Example Bunker Check list

Bunkering Precautions, including Bunkering Checklist

1.    The Master of the ship involved in bunkering shall ensure that bunkering will only take place if:

a.     notification of the intention to bunker is given to the port authority well in advance, stating the place, type of bunker, oil to be transhipped and the expected time that bunkering will commence and

b.     the questions on the attached bunkering checklist are answered truthfully and affirmatively.

2.    The Master of the ship shall not begin bunkering unless he has ensured that:

a.       the scuppers are firmly closed

b.       bunker pipes which are not in use are well blanked

c.       the bunker hoses are properly supported

d.       the bunker hoses have sufficient play

e.       the bunker connection has been provided with a good seal

f.        there is a well-tightened bolt in every bolt hole in the bunker pipe connection flanges

g.       there is a sufficiently large overflow basin under the bunker pipe connection (s) and

h.      any cargo handling operations in progress will not hazard the bunker operations

3.    The Master of a bunker vessel shall not begin bunkering unless he has ensured that:

a.       the bunker vessel is securely moored

b.       the bunker hoses are in good condition

c.       the bunker hoses have sufficient play

d.       the bunker connection has been provided with a good seal and

e.       there is a well tightened bolt in every bolt hole of the bunker pipe connection flanges

4.    The Master of a ship involved in bunkering shall ensure that the conditions described in paragraphs 2 and 3 remain fulfilled during the entire bunkering procedure

5.    Both, the Master of a ship and the Master of a bunker vessel should ensure, that a constant visual watch is maintained throughout the whole transfer operation

6.    Both, the Master of a ship and the Master of a bunker vessel have to ensure that all scuppers are closed and that sufficient absorbing materials are available in case of an accidental spillage.

7.    If it cannot be ensured during the whole bunkering operation that the requirements laid down in this annex are fulfilled, the Master of the ship and/or the bunker vessel shall cease the bunker operation immediately.

8.    In this annex, bunkering is taken to mean the transfer of bunker oil, that is a flammable liquid intended for the propulsion and or the auxiliary operation of a ship or liquid intended for lubricating the ship’s engine or her other machinery.

The Chief Officer and the Chief Engineer in co-operation shall ensure that: the above is complied with, including completion of the Pre-transfer Bunker Checklist.

The Chief Engineer shall ensure that:

a.    all self closing devices on sounding pipes to double bottom tanks in the engine room and shaft tunnel operate correctly and easily.

b.    the self closing devices on sounding pipes are closed after use.

c.     prior to bunkering the double bottom air pipes are in order. This includes checking that the safety gauze is not blocked with paint thus reducing the air flow. Where Bolaco valves are fitted, they shall be checked for free movement.

d.    heavy fuel oil vapours are measured for Hydrogen Sulphide  (H2S detector preferably on board the barge.

The acceptance level of H2S in the tank atmosphere is up to 200 ppm. If H2S in the tank atmosphere is found in excess of 200 PPM, the fuel should be rejected and the parties in charge of vessel’s bunker supply notified accordingly.

H2S can be detected by various means of portable measuring equipment.

The TLV limit for H2S is 5ppm. Thus, if carrying bunkers with high H2S readings, it is required that personnel working directly with the fuel oil, e.g. when cleaning filters, measure for H2S at the working site and observe safe working practices by having sufficient ventilation - if necessary by rigging an extra ventilator.

e.    the filling rate in an individual branch line does not exceed 2m/sec. Applicable filling rates for different diameter pipes are:

Nominal pipe diameter (mm) 100 125 150 200 250 300 350 400

Rate (m3/h)                                  63    97 144 243 383 548 652 855

If for example three tanks are filled simultaneously each with 100mm filling line, then a maximum rate of 3 x 63 = 189 m3/h should be ordered. The rate should be reduced proportionally as the number of tanks to fill decrease and when the final tank is being topped off, the flow rate should be further reduced to allow more time for the distribution of the oil when its level is above the holes in the floors and intercostals.

bunkering is not started:

·         until the Chief Officer has confirmed that the above point 2.1 through 2.8 are complied with

·         the Chief Officer has provided an abundant supply of absorbent material at the bunkering manifold

·         the Chief Officer has prepared the fire fighting equipment for immediate use

·         watch personnel are appointed for constant monitoring of the manifold, the hose, the bunker barge moorings and the tanks being filled.

·         the bunker supplier’s representative is present and able to stop the bunkering instantly.

Pre Bunkering Plan

The pre-bunkering plan shall be prepared prior to the training session and a copy of the plan shall be posted at a location where it is easily observed by the personnel engaged in the bunkering.

The pre-loading plan must include:

• Identification, location and capacity of the vessel’s bunker tanks receiving oil.
• Level and type of liquid in each bunker tank prior to the scheduled time for bunkering.
• Final ullage and percent of each bunker tank to be filled.
• Sequence in which the bunker tanks are to be filled.
• Procedure to regularly monitor all bunker tank levels and valve alignments.

Pre Bunker Meeting

All precautions to prevent pollution during bunker loading transfer and discharging shall be taken and the precautions shall be planned during the Pre Bunker meeting. The preplanning meeting shall be recorded.

The Master and the Chief Engineer shall ensure during the Pre Bunker meeting that personnel involved in bunker transfer are familiar with all precautions to be taken.

Vessels personnel shall furthermore be familiar with the Spill Contingency Procedures and facilities as outlined in the vessels’ Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP/SMPEP) and the applicable local requirements for the bunkering.

Pre Bunkering Training

Within 48 hours prior the bunkering / bunker transfer operation a bunkering training session must be conducted. The training session shall be for all personnel with duties related to the bunker transfer.

The training shall include:

• The pre-bunkering plan.

• Civil/criminal penalties and liabilities.

• Vessels Oil Transfer Procedure.

• English phrases and hand signals for communication.

• Emergency shutdown procedures.

Date and time of the bunker training session shall be recorded in the deck log along with name and rating of all persons attending the bunker training session.