2.12.3.4 THE LOADING OF LIQUID CARGO
A. The loading conference or key meeting
Following completion of the pre-loading inspections of the vessel, the Master
or Chief Officer should conduct a meeting with the vessel’s personnel
involved in the loading operations and the terminal. The purpose is to communicate
the fullest information necessary to the vessel and the shore terminal personnel
for the safe conduct of the loading operations. The names and respective employers
and clients of all personnel attending the loading conference should be recorded.
B. Information to be obtained from the terminal
The vessel’s officers (Chief Officer) should obtain the following information
from the shore terminal
Cargo information
grade(s) and quantity of the cargo(es) to be loaded
cargo loading sequence
specific gravity of the cargo(es)
number of shore tanks to be loaded from and quantity, temperature
and gravity of the cargo in each
material data sheet for each cargo, including all hazards associated
with handling of and treatment for exposure, inhalation and ingestion of this
material
if H2S cargo, the H2S concentration (ppm) by weight in oil
cargo loading rates
number of shore pumps to be used; will loading be started by pump
or gravity flow
shore pipeline displacements planned before, between and after loading/grades
cargo loading stops required for shore tank changes or sampling and
testing
number and sizes of hoses/arms to be used
operating envelope of the loading arms and any freeboard restrictions.
The communication system and phrases/signals to be used for
placing the shore terminal operator on standby
stopping the loading (while on standby)
emergency stop.
Further essential information to be obtained and procedures to be agreed are
the required standby time is to be provided in advance of stopping
the shore pumps
operation of emergency stop device (if provided)
emergency telephone numbers of terminal management personnel, local
hospitals, police and fire services
work shift arrangement on the pier/dock.
A copy of any particular facility regulations which must be observed by the
vessel’s officers and crew, including
pollution prevention procedures and rules
procedures in the event of fire, explosion, injury, or other emergency.
Finally, the weather forecast should be obtained.
C. Information to be provided to the terminal
The vessel’s officers (Chief Officer) should provide the terminal representative
with the following information
copy of the ballast discharge (if applicable and allowed as per national
regulations) and cargo loading plans
information regarding the last cargo(es) carried and method of tank
preparation used to prepare for the nominated cargo(es)
maximum acceptable loading rates for starting, routine loading and
topping off tanks
maximum acceptable vapour pressures, temperatures and cargo manifold
loading pressures
condition of inert gas plant and condition of inerted tanks; venting
procedures to be used while loading
quantities of ballast or slops to be pumped ashore and contents
of the slops
preferred sequence of loading (if multiple grade cargo)
procedures for changing grades of cargo
any tank washing/flushing to be performed
vessel’s contingency plan for responding to an oil pollution
incident
procedure for authorising personnel from shore to proceed on board
the vessel according to the SSP.
For a checklist for ship-terminal communications while loading, please refer
to Annexes 3.1 and 3.2.
D. Loading plan and method of loading – operational agreement
Based on the information obtained during the meeting with the terminal representative
the Chief Officer should prepare a bar chart time diagram to illustrate the
anticipated loading operation. He/she should review the time diagram with
the Master and, after any necessary revisions, give a copy to the shore terminal
and post a copy in the cargo control room (CCR).
The time diagram indicates graphically the sequence and timing of the various
steps of the loading operation and provides an indication of the time when
the operations should be completed.
The declaration of inspection, exchange of information and the loading plan
together constitute an operational agreement for the loading of the vessel.
This agreement is complete when and only when the person in charge of the
shore terminal and the person in charge of the vessel have both signed the
declaration of inspection.