The Ship/Shore Interface – Communications Necessary for Matching Ship to Berth

The seamless and safe interaction between a vessel and its berth, often referred to as the Ship to Shore Interface, is paramount for efficient port operations and the secure transfer of various cargoes.

This article delves into the crucial communications and information exchange necessary to effectively match a ship to its designated berth, particularly when handling sensitive materials such as LPG, chemical gases, and LNG. By examining the pre-charter information exchange, essential terminal and ship data, the development of a comprehensive Ship/Shore Interface Plan, safety protocols for visitors, the impact of weather conditions, and the vital Ship/Shore Safety Check List, we aim to highlight the critical elements that underpin a successful and hazard-free ship-to-shore operation.

This article provides information developed with the best advice available at the time of publication. It is intended solely as guidance and is to be used at the owner’s risk. The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd., and any person, firm, corporation, or organization involved in furnishing information or data, its compilation, publication, or authorized translation, accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information or advice provided, for any omissions, or for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from compliance with or adoption of this guidance, even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care.

Introduction

SIGTTO Members attending a recent Panel meeting requested an update of Information Paper No 5, first published in 1988, and then entitled Ship/Shore Interface Communications. Accordingly, a review of the ongmai publication was earned out and the new document was presented to SIGTTO’s General Purposes Committee and Board for approval. At the latter meeting it was agreed, as with the previous edition, to publish this paper for general circulation.

The aim of the newly prepared booklet is to achieve ship/snore cargo transfer at improved port efficiency and increased safety. It is also hoped that attention to the recommendations will reduce the potential for any misunderstandings between ship and terminal staff at the Ship/shore interface for safe loading and unloading of LNG/LPGship/shore interface.

This Information Paper covers the documents which should be prepared by terminal managers and by ship operators active within the gas trade. The booklet, in its new format, has changed little from the first edition and the recommendations are similar. However, the new publication includes better detail on the data to be provided by ships, in advance of charter. Furthermore, additional detail on ship’s documentation for port use is now presented, as previously this was only briefly described. In achieving these aims, the opportunity nas been taken to ensure that the most important guidance documents have been included in the references. This was considered important as a number of new SIGTTO publications have been introduced since the first edition was published:

• For terminals, this document points out that Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets are of considerable benefit to the trade and gas terminal managers may find the text of value in establishing a common approach to the preparation of local Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets. To avoid confusion it is timely to point out that in some ports the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet, as described in Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”, may be known under different titles such as “Port Manual”, “Jetty Regulations” or “Terminal Handbook” It is believed that a common format for the presentation of Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets can improve the safety of operations and reduce language barriers. By this process, terminal managers can help ship’s personnel to better understand the information presented and, with this in mind, an attempt has been made in the text to present a suitable layout.
• The text is also aimed at shipowners and ship managers as the content has relevance to the preparation of a Ship Data Booklet – Port Operations.
• Finally the recommendations to prepare Ship/Shore Interface Plans may be of benefit to shipyards.

It is hoped that the coverage in this publication captures most essential ship/shore issues into one document and the references attached at the end of this document are included to indicate where further information can be found.

To ensure that the contents are appropriate to modern practice, the text has been developed through the experience of many SIGTTO Members having interests in gas shipping and terminallmg operations.

Scope

This paper covers the Managing Liquefied Natural Gas Risks in the Marine Industryliquefied gas industry in general and the contents will be found appropriate to international trading and also within the coastal environments.

Read also: Floating LNG Terminals General Overview

Gas carriers are handled.in many different trades. These include the LNG, LPG, chemical gas and ammonia businesses. Furthermore there are numerous ship-types in use. These include the pressurised ships, the semi-refrigerated ships, the Transportation of the Petroleum Gas and Amonia Cargoes on the Fully-Refrigerated LPG Shipsrefrigerated ships and the insulated earners in the LNG routes. Notwithstanding the considerable variety of terminals and ships, the basis of most ship/shore operations is similar and applies almost irrespective of the port. This synergy between all the various operations makes it possible to produce a standard operational reference list to cover most port calls – see Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”. However, where differences can be detected, such as loading versus discharging operations, then these can be identified and handled as indicated.

The main recommendations contained in this volume are listed below:

• Ship charterers should check ship particulars prior to fixture (see Section “Information Exchange Prior to Ship Charter”).
• Terminals should prepare a Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet (see Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”).
• Shipowners should prepare Ship Data Booklet – Port Operations (see section below).
• Shipyards should produce Snip/Snore Interface Plans (see section below).
• Terminal managers and ship operators should have port procedures for the guidance of visitors.

LPG and the Chemical Gases

Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets are provided by many terminals throughout the world. They are used as a means of passing relevant information to arriving ships. The contents of these booklets often form the basis for ship/shore operational procedures and provide details of emergency arrangements. Appropriate sections in these booklets can also be used as a method of promulgating important national laws, port regulations and the terminal’s own safety standards Furthermore, as appropriate, guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ana the most up to date Ship/Shore Safety Check List are relevant – see references 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The provision of a Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet helps recognition that ships and terminals are jointly responsible for ensuring efficient operations which should be conducted under agreed Safety Equipment for Safeguarding Life at Seasafety standards.

LNG shipping and terminals

It should be remembered that most LNG trades employ ships which are normally dedicated to one particular route. In many of these trades, Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets have been developed to a higher degree of sophistication than is seen elsewhere. These excellent procedures reflect the level of involvement and mutual understanding that can be developed between a terminal and its dedicated shipping.

However, transportation trends change and LNG carriers are already found loading and discharging at a wider range of ports. To cover these cases, the detailed form of some Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets (which has become the norm) may have to be better laid out in order to allow rapid assimilation by ship’s personnel who may be visiting the port for the first time.

Findings

Recommendations

Actions for Ship Charterers

• It is recommended that ship charterers take into account in Section “Information Exchange Prior to Ship Charter”, of this paper at the time of ship fixture.
• It is recommended that SIGTTO members arrange for charterers and ship brokers to be appraised of the recommendation outlined above.

Actions for Terminals

• It is recommended that terminals take into account in Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”, of this paper when revising, reprinting or drafting Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets.
• It is recommended that Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets be produced with good visual impact so making them immediately recognisable.
• It is recommended that a standard format be adopted for the preparation of Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets (as outlined in Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”). This will allow speedy assimilation of the information by ship’s personnel.
• It is recommended that the text used in Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets be concise and written to avoid misinterpretation. This is recommended on the basis that booklets have to be used by seagoing personnel of many nationalities. In general it is recommended that such booklets be written in English, however, translation into the local language can be found beneficial, especially for terminal staff. Furthermore, it is recommended that, as indicated in Section “Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet”, Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets be prepared, as appropriate, to include clear illustrations and diagrams.
• It is recommended that two copies of the Terminal information and Regulation Booklet be delivered to ships and that one of these be provided to the ship’s officer in charge of cargo operations. The other should be given to the shipmaster and kept on board for reference.
• It is recommended that Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet contain advice for visitors to ships and terminals regarding appropriate safety data, emergency information and the use of personnel protective equipment. This data may be provided in a separate Emergency Action Card.

Actions for Ships

• It is recommended that ship’s officers in charge of Preparation and Execution Cargo Operations LNG and LPGcargo operations, when coming on duty, sign a copy of the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet and familiarise themselves with its contents.
• It is recommended that ship’s personnel ensure that the latest Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet is in use.

Actions for Shipowners

• It is recommended that, shipowners prepare a booklet (the Ship Data Booklet – Port Operations) containing complementary information to the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets. This should be carried out as an aid to safe mooring and cargo handling. By this means safety and the ease of ship/shore data exchange is enhanced.

Actions for Shipyards

• It is recommended that, shipyards, when constructing a vessel, prepare a Ship/Shore Interface Plan showing complementary information to the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklets as an aid to safe mooring and cargo handling, as this should improve safety and ship/shore understanding.

More detailed information on the principal recommendations is covered in the Sections below.

Information Exchange Prior to Ship Charter

Many charterers will require a ship inspection (or other means of determining ship acceptability, such as vetting) to be carried out prior to fixture and during this check the ship should be found suitable for employment. The most usual method of ship inspection is given in Inspection Guidelines for Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk – see reference 5. Furthermore, and in addition to charterers requirements some terminals have specific ship-acceptance criteria. Pre-charter checks may therefore include written confirmation of ship details to ensure acceptability to plant managers and compatibility with terminal infrastructure. A summary of these points is listed at the end of this section and additional information can be found in reference 1.

In addition to inspections, it is customary for ship-charterers to seek detailed background on ship design and performance aspects prior to concluding fixtures. This is most frequently accomplished by completing the Ship Information Questionnaire for Gas Carriers – see reference 6 (sometimes referred to as “Gas Form C“). By this means terminals and charterers can be assured that the ship will fit with the loading and discharging ports and any specific terminal restrictions or limitations which may apply. This is an important matter as inappropriate selection of a ship unsuited to the port facilities can introduce major financial consequences.

It will be interesting: Surveys On Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)

Although it depends on the type of cargo sale, once cargo is on board it is most usually under the ownership of the cargo buyers and, if discharge is found impossible, delays, costs and transhipment charges (as examples) may be for the account of the cargo receiver. For this reason it is incumbent on terminal management to inform their commercial and ship chartering departments regarding current terminal standards so that only appropriate ships are chartered for the port.

Typical amongst the terminal items which can be agreed or checked at the time of charter are as follows:

Example Contents – Terminal Information and Regulation

EXAMPLE 1

TERMINAL INFORMATION AND REGULATION BOOKLET

CONTENTS

1. Emergency Procedures Summary
2. Pre-Arrival Communications
3. Port Controls
4. Information on Terminal Facilities
5. Ship/Shore Safety Policies
6. Communications in Port
7. Notices and Safety Documentation
8. Cargo Transfer Procedures
9. Emergency Plans

EXAMPLE 2

Chapter 1: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SUMMARY

This page in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should give a brief description of the emergency communication arrangements – a fuller description of emergency procedures should be provided as described in the example for Chapter 8. The format of this section should be suitable for presentation as a Notice and as a pocket-sized card for giving to terminal visitors. Some possible headings are outlined below.

Alarm signals

Muster points

Actions in the event of:

• Fire (on the ship or at the terminal).
• Liquefied gas spillage (on the ship or in the terminal).
• Fuel oil spillage (on the ship or in the terminal).
• Releases of toxic vapours (on the ship or in the terminal).

Contacts points and telephone numbers for key personnel:

• Terminal.
• Port authority.
• Emergency services.
• Tugs.
• Pilots.

Communication methods – including “hot-lme” telephones

Cargo data sheets – see reference 7

Visitors’ Emergency Action Card

Ship’s fire protection and safety plan

Terminal fire protection and safety plan

EXAMPLE 3

Chapter 2: PRE-ARRIVAL COMMUNICATIONS

This chapter should be included in tne Terminal information and Regulation Booklet on the basis that the book is to be retained on board ship and can therefore act as a compendium of useful information for the Exploring the Future of Satellitesship’s future port calls. As indicated below, as a ship approaches a port, the shipmaster should make the initial contact. This will often be based on information given in voyage instructions.

After the shore has assessed the ship’s pre-arnval information, the terminal should reply giving advice on berthing prospects. At this time the terminal should also send pertinent information concerning its facilities. Although the ship may have a Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet, this may be an outdated edition and the terminal should therefore reconfirm essential requirements relevant to the port call.

✓ Name of ship

✓ Name of ship’s agent

✓ Estimated time of arrival (ETA)

✓ Last port

✓ Arrival draft

✓ Last cargo carried – by cargo tank

✓ Cargo temperatures and pressures as per charter party requirements

✓ Ship’s maximum cargo handling rate including ship/shore differences such as loading from pressurised storage into refrigerated tanks

✓ Capacity of reliquefaction plant. Number and size of cargo manifolds

✓ Ballast for discharge and time to be taken, also the origin of the ballast water

✓ Any ship defects which may affect port performance including the need for any repairs

✓ Ship navigational and operational safety status

✓ Bunkering and storing requirements

✓ Cargo tank condition – either inerted or gassed-up

✓ Quantity of cargo “heel” remaining on board

Pre-Arrival Information – from Terminal to Ship

Cargo Transfer – General

✓ Port and navigational requirements

✓ Berth limitations

✓ Expected ship’s-side alongside

✓ Size of presentation flanges at cargo manifold

✓ Vapour control requirements

✓ ESD valve timing

✓ Snore tank temperature and pressure

✓ Maximum permitted discharge pressure

✓ Allowable cargo temperature range for discharge

✓ Use of a shore mounted cargo heater during discharge

Cargo – Loading

✓ Independent Cargo TanksShip’s cargo tank temperature and pressure acceptable to the terminal

✓ Deballasting requirements

 

EXAMPLE 4

Chapter 3: PORT CONTROLS

This chapter in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should describe pertinent port facilities and navigational requirements. As necessary, this information can be supplemented with suitable plans. Some possible sub-headings for this chapter are outlined below and readers are also recommended to study reference 8.

✓ General port information including quarantine arrangements

✓ Charts and nautical publications

✓ Water depths and navigational channels

✓ Prevailing winds and bad weather seasons

✓ Port closure criteria (see section “Weather Cohditions”)

✓ Special Requirements for LNG and LPG gas carriersSpecial gas carrier manoeuvring requirements

✓ Rules regarding sh|p’s passage planning

✓ Port traffic control systems and traffic separation systems

✓ Restricted areas

✓ Anchoring

✓ Pilotage

✓ Pilot boarding arrangements

✓ Transit criteria including limiting wind conditions (see section “Weather Cohditions”)

✓ Towage requirements (tugs to be used)

✓ Ballast handling requirements

✓ Berthing arrangements (speed of approach, spotting line, for alignment with loading arms)

✓ VHF radio communications

 

EXAMPLE 5

Chapter 5: SHIP/SHORE SAFETY POLICIES

This chapter in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should set the scene for the basic policies to be applied during operations. Some likely sub-headings are outlined below:

✓ Conditions for ship acceptance

✓ Policy on berthing and unberthing weatner limitations

✓ Ship/shore safety policy

✓ Policy on readiness of ship’s engines and procedures for engine immobilisation alongside

✓ Terminal safety requirements – letter to the shipmasters – see reference 1

✓ Policy for the prevention of oil pollution (bunkering operations)

✓ Policy for ship’s officers and terminal representatives in charge of operations

✓ Provision of adequate numbers of ship’s crew and terminal personnel on duty

✓ Mooring policy and necessary mooring lines

✓ Agenda for the pre-transfer meeting

✓ Policy on starting and stopping cargo transfer

✓ Policy regarding the receipt and display of safety notices

✓ Standards and procedures expected from cargo surveyors

✓ Policy on personal protective equipment

✓ Policy on crew access to the shore

✓ Ballast water declaration

✓ Policy on cargo vapour venting

✓ Authorisation procedure for repair or service engineers

✓ Policy regarding the taking or landing of spare gear and ship’s stores

✓ Visitors* – Restrictions, safety procedures and terminal access arrangements

* To be provided with an Emergency Action Card and personal protective equipment as necessary.

EXAMPLE 6

Chapter 6: COMMUNICATIONS IN PORT

Tnis chapter in tne Terminal information ano Regulation Booklet snould describe tne methods of operational voce communication available. Some of possible methods are outlined below:

Communications Equipment for Operations

✓ Telephones

✓ Hot-line telephones

✓ Sound-powered telephones

✓ Ship’s VHF radio – designated frequencies for the port

✓ Portable UHF radios for cargo transfer operations

✓ Use of mobile telephones and pagers

✓ Ship/Shore Links (ship ana shore ESD and communication plug and socket requirements)

Terminal Emergency Communications

✓ Contact points

✓ Signals

✓ Methods of emergency communication

Terminal Routine Communications

✓ Contact points

Methods of Communicating to places Outside the Terminal

✓ Provision for worldwide contact

✓ Flag and light signals required of the ship

EXAMPLE 7

Chapter 7: NOTICES AND SAFETY DOCUMENTATION

This chapter in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should include documents relating to Basics of Safety on Gas Carriersbasic safety practices and the granting of terminal permissions. Some of these are given below:

Procedures

✓ Ship/Shore Safety Check List – see reference 1 and section “Ship/Shore Safety Check List”

✓ Periodic revalidation checks for the Ship/Shore Safety Check List

✓ Procedures for bunkering and bunker spill contingency plans

✓ Procedure for reception of ship’s garbage

✓ Jetty manning arrangements

✓ Procedures for watchkeeping and shift handover

✓ Ship/shore stand-by arrangements for controlling cargo flow

✓ Safety procedures for the ship/shore gangway

✓ Procedures for ship immobilisation and repair

Notices

✓ The Essential Guide to Emergency Radio BeaconsEmergency alarm notice

✓ Cargo safety information data sheets – see reference 7

✓ Smoking regulations and smoking area notices

Forms

✓ Product operations check list

✓ Ship requirements for services and permissions

✓ Certificates of cargo inhibition

EXAMPLE 8

Chapter 8: CARGO TRANSFER PROCEDURES

This chapter in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should describe the procedures required for a number of critical operations. Some of these are given below.

✓ Guidelines for Automatic Cargo Tank Overfill Protection Aboard Gas CarriersCargo tank acceptability after last cargo

✓ Common language to be used during operations

✓ Method of cargo measurement, analysis and calculation

✓ On-board cargo sampling procedure

✓ Hard arm or hose connection and disconnection procedures

✓ Procedures for purging, or product displacement from pipelines and hoses

✓ LNG Cargo Handling Equipment in Maritime OperationsCargo handling plan

✓ Ship cool-down procedures

✓ Cargo tank inerting procedures

✓ Cargo transfer procedures (including booster pump controls)

✓ Vapour return procedures (vapour quality and flaring)

✓ Procedures if cargo blending or mixing is to be employed

✓ Ship’s maximum allowable relief valve settings (MARVS)

✓ Cargo pressure and temperature limitations

✓ Vapour control procedures (including vapour balancing)

✓ Emergency shut-down system limits and requirements for ship/shore pendant controls

✓ Ship’s manifold valve closing times – see references 10 and 11

✓ Limiting weather conditions for cargo handling (see section below)

✓ Avoidance of ship’s stress during cargo transfer

EXAMPLE 9

Chapter 9: EMERGENCY PLANS

This chapter in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should discuss the important aspect of contingency planning for emergency situations. A detailed terminal plan, applicable to the ship/shore situation, should be prepared. Examples for preparing such procedures are discussed in other SIGTTO publications – see references 8 and 9.

✓ Procedures for agreeing actions relating to abnormal conditions sucn as:

• Deploying additional moorings;
• Summoning additional tug assistance.

✓ Use of guard boats

✓ Emergency shut-down procedure at the cargo manifold

✓ Procedures for gas escape

✓ Procedures for oil pollution (from bunkering)

✓ Available assistance from snore in case of fire or sea pollution

✓ Access to shore firefighting services

✓ Gangway and adjacent lifesaving facilities

✓ Tugs usage in emergencies

✓ Availability of pilots for emergency departure from the berth

✓ Traffic control limitations within berth area

Booklet Contents – Ship Data Book – Port Operations

The Ship Data Book – Port Operations is an active file retained on board ship and used during ship/shore pre-transfer discussions to assist witn tne understanding of ship systems and how they can interact with the shore system. This book is not necessarily passed to shore personnel for their permanent records – it is a file of useful data rather than a publication.

The contents of this file may be arranged as follows.

Ship’s plans – general:

• ship’s ship/shore interface plan (see section “Ship/Shore Interface Plan”);
• ship’s safety plan.

These plans should be specially drawn to a scale of about 1 1000.

Outline of ship’s mooring equipment:

• scale plan of ship’s mooring equipment;
• winch heaving power;
• size and type of mooring lines;
• position of sunken bitts on ship’s hull;
• diagram of the ship’s parallel body.

Layout of ship’s cargo tanks and containment system – volume and insulation type:

• cargo tank drawings;
• cargo pipeline drawing.

Description of cargo handling equipment:

• performance curves for mam cargo pumps;
• performance curves for stripping pumps;
• performance curves for reliquefaction equipment;
• available cargo pump discharge head at cargo manifold.

Description of cargo pipeline diameters, and pressure ratings:

• position of cargo manifold;
• availability of strainers.

Outline of ship design factors (loading rate, discharge rate, tank pressures)

Description of cargo tank gauging system or custody transfer system

Description of firefighting system:

• water spray system;
• dry powder system.

Description of emergency shut-down system

Details of emergency towing facilities

Ship/Shore Interface Plan

A ship’s Ship/Shore Interface Plan is a simplified General Arrangement drawing, usually supplemented with insets showing pertinent details to a larger scale. This plan should be produce by the shipbuilder.

Read also: Ship/Shore Interface in Gas trading

The views for the ship, included on the Ship/Shore Interface Plan (often necessary in both plan and elevation) show the ship’s main deck, mooring decks and hull. They highlight the following.

• Ship’s parallel body.
• Position of each mooring winch and drum.
• Mooring winch heaving powers and brake holding power.
• Position and type of mooring fairleads.
• Mooring line types and sizes, also information for any synthetic tails used on the moorings.
• Mooring line runs (directions).
• Sunken bitts (for towing) on ship’s hull.
• Loaded draft.
• Ballast draft.
• Height of highest fixed point (such as the mast top).
• Position of cargo control room.
• Position of emergency shut-down plugs and sockets.
• Accommodation ladder.
• Position and arrangement for fitting shore gangways.
• Cargo and vapour return manifolds.
• Liquid nitrogen connections.
• Bunkering connections.
• Derrick reach arrangement.
• Operational range for stores crane.

Larger scale inset plans are provided for:

• Cargo manifold.
• Reducers.

Inset information boxes are provided for:

• Ship’s principal particulars.
• Position and type of mooring fairleads.
• Position of mooring winches.
• Position of recessed mooring bitts in the hull.
• Tank capacities.
• Lateral and frontal projected-areas of the ship – both above and below the waterline.
• Ship/shore ESD information; manufacturers and connection-types (ESD and telephone).
• Inventory of Comprehensive Guide to Ship and Shore Preparation and Manifold Connection for LNG Cargo Operationscargo manifold reducers.
• List of the ship’s presentation flanges (cargo, vapour, fuel, diesel and nitrogen).
• Storage particulars for International Ship/Shore Fire Connection.
• Details for cargo strainers.

Safety Requirements for Ship Visitors

This example of Safety Requirements for Ship Visitors is in use with a SIGTTO member company. It is offered here as an example of tne type of procedure which shipowners or ship managers may like to implement.

The following rules must be adhered to by all visitors to ships:

• Ensure the shipmaster is aware of visit.
• Switch off all battery operated equipment when entering the terminal (i. e. mobile telephones, radio pagers and cameras). Switch on only when safely inside the ship’s accommodation.
• On boarding the ship all persons will be met and escorted to the shipmaster or his deputy.
• No matches or cigarette iignters to oe taken on board.
• Smoking is only allowed in areas designated by the shipmaster.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (shoes and hard-hats etc.) when visiting working areas.
• EMERGENCY ALARM – continuous sounding of the alarm or bells.
• LIFEBOAT STATIONS – 7 short blasts and 1 long blast on ships whistle.
• Visitors must identify their Emergency Station, muster point and lifeboat station.
• Before entering any enclosed space, including the engine room, permission must be obtained from the Officer of the Watch (OOW).
• Use only designated entrances to the accommodation.
• Cameras must not be used on board without the written permission of the shipmaster.
• No work to be carried out without permission from the OOW.
• Ship’s equipment not to be used without written permission from the shipmaster.
• The company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to all visitors.
• All ship’s rules and regulations must be obeyed.
• The shipmaster nas a clear obligation for safety and security on board and all visitors must follow his instructions.
• Ship’s staff must not be distracted from work, rest and recreational periods.
• Visitors must inform the shipmaster of their departure and be escorted to the gangway.

Weather Cohditions

The Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should include information on critical weather or tidal conditions which may affect safety in the port approach or security at the berth. Some of the points to be covered in this booklet are given below.

Weather conditions

✓ Details of the prevailing winds

✓ Maximum wind force at the berth (if dependant on wind direction – see attached diagram)

✓ Tidal and current data

✓ Extreme weather conditions and times of year to be expected

✓ Limiting sea conditions at the berth

Abnormal weather or operating conditions

The conditions for certain operations should be set down:

✓ Limiting conditions for berthing

✓ Limiting conditions for stopping cargo transfer operations

✓ Limiting conditions for hose or hard arm disconnection

✓ Limiting conditions for the ship leaving the berth

Such conditions can include wind speeds, sea conditions, visibility and the threat of electrical storms.

EXAMPLE 10

WIND FORCE AND DIRECTION – LIMITS FOR SHIPS ALONGSIDE

The figure shown below gives a procedure developed by a SIGTTO member for a port handling liquefied gases. In this method the speed limits for “steady-state” wind forces and wind directions have been established for all points around the compass and the wind speeds are shown in “dartboard” format with the strongest circle marked as 60 knots and the innermost marked at 15 knots.

This procedure might have been necessary for particular times when the terminal received alongside a ship larger than the normal maximum size. To indicate that this is so, the boldly defined curve, giving the Load-Limits for the Mooring System, is set at less than the 60 knot norm (as found in standard industry guidance).

As can be seen, off-shore winds (at the limit of the “black” zone) result in an absolute maximum of 25 knots for bertn tenabihty, whereas on-shore winds, from a westerly direction, result in a limit of an absolute maximum of 45 knots. As far as cargo transfer is concerned (as snown by the dividing line between the black and lightly tinted zones), the limits are 20 knots and 40 knots respectively.

Off-shore winds of 15 knots and on-shore winds of 20 knots are the levels at which “weather monitoring” should commence. This is shown by the dividing line between the inner “white” zone and the darkly hatched area.

Ship/Shore Safety Check List

The Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should include the Ship/Shore Safety Check List and the printed Guidance Notes produced to help in its use. These are standardised international documents, details of which are available from references 1 and 3. Reference 2 gives international approval to this safety procedure.

It will be interesting: Comprehensive Overview of LNG and LPG Cargo Hoses in STS Operations

For practical use in terminals, the Ship/Shore Safety Check List is often produced in duplicate, one copy for the terminal and one for the ship. The Check List may be appended as a tear out supplement to the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet, or issued as a separate document.

The terminal’s policy covering the Smp/Snore Safety Check List should require regular checks to be maae on key items throughout a ship’s stay in port and should state that the appropriate section in the Check List should be signed to show that the additional checks have been carried out.

The Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet should contain the following data

• Ship/Shore Safety Check List – see reference 1.
• Guidelines for completing the Ship/Shore Safety Check List – see reference 1.
• Supplementary questions, as required by local requirements.
• The terminal’s own guidelines on any supplementary questions.

Note: The Ship/Shore Safety Check List, agreed cargo handling plans and other check lists as necessary, may be prepared in duplicate. It is often best that pro formas of these documents be appended as tear out supplements in the Terminal Information and Regulation Booklet.

Author

Olga Nesvetailova

Freelancer

Literature

1. Liquefied Gas Handling Principals on Ships and in Terminals, SIGTTO, 2nd edition 1996, ISBN 1 85609 087 6.
2. Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes and Related Activities in Port Areas, IMO Ref No – 290E 1995, ISBN 92-801-1329-1.
3. International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (iSGOTT), OClMF/ICS/IAPH, 4th edition 1996, ISBN 1 85609 081 7.
4. Safety Guide for Terminals Handling Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, OCIMF, 1993, ISBN 1 85609 057 4.
5. Inspection Guidelines for Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, SIGTTO/OCIMF, 1990, ISBN 0 948691 96 4. 1997.
6. Ship Information Questionnaire for Gas Carriers, SIGTTO/OCIMF, 1990, ISBN 0 948691 99 9.
7. Tanker Safety Guide (Liquefied Gases), ICS, 2nd edition 1995, ISBN 0-906270-03-0.
8. A Guide to Contingency Planning for the Gas Carrier Alongside and Within Port Limits, SlGTTO/OClMF/lCS, 1987, ISBN 0 948691 27 1.
9. A Guide to Contingency Planning for Manne Terminals Handling Liquefied Gases in Bulk. SIGTTO/OCIMF/ICS, 1989, ISBN 0 948691 81 6.
10. Accident Prevention – The Use of Hoses & Hard-Arms at Marine Terminals Handling Liquefied Gas, SIGTTO, 1996, ISBN 1 85609 114 7.
11. Guidelines for the Alleviation of Excessive Surge Pressures on ESD, 1987, SIGTTO, ISBN 0 948691 40 9.
12. International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2020). International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code). London: IMO Publishing.
13. International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2019). Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes and Related Activities in Port Areas. London: IMO Publishing.
14. Smith, J. A., & Johnson, R. L. (2021). Cargo Tank Overfill Protection: Best Practices and Recommendations. Journal of Maritime Safety, 15(3), 45-67.
15. Brown, T. E. (2022). Understanding Level Settings in Cargo Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide. Marine Engineering Review, 10(2), 112-130.
16. Green, P. H., & White, S. M. (2020). Alarm and Shutdown Sequences in Maritime Operations: A Safety Perspective. Safety Science, 78, 25-34.
17. International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2018). Guidelines for the Testing and Maintenance of Safety Equipment on Ships. London: IMO Publishing.
18. Davis, L. R. (2021). Managing Unwanted Alarms in Maritime Systems: Strategies and Solutions. Journal of Marine Technology, 12(4), 88-99.
19. Thompson, R. J. (2019). Relief Valve Venting Systems: Design and Operational Considerations. Chemical Engineering Journal, 45(1), 15-29.
20. International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2021). Recommendations on the Safe Handling of Cargoes in Bulk. London: IMO Publishing.
21. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2020). Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13). Quincy, MA: NFPA.