Session 16: Chemical Tanker

Question 1

What publication would you refer to for chemical tanker?

Answer 1

International code for the construction and equipment of ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

(International Bulk Chemical Code)/ IBC

Question 2

What are the two certificate that chemical tankers need?

Answer 2

-International certificate of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk

-International pollution prevention Certificate for the carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk

Question 3

What documents and emergency plan would a chemical tanker need?

Answer 3

-Procedures and arrangements manual (P and A manual)

-cargo record book

-shipboard marine pollution emergency plan for noxious liquid substances (SMPEP)

Question 4

What are the 3 + 1 classification of chemical cargo classification?

Answer 4

-category X; “major hazard” to either marine resources or human health such as Coal Tar (ship type 2)

-category Y:” Hazard” to either marine resources or human health such as Palm Oil (ship type 2)

-category Z:” Minor hazard” to either marine resources or human health such as Acetic Acid (ship type 3)

-other substances: substances which present no appreciable hazard (not part of MARPOL)

Question 5

Give me 3 hazards associated with chemical tankers

Answer 5

-chemical burns
-flammable
-poisonous

Bonus:
-toxic
-marine pollutant
-chemical reaction
-health and environmental hazards
-radioactive

Question 6

Describe to me the IMO type 1 chemical tanker

Answer 6

-tankers are designed to sustain severe degree of damage anywhere along the ship’s length

-capacity of each tank is 1250 m3

Question 7

Describe the IMO Type 2.

Answer 7

-they are designed to sustain moderate degree of damage on anywhere along the ship’s side

-Maximum capacity 3,000 m3/ tank

Question 8

Describe to me the IMO type 3

Answer 8

the are designed to sustain lesser degree of damage
-there is not specific requirement for cargo tank location or capacity

Question 9

Describe the safety procedures of bunkering operations (refueling) alongside terminal from a bunker barge during the cargo operations on board a chemical tanker.

Answer 9

Pre-Bunkering Procedures

1. Bunkering Plan: Develop a bunkering plan that includes details such as the type of fuel, amount, bunkering sequence, communication protocols, and emergency shutdown procedures.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the bunker fuel is compatible with the fuel already on board and suitable for the vessel’s machinery.
3. Communication: Establish clear communication between the ship and the bunker barge or supplier.
4. SOPEP: Have the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) readily available in case of a spill.

During Bunkering

1. Constant Monitoring: Assign dedicated personnel to monitor the bunkering operation at all times, including the rate of transfer and the pressure in the hoses.
2. Communications: Maintain communication between the bunker station and the bridge, engine control room, and the bunker supplier.
3. Rate of Transfer: Begin the transfer at a slow rate and gradually increase to the agreed rate once all connections are confirmed secure and there are no leaks.

Post-Bunkering

1. Confirmation of Quantities: Confirm the quantities received and compare with the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN).
2. Disconnection: After completion, slowly reduce the pumping rate and ensure that residual fuel in the hoses is drained back into the barge or receiving tank before disconnecting.
3. Documentation: Complete and sign off on all documentation, including the BDN.

*MARPOL annex 6 certificate which tells you that the bunkering is conform

Question 10

Explain the procedures to be followed for entering into an enclosed space on board a tanker (As per COSWP)

Answer 10

1. Risk Assessment: Carry out a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards within the enclosed space.
2. Permit to Work: Obtain a ‘Permit to Work’ which specifies the nature of the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. (issued by chief mate or captain)
3. Atmosphere Testing: Test the atmosphere inside the space for oxygen content, flammability, and toxic gases. Ensure the atmosphere is safe for entry.
4. Ventilation: If the initial test shows an atmosphere that’s not safe, ventilate the space until it is. Continue ventilation as necessary.
5. Isolation: Ensure the space is isolated from any sources of gases or liquids that could change the conditions while occupied.
6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all individuals involved in the entry are equipped with appropriate safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harnesses, and intrinsically safe lighting.
7. Standby Person: Always have a standby person positioned outside the space, who is in constant communication with those inside.