CHEMICAL TANKER LOADING OPERATIONS-- CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

LOADING PARCEL CHEMICAL TANKERS —CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

THE FOLLOWING SERVES AS A “MEMORY JOGGER" FOR A 3/4 STRIPER ON A
PARCEL CHEMICAL TANKER , RATHER THAN A CHECK LIST—AND IS BY
NO MEANS COMPREHENSIVE.

IT SHOWS THE PROACTIVE AND MULTI-TASKING NATURE OF CHEMICAL

TANKER SHIPBOARD MANAGEMENT. 

A CHEMICAL TANKER 3/4 STRIPER CANNOT BE A HALF-WIT.

S No	PRE LOADING CHECKS ON CHEMICAL TANKER
1.	Have all emails, telexes, faxes and verbal cargo instructions been cross checked?
2.	Has the chemical and product names been reconciled?
3.	Has the MOLOO, MOLCO, MINMAX requirements been met?
4.	Has the tank coating compatibility been cross checked?
5.	Has load density of tank been considered?
6.	Have you checked the COF for the intended cargoes?
7.	Have you checked the USCG chemical reactive group compatibility  tables- exception list?
8.	Have charterers agreed with the stowage plan?
9.	Are all the cargoes to be loaded in the COF?
10.	Are all the cargoes to be loaded suitable for tank coating/ lining ?
11.	Are you keeping away toxic cargoes from edible?
12.	Are heated toxic vapor cargoes stowed right forward?
13.	Is there at least 10 degrees difference between BP of the cargo and  adjacent heat?
14.	Is list correction in port possible at all times with minimum ballast  and time?
15.	Can you do internal stripping at disport with the planned stow ?
16.	Are all cargoes  suitable by compatibility tables A and B (cargo  groups / reactive groups)?
17.	Has FOSFA ( or NIOP/ EU etc ) banned / acceptable lists been  consulted?
18.	Is the filling height all right for the load density of tank?
19.	Has adjacent heat been considered?
20.	Are drying oils, polymerizing cargoes, volatile cargoes kept away  from adjacent heat?
21.	Are cofferdam seals of Framo pumps free from leaks?
22.	If no, are any polymerizing or high MP insoluble in water cargoes  assigned to those tanks?
23.	If your steam pipes are unlagged are you stowing any high MP  cargoes forward ( sea spray )?
24.	Is the molybdenum content of the steam coils suitable for the  aggressive cargo to be heated?
25.	Do cargoes which have to be recirculated have diffusers on drop  line?
26.	Are you reducing the number of tanks to be recirculated at sea?
27.	Are cold ballast water interfaces removed from high MP cargoes?
28.	Will cold condensation effect the cargo (example styrene/  MEG fg adjacent )?
29.	Are you avoiding the use of too many flexible cargo hoses?
30.	Have you avoided loading tanks which have leaky steam coils?
31.	Have you avoided waste of nitrogen due to slack tanks?
32.	If you are loading at different berths has the draft /trim/ list  been considered?
33.	Have you given your best tanks for WWT?
34.	In case there are draft restrictions at disport have you put heavy  cargoes amidship?
35.	Have you avoided loading high MP insoluble cargoes in shadow  sector tanks?
36.	Are you loading 2 consecutive aggressive cargoes without recovery of tank lining?
37.	Is it possible to use adjacent heat instead of thermal oil heating?
38.	In case sensitive first foot samples will be taken are you using the  best and largest tanks?
39.	In case pipelines have to be deslopped like for MEG FG are you  using the best and largest tanks?
40.	Are you minimizing tank cleaning chemicals expenditure by using  stainless steel tanks?
41.	Can your pumps handle the cargo discharge without booster  pump ?
42.	Are you aware that edible oil cannot be heated by thermal oil?
43.	Have you considered filling lower/ upper limit of sloshing as per P@A manual?
44.	Has damage stability been considered?
45.	Are you using the largest tanks with large pumps and risers for high  viscosity cargoes?
46.	Will you avoid last minute methanol spray to pass WWT by using best previous cargo’ tanks?
47.	Are you stowing high MP high heat cargoes within double hull?
48.	Have you consulted list of acceptable previous cargoes prior cargoes  like HMD, Chlor solvents?
49.	Have you consulted paint manufacturers tables for vent/ FFA/ hot  cure/ moisture content etc?
50.	Will cleaning temperatures exceed max permissible for the tank  coating?
51.	In case ballast has to be shifted  to avoid cold interface are you  using centre tanks to avoid list?
52.	In case you  have cargo stoppages ( barges ) with high MP cargoes ,  will cargo freeze in pipelines?
53.	If cargo will freeze do you have a blow back plan ready into the tank?
54.	If cooling is required ( propelene oxide ) have you tested the cooling  systems?
55.	Has FOSFA banned/ acceptable lists been considered?
56.	Do you have a spare tank earmarked if the WWT test fails?
57.	Has the UKC at berth at low water been considered?
58.	Has the trim for deballasting been considered if ship has to load to  deadweight ?
59.	Has the trim for fast and efficient squeezing been considered when  deciding the stow?
60.	Has vapour return calculations been done if needed ?
61.	Have cargo lines been set and double checked?
62.	Have all pipeline plugs been replaced and drain cocks shut?
63.	Have all bolt holes been used at the manifold?
64.	Have the manifold connections made been leak tested with  compressed air and soap water?
65.	Has a preloading meeting been held?
66.	Has the max load rate for all grades been agreed upon?
67.	Has the loading master been asked if there are any planned  shore stops?
68.	Has the topping up rate been agreed upon?
69.	Has the ship shore safety checklist been signed?
70.	Are emergency procedures known to ships crew?
71.	Have you made arrangements for closed loading as per  company policy?
72.	Have high level and overflow alarms been checked?
73.	Have PV valves been manually lifted a couple of times to see if they  are not frozen or jammed?
74.	Have all lines to be used for loading been pressure tested before  arrival berth?
75.	Have steam coils to be used been pressure tested for leaks ( not  with air )?
76.	Have written heating instructions been received?
77.	Are the tanks to be loaded dry and pipelines blown?
78.	Have you checked the antidotes and expiry dates?
79.	Have you worked out the SF/BM for harbour condition?
80.	Does your software indeed have harbour condition?
81.	Have use of flexible hoses been minimized?
82.	Are in use cargo hose certificates ready for inspection by shore a authority?
83.	Have sampling procedures been agreed upon?
84.	Is there a proposal to take a first foot sample from the tank?
85.	Are line blowing arrangements agreed upon?
86.	Is sufficient space available in the tank to receive line blow contents?
87.	Is suitable PPE ready for crew use?
88.	Is the port crew watch rotation schedule posted?
89.	Does the deck  officers attire indicate rank?
90.	Has the crew been trained to understand the MSDS sheet contents?
91.	Has the eye wash and shower been tried out ?
92.	Will splash couplings be used for toxic and corrosive chemicals?
93.	Are the crew wearing full sleeve boilersuits with company logo?
94.	Are walkways to be used by crew and shore personnel well lit and  non slip?
95.	Is a visitors log being maintained?
96.	Is the anemometer working and being used ?
97.	Do all know that no samples can be brought to the accommodation  block?
98.	Is it understood that no shore person can enter the cargo tanks without a signed permit?
99.	In the absence of a mimic board is there a valve / drain cock open  status board in CCR?
100.	Are there sufficient charged spare batteries?
101.	Is there a shore leave board for ships crew?
102.	Are there any persons in the CCR who are not related to assisting cargo work?
103.	Is vapor return line being used?
104.	If yes, are the non applicable spool pieces removed and blanked  in place?
105.	Have you pressure tested the steam coils prior arrival port?
106.	Are all leaky / untested/ unnecessary steam coils blanked?
107.	Do you have a means of steam tracing in case pipelines get frozen  with cargo?
108.	In case you are loading different cargoes using the same line will  the best grades loaded first?
109.	If the manifold drip tray gets full due to cargo or rain do you have  a plan to drain the mixture?
110.	Have you checked the level guages and UTI tapes?
111.	Are the flexible cargo hoses suitable for the cargo?
112.	Have you made dog tags for the manifold hose stating cargo name  and tanks it has to fill?
113.	Have you made nitrogen dog tags for the tanks proposed to be purged  with nitrogen?
114.	Have you tried out all the PV valves and set them in the correct auto  position?
115.	Are the MMC tapes clean for sensitive and edible cargoes?
116.	Have you obtained inhibitor/ stabilization certificates for polymerizing  cargo?
117.	Are there specific written instructions to duty officers ( other than  standing orders)?
118.	Has MSDS sheets been posted and old obsolete ones been removed?
119.	Has written instructions from shippers for heating and cooling been  received?
120.	If not have you issued a written protest stating that cargo quality  might be affected?
121.	Are both supply and return lines of unused steam heating coils blanked?
122.	Will you be switching off the high level alarms set at 95% just before  activation?
123.	Is a manifold rigging diagram available with deck officers , pumpman , crew and loading master?
124.	Are cargo hoses adequately supported to avoid damage and kinking?
125.	If purging with high pressure shore nitrogen will you avoid structural  damage to tanks ?
126.	After purging tank with nitrogen will you prevent its escape  by  shutting of PV and tank dome?
127.	If emergency inhibitor is placed on board is it clearly marked?
128.	If yes are there proper written instructions available for its use  and return of balance / disposal ?
129.	If you are loading more than 98% (latex/ wine etc) have you taken  operators/owners permission?
130.	Have you allowed for cargo expansion ( climate change/  adj cargo heat/ adj tank wash)?
131.	Is sufficient tank space available for hose and line clearing?
132.	Have you provided the duty officer stop ullage for MMC using  computed anticipated list/ trim?
133.	Will you be using rope lashings for manual cargo valves whose  status must not be changed?
134.	Did you set the pressure gauge on the manifold and confirm  that the gauge is calibrated ?
135.	Have you fitted pressure gauges on the sea side between the valve  and the blank?
136.	Are unused cargo hoses blinded and housed?
137.	Are all tools , nuts, bolts, gaskets etc to be used sighted and  kept ready?
138.	Did you confirm cleanliness of lines and hoses of  terminal / barge ?
139.	Are unused lines and lines to be used for loading segregated ? (  flange , spool piece , etc.)
140.	Are valves to be used for loading in good operational condition ?
141.	Are all drain plugs closed ? (cargo line , vent line , valve)
142.	Are unused manifold fully bolted and blinded ?
143.	Has a approved ship / shore safety check list been satisfactorily  completed ?
144.	Do proposed procedures meet all port or terminal local  requirements ?
145.	Are clean and transparent glass sample bottles ready?
146.	Have diffusers been fitted inside tank on drops which require  recirc during voyage?
147.	Are MFAG medicines and antidotes available?
148.	Are tankcleaning chemicals for the proposed cargoes ordered?
149.	Is the steamcoil blanking board in CCR maintained?
150.	Is a digital camera readily available ?
151.	Do you have a certificate of leak tightness ready?
152.	Have the local read out of ullages/ pressure been reconciled with  MMC/ CCR?.
153.	Does the thermal tracer of eyewash and shower give comfortable  temperature?
154.	Are flame screens fitted wherever the exit velocity of flammable  gas is less than 30 mtrs/ sec?
155.	Have you conducted pH value tests for steam coil blown out  contents?
156.	Are the fixed gas detectors of p/room, accomodation, galley etc  working properly?
157.	Are loading rate and venting rate tables posted in CCR?
158.	Are yellow gas suits available for special cargoes?
159.	Are you aware that loading cannot commence till the tank ready  certificate is recd ?
160.	Do you know if loading is by gravity, centrifugal pump or positive  displacement pump?
161.	Are you aware ,shutting off manifold valve against a positive  displacement pump can cause hose rupture?
162.	When taking the manifold sample is the tank valve shut to  prevent cargo ingress into tank?
163.	Is there a wilden pump rigged up for immediate use in  emergency?
164.	Has the loading plan been approved and signed by master?
165.	Is the safety warning board displayed at gangway?
166.	Is Bravo flag raised?
167.	Has the integrity of manifold drip tray and after most deck  scupper been checked with water?
168.	Is a safety mat available at the manifold tray?
169.	Have you looked into the manifold lines for residues , prior  boarding of tank surveyor?
170.	Have you ensured that there is no water inside loading flexibles  for water sensitive cargoes?
171.	Have you received heating and nitrogen instructions in writing?

S.N	LOADING ( DURING ) CHECK LIST
1	Have you communicated with shore personnel regarding the progress of the loading operation?
2	Do all crew have relevant PPE on ?
3	Is communication between CCR , manifold and shore tank adequately maintained ?
4	Are you aware which cargoes create static charges when  passing through pipelines?
5	Are there any leak from cargo hose or line ?
6	Have you prevented cargo contaminated shoes from being  worn inside accomodation?
7	Are you aware that if there is any possibility of off hire, the    master must be informed?
8	Are you aware of the surrounding condition including sea  weather and change of tide ?
9	Is the gangway for passage to the shore correctly adjusted  for safe access ?
10	Is the sanctity of the CCR being violated by undesirable  material/ persons?
11	Are orders on walkie talkie being repeated and reported  back when executed?
12	Are steam hoses ready in freezing weather?
13	Are you topping up tanks using only one inlet?
14	Are emergency stop written procedures available in CCR?
15	Is a copy of ERP contact list available in CCR?
16	In case somebody jams the walkie talkie channel, is an exit  channel been agreed upon and known to all?
17	Are you providing “corrected for current trim/ list”  topping up ullages to duty officer?
18	Do incoming duty crew go on deck and relieved crew knock  off via CCR?
19	Have you taken the initial load contents into one single tank?
20	Have you taken a manifold sample immediately on start into  a clear glass sample bottle with manifold valve shut?
21	Is there a signed and dated stowage plan in the fire wallet?
22	Is there a secondary means of communication with shore  terminal if the primary fails?
23	Is the oxygen resuscitator readily available?
24	Have vapor return calculations been done?
25	At commencement has an officer been stationed at the  manifold for any leakage, abnormality?
26	Do you know the standard correction to be applied to  MMC/ CCR fixed remote guage?
27	Are you checking and recording the loading rate every hour ?
28	Is the loading operation going as per written and agreed plan?
29	Do you estimate time of completion of loading every hour ?
30	Before the relieving duty crew takes over , are they briefed  in the CCR ?
31	Does duty officer patrol regularly for early discovery of any abnormal situation ?
32	Are Draeger tubes used especially in still air  conditions for inhalation hazard / carcinogen cargoes?
33	Are open – shut status of valves correctly maintained on  the CCR valve board ?
34	Is lashing condition of loading hose with shore / barge  normal ?
35	Is ballast condition properly adjusted ?
36	Is the shore leave board giving a true picture?
37	Are the port logs and cargo logs upto date?
38	Do you confirm with all parties concerned regarding  ship’s schedule after completion of loading ?
39	Did you instruct the duty officer and Bosun about all the  necessary work after completion of loading ?
40	Is everything ready for completion including all documents ?
41	Can you bleed into next tank in sequence to create a  comfortable topping rate?
42	When you top up the last tank will you reduce the loading  rate to prevent overflow?
43	Are you monitoring for crew fatigue?
44	Are valve wheels of tanks already topped up being lashed?
45	Has eye wash and shower been tested every watch?
46	Are hourly SF/BM calculations done on loadicator?
47	Are relevant safety rechecks checks carried out?
48	Is the valve open status board in CCR up to date?

S.N	LOADING COMPLETION CHECKLIST
1	Is Chief officer present for supervision during topping up operations?
2	Is the topping up sequence as per the written plan?
3	Are you aware that spherical deck tanks have rapid ullage decrease for small increase of cargo?
4	Have you confirmed completion of loading with shore  personnel ?
5	Have you taken the density of dock water?
6	If the crew is forced to connect / disconnect the shore  hose , has a LOP been issued?
8	Did you receive necessary instruction for cargo care ?  (heating instruction , N2 purge , inhibitor , etc.)
9	If cargo has been commingled, does the B/L have the commingling clause?
10	Do you know charterers  percentage difference limits for reullaging and recalculation?
11	Have you drained water from compressed air line before  line blowing?
12	If the cargo has high MP have you ascertained lines are  empty by sound check?
13	If the cargo has to be heated is it prepared ?
14	Have you squared up the deck and secured everything ?
15	If there is foam above cargo have you made a remark  that the ullage is measured over foam?
16	If agent is authorized to sign B/L will he protest any  difference between ship/ shore figure?
17	Are you aware of charterers requirements regarding calling P&I surveyor for cargo discrepancy?
18	Are you aware that the B/L must not be signed for a port  ship is incapable of reaching in safety?
19	Are you aware that no reference must be made in SOF  regarding segregated ballast?
20	Have you noted the exact time the final cargo documents  are recd on board in the SOF?
21	Have LOP been issued for all relevant matters?
22	Have you double checked and reconciled cargo received  on board by draft measurements?
23	Have you reconciled ship/ shore cargo figures?
24	Have you updated the cargo record book?
25	Has shore stop been entered in the SOF and quantity declaration?
26	Has deadfreight form been made if applicable?
27	Have you made a separate SOF for each cargo?
28	If the original bill of lading is placed on board, has the  remaining B/L been endorsed?
29	Will you purge the pump cofferdams immediately after  loading?
30	Will you depressurize the manifold pipelines prior  disconnecting flexible?
31	Have you received the loading samples ?
32	Are the sample bottle properly sealed and tagged ?
33	Does the tag show the ships name, voyage no, date,  location, cargo name and type of sample?
34	Are all documents completed ?
35	In case of polymerising or heating cargo , did you finish  draining cargo remaining in the cargo line ?
36	Are blind flanges of manifold fully bolted ?
37	Did you shut all valves of cargo line ?
38	Have you reset breather valves of vent line to normal  position ?
39	Are the tankdomes, butterworth ports etc shut ?

CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL ( 28 YEARS IN COMMAND )

..