amended
4. CDI/ICS/OCIMF/SIGTTO “Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases”

Marine Notice POL-011, dated 06/12

Appendix 1

STS checklist for pre-fixture information

Appendix 2

STS checklist for before operations commence

Appendix 3

STS checklist for before run-in and mooring

Appendix 4

STS checklist for before cargo transfer operations

Appendix 5

STS checklist for procedures to undertake before unmooring

Appendix 6

Ship interest contacts

Appendix 7

Coastal States contacts

Appendix 8

Records of STS operations

STS Guide

MOP

Basic Information

Yes

No

Comments

Cover Page?

Index of Sections (Table of Contents) Page?

Record of Changes Page?

6.2.4.2

Location of plans?

Chap. I

General Principles

1.1

6.1

1.1

Preamble/Introduction?

1.3 1.4

6.1

1.2

Is the scope, objectives and need for risk assessment addressed in the plan?

1.3

Main Particulars:

• Vessel name?
• IMO number?
• Deadweight?

Glossary

1.4

Are definitions of key terms used in STS operations included?

1.5

6.2.1

1.5

Control of Operations:

1.5.1

1.5.1

General

Is the single individual providing co-ordination and advisory control of STS operations identified?

Are the responsibilities of STS service companies, where used, addressed?

Is the authority and responsibility of the Master addressed with a clear distinction between the responsibilities of the master of the vessel and the POAC?

For oil cargoes

App. B1.5/D1.5

Is the authority and responsibility of the Master addressed with a clear distinction between the responsibilities of the master of the vessel and the STS Superintendent?

Appendix B1.5 for chemical tankers and Appendix D1.5 for LNG tankers

For chemical and LNG cargoes. Optional for oil cargoes.

Is the need for the master and the STS Superintendent or POAC to discuss each component of the STS operation addressed?

1.5.2

Manning for STS Operations and Prevention of Fatigue

6.3

Is manning of the ship for cargo operations, tending of moorings and safe navigational or anchor watch, taking into account the work load and fatigue addressed?

Are excessive noise levels in the vicinity of rest areas taken into account to address fatigue?

1.6

1.6

Is the authority and duties or responsibilities of the STS Superintendent, if one is used, addressed?

1.7

6.2.1/6.5.3 /6.6.4

1.7

Are the qualifications, duties and authority of the Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC) addressed, including hours of work and rest?

1.8

1.8

Is training and familiarization of ship’s personnel with all the elements of a STS operation taken into account?

1.9

6.2.2.1.8

1.9

Is the need for a declaration of security (DOS), security communications, action in case of a breach in security, local regulations regarding exclusion zones, current security level imposed by the port, security on multiple vessels alongside a terminal, and the need of additional security assessment and risk analysis taken into account?

May be

referenced to the SSP

Chap.

II

Conditions and Requirements

2.1 App.

E-1/L

2.1

Does the plan ensure that ship compatibility for STS operations is taken into account, including vessels of similar length and use of dumb barges, if applicable?

Requirement to complete checklist-1 in Appendix E & L?

2.2

6.2.3

2.2

Notification and Approval from Authorities

2.2.1 App. A2.2

2.2.1

Are requirements for notification to and approvals from coastal state authorities explained (MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 42)?

For oil cargoes

2.2.2/

2.2.3

App. B2.2

2.2.2

Are requirements for notifications to any Government authorities for chemical or liquefied gas cargoes addressed?

For chemical and liquefied gas cargoes

2.2.3

Are USA procedures and Legislation for STS Operations (if applicable) referenced?

2.3

6.2.2

2.3

Is the selection of the STS transfer area considered?

2.4

6.2.2.1.46.

2.2.1.5

6.4.1.10

2.4

Is consideration given to the prevalent environmental conditions (visibility, wind and wave) for STS operations?

2.4.1

2.4.1

If applicable, is consideration given to STS operations in cold weather and/or ice conditions?

2.4.2

2.4.2

If applicable, is consideration given to precautions for STS operations in ice conditions?

2.4.3

2.4.3

Is consideration given to the effects of cargo sloshing due to rolling and pitching movements?

2.5

2.5

Is the quality and services of the STS service provider considered prior to STS operations?

Chap.

III

Safety

3.1

6.2.1.1

3.1

Does the plan ensure that the Master remains at all times responsible for the safety of the ship, its crew, cargo and equipment?

3.2 App. K

6.3

3.2

Are there procedures for carrying out risk assessment for each proposed STS location and STS operation, and the means by which they are managed?

3.3

3.3

Does the plan address the need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the cargoes being handled and the state of readiness of life saving appliances including selfcontained breathing apparatus and life boats and life-rafts for emergency evacuation?

3.4

3.4

Has consideration been given to the use of operational and safety checklists prior to and during the STS operation?

3.5

3.5

Is the need for both vessels to have material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the products being transferred addressed?

3.6

6.2.7.1

3.6

Are guidelines provided in case of gas accumulation on deck?

3.7

6.7

3.7

The Plan describes the actions to take in case of infringement of safety?

3.8

6.2.9.5

6.5.1

6.5.2

6.5.3

3.8

Are guidelines provided in case of cargo leakage on either vessel?

3.9

3.9

Are there procedures for helicopter operations during transfer operations?

3.10

3.10

Safety During Cargo Transfer:

3.10.1

3.10.1

Smoking and use of naked lights addressed?

3.10.2

3.10.2

Risks associated with earths on electrical switchboards identified?

3.10.3

3.10.3

Are machinery operations with regard to main engines, emergency power, steering gear, boilers, fuel changeover considered?

3.10.4

3.10.4

Is the need for electrical isolation between the two ships discussed with ways to eliminate these?

3.10.5

3.10.5

Precautions against the use of radio and satellite communication equipment addressed?

3.10.6

3.10.6

Radar usage discussed?

3.10.7

3.10.7

Readiness of fire-fighting equipment discussed?

3.10.8

3.10.8

Action to take if electrical storm is expected explained?

3.10.9

3.10.9

Dangers associated with use of galley stoves addressed?

3.10.10

3.10.10

Dangers associated with accommodation openings explained?

3.10.11

3.10.11

Instructions for presence of unauthorized craft alongside?

Chap. IV

Communications

4.1

6.2.5.1

4.1

Importance of general communications stated?

4.2

6.2.5.1

4.2

Importance of a common language for communication stressed?

4.3

4.3

Pre-arrival communications:

4.3.1

6.2.5.2

4.3.1

Details of information required from the ship?

4.3.2

App A &

B

6.2.5.2

4.3.2

Details of advice to be given to the ship by the organizers?

Additionally Appendix A4.3.2 for oil tankers? Appendix B4.3 for chemical tankers?

4.4

6.2.3.2 6.2.3.3

4.4

Nature of navigational warnings to be broadcast?

4.5

6.4.2

6.2.5.3

4.5

Addresses communications during approach, mooring and unmooring?

4.6

6.2.5.3

4.6

Discusses communications during cargo transfer operations?

4.7

6.2.5.4

6.2.5.5

4.7

Includes procedures in place for communication failure?

Chap. V

Operational Preparations Before Maneuvering

5.1

5.1

Does the plan address the need for a proper passage plan if the STS operation is to be conducted at sea?

5.2

6.4.4

6.2.6.1

5.2

Is there a requirement to develop a joint plan of operation (JPO) between all parties involved?

5.3 App E/2/3

6.4.1

5.3

Discusses the preparation of ships before maneuvering? Appendix E checklists 2 & 3 to be completed?

5.4

6.2.9.3

5.4

If used, are the duties of lightering support vessels addressed?

5.5

5.5

References various navigational signals to be used?

Chap. VI

Maneuvering and Mooring

6.1

6.1

Basic berthing principles discussed?

6.2

6.4

6.2

Maneuvering Alongside with Two Ships Under Power:

6.2.1

6.2.1

General advice for controlling the two ships provided?

6.2.2

App. H, I

6.2.2

Advice for maneuvering alongside provided, including assessment of approach velocities on the berthing energy absorption requirements of the fender system during reverse lightering (if applicable)?

6.2.3

6.2.3

Maneuvering a combined two-ship system to anchor discussed?

6.2.4

6.2.4

Procedures for underway transfer?

6.3

6.3

Procedures for maneuvering with one ship at anchor?

6.4

6.4

Is possibility of maneuvering for in port operations discussed?

For chemical cargoes.

Optional for oil cargoes

6.5

6.5

Is maneuvering with one ship alongside a terminal (double banking) discussed?

6.6

6.2.4.3.2

6.6

Mooring Operations

6.6.1

6.6.1

Is the need for a mooring plan, including alignment of both ship’s manifolds; and possibility of mooring analysis addressed (optional)?

6.6.2

6.6.2

Are preparations for mooring operations at sea addressed?

6.6.2.1

6.6.2.1

Is the efficiency of the ship to ship mooring system with respect to the following addressed?

Danger of excessive tension in mooring lines between the vessels

6.2.6.11

Mooring line lead angles

Awareness of weather thresholds

Cautions against long period waves

Directions of wave encounter to avoid

Elasticity of mooring arrangement

Chafing protection

6.6.3 App.

E/6/6A

6.6.3

Are mooring operations in port and preparations for same discussed? Requirement to complete checklist-6 & 6A in Appendix E?

Chap. VII

Procedures Alongside (Cargo Transfer Operation)

7.1 App. E/4

6.4.7

7.1

Arrangements for completion of pre-transfer checks and procedures? Requirement to complete checklist-4 in Appendix E?

7.2 App. D7.2

6.2.1.5

6.2.4.3.4

6.4.7

7.2

Identification of persons responsible for cargo operations?

Appendix D7.2 for LNG tankers

Additionally, is there a requirement to have a list of all titles, their locations and duties of persons involved in STS operations posted?

7.3

App.

B7.3/C7.3

/D7.3

6.2.4.3.3

6.2.4.3.10

6.4.7

6.4.8

7.3

Details for cargo transfer planned and agreed between the two ships?

Additionally Appendix B7.3 for chemical tankers; Appendix C7.3 for LPG tankers and D7.3 for LNG tankers?

7.4

App.

B7.4/C7.4

/D7.4

6.5

7.4

Provides general guidance for cargo transfer?

Appendix B7.4 for chemical tankers; Appendix C7.4 for LPG tankers and D7.4 for LNG tankers?

STS 7.4.1

& US 46 CFR/Part

39.4000

App. G

ISGOTT

7.1.6.4/

11.9.3

7.4.1

Does the plan provide general considerations to be taken into account during vapour balancing?

Additionally Appendix G?

For oil and chemical cargoes

STS

7.4.1.1/

App. G

& US 46

CFR/Part

39.4000

ISGOTT

7.1.6.4/

11.9.3

7.4.1.1

Does the plan provide guidance on Vapour balancing before commencing cargo transfer? Additionally Appendix G?

For oil and chemical cargoes

STS

ISGOTT

7.4.1.2

Does the plan provide guidance on Vapour balancing during cargo transfer?

For oil and

7.4.1.2/

App. G

& US 46

CFR/Part

39.4000

7.1.6.4/

11.9.3

Additionally Appendix G?

chemical cargoes

STS

7.4.1.3

7.4.1.3

Is consideration given to caring for the vapour hose during balancing?

7.5

App.

B7.5/C7.5

/D7.5

6.6

7.5

Identifies what operations should be undertaken after the completion of cargo transfer? Additionally Appendix B7.5 for chemical tankers; C7.5 for LPG tankers and D7.5 for LNG tankers?

7.6

7.6

Provides caution against bunkering and receiving stores during STS operations?

STS Guide

MOP

Chap. VIII

Unmooring

8.1 App. E/5

6.6

8.1

Are preparations for unmooring addressed?

Requirement to complete checklist-5 in Appendix E?

8.2

8.2

Addresses general caution and need for careful planning and execution?

8.2.1

8.2.1

Draws procedures for unmooring after underway transfer?

8.2.2

8.2.2

Draws procedures for unmooring while one ship is at anchor?

8.2.3

8.2.3

Draws procedures for unmooring from a ship alongside a terminal?

8.2.4

8.2.4

Draws procedures how to unmoor using quick release arrangements?

Chap. IX

Equipment

9.1

9.1

Fenders:

9.1.1

6.2.6.2

6.2.6.4

6.2.6.5

9.1.1

Describes types of fenders to be used and rigging of fenders for at sea transfers?

9.1.2

App. H,I

6.2.6.3

9.1.2

Explains selection and number of fenders to be used for at sea transfers including reverse lightering taking into account berthing energy and calculation of required fender absorption capability (if applicable)?

9.1.3

6.5.8

9.1.3

Requirements and maintenance of fenders explained?

9.1.4

9.1.4

Describes types of fenders to be used and rigging of fenders for in port transfers?

9.2

9.2

Cargo transfer hoses:

9.2.1 App.

C9.2/D9.2

6.2.6.6

9.2.1

Standards for the hoses to be used during transfer defined?

Appendix C9.2 for LPG tankers and Appendix D9.2 for LNG tankers

9.2.2

9.2.2

Size and length of transfer hoses defined?

9.2.3

Appendix C9.2

6.2.6.7

9.2.3

Maximum pressure ratings and flow velocities through the hoses identified? Appendix C9.2 for LPG tankers?

9.2.4

9.2.4

Procedures for care and handling of hoses explained?

9.2.5

Appendix

J

6.2.6.10

9.2.5

Procedures for hose connection explained?

9.2.6

6.2.6.8

6.2.6.9

9.2.6

Procedures for inspection and testing of hoses explained?

9.2.7

6.2.6.6

9.2.7

Marks to be found on hoses listed?

9.3

6.2.6.11 to

6.2.6.15

9.3

Description of mooring equipment used in the STS operation?

9.4

9.4

Personnel Transfers at sea operations:

Is risk assessment conducted to determine the safest means of personnel transfer?

Requirement to complete checklist in Appendix F?

9.4.1

9.4.1

Addresses dangers of booms and/or derricks if applicable?

9.4.1

9.4.2

Addresses factors to be considered when using cranes, baskets and workboat guidelines?

9.5

9.5

Addresses personnel transfers in port operations

9.6

9.6

Minimum requirements for lighting?

9.7

9.7

Preparation and checks of ancillary equipment?

9.8

9.8

Addresses dangers of excessive noise levels in the vicinity of equipment?

6.2.4.3.6

9.9

Description of drip trays and procedures for emptying them?

Chap.X

Emergencies

10.1

App.

C10.1/

D10.1

6.2.4.3.8 6.2.9

10.1

Is the need for contingency planning and emergency response procedures stressed and explained?

Appendix C10.1 for LPG tankers and D10.1 for LNG tankers?

7.2

10.1

App

6.2.9.2

10.2

Describes emergency organization and duties for the crew members?

Additionally Appendix A10.1 for oil tankers?

Is there a system of drills to deal with emergencies?

A10.1

10.2

6.2.5.5

10.3

Use of emergency signals in emergencies?

10.3

10.4

6.2.5.4

6.7

10.4

Are contingency plans drawn which provide for a comprehensive response in all possible emergency situations which should include: emergencies during maneuvering; gas accumulation on deck; accidental cargo release?

10.5

6.2.4.3.7 6.2.9.4

10.5

SOPEP made available and activated in case of an oil spill?

Addresses procedures for reporting oil spill (may make reference to SOPEP)

For oil and gas cargoes

10.5

Optional

10.6

SMPEP made available and activated in case of an NLS spill?

Addresses procedures for reporting NLS spills (may make reference to SMPEP)

For chemical cargoes

10.6

6.2.8

10.7

Arrangements to be made to maintain a state of readiness for an emergency?

10.7

6.2.7.1

10.8

Describes situations when operations should cease?

MARPOL

Chap. XI

Records

Annex I, Reg.41.5

6.2.4.4

11.1

Identifies records relevant to STS operations and location for same?

Required for oil cargoes. Optional for chemical and liquefied cargoes.

Annex I, Reg.41.5

6.2.4.4

11.2

Provides a retention period of records (at least three (3) years)?

Required for oil cargoes. Optional for chemical and liquefied cargoes.

Chap.X

II

Ship-specific provisions

12.1

General arrangement plan?

12.2

Anchor handling & mooring arrangement plan?

12.3

Capacity plan?

Appendices

App. E C/L- 1

App. 1

Is there a checklist for pre-fixture information between ship operator/charterer and organizer?

App. E

App. 2

Is there a checklist addressing what to do before operations commence?

C/L- 2

App. E C/L- 3

App. 3

Is there a checklist addressing what to do before run-in and mooring?

App. E C/L-4

App. 4

Is there a checklist addressing what to do before cargo transfer operations?

App. E C/L-5

App. 5

Is there a checklist addressing the procedures to undertake before unmooring?

App. 6

Ship interest contacts?

App. 7

Coastal States contacts? (MSC-MEPC.6/Circ.X)

App. 8

Record of STS operations?