Chapter 08.

02 - Tanker Operations

Navigation Guidelines
Introduction
H2S is a toxic, corrosive and flammable gas. Use below guidelines for managing the risk of H 2S in
cargo and fuels.

Responsibility
H2S in cargo - CO
H2S in bunker - CE

Cargoes likely to contain H2S

 Crude Oils
 Fuel Oil
 Bunker fuel
 Bitumen
 Naptha
 Gas oil

Note: It is important to distinguish between concentrations of H2S in atmosphere,

(ppm by volume), and concentrations in liquid, (ppm by weight).

Physical properties of H2S

 Colourless
 Heavier than air
 Odour of rotten eggs
 Soluble in water

Physiological Effects of H2S

H2S Concentration
(ppm by volume in Physiological Effects
air)
0.1 – 0.5 ppm First detectable by smell
10 ppm May cause some nausea, minimal eye irritation
25 ppm Eye and respiratory tract irritation. Strong odour
Sense of smell starts to break down. Prolonged exposure to
50 - 100 ppm concentrations at 100 ppm induces a gradual increase in the severity of
these symptoms and death may occur after 4-48 hours exposure
150 ppm Loss of sense of smell in 2-5 minutes
350 ppm Could be fatal after 30 minutes inhalation
Rapidly induces unconsciousness (few minutes) and death. Cause
700 ppm seizures, loss of control of bowel and bladder. Breathing will stop, and
death will result if not rescued promptly
700 + ppm Immediately fatal

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Chapter 08.02 - Tanker Operations

Note: Remove persons overexposed with H2S vapours to clean air.

Prompt action can:
- reverse the adverse effects of H2S and
- improve probability of saving life

Personal Protective Equipment

 Wear respiratory PPE if
̵ There is risk of exposure to H2S vapours more than TLV – TWA
̵ There is a possibility to exceed TLV-TWA specified by national or international
authorities
̵ You cannot carry out monitoring
̵ You cannot conduct closed operations and H2S concentrations could exceed TLV-TWA

Exposure Limits
TLV – TWA for H2S is 5 ppm over a period of 8 hours

Note: Aim to ensure lowest possible concentrations at work places.

Precautions when handling cargo and bunkers containing H 2S

Prior loading/discharging
 Ensure that cargo system is free of leaks from cargo piping, tank fittings and venting system.
 Test heating coils
 Fill P/V breakers to correct levels
 Reduce IG pressure in tanks to minimum
 Close and batten down all openings to accommodation and engine room
̵ Use only one door for access
 Shut down or recirculate ventilation in accommodation

Note: Maintain accommodation under positive pressure.

 Make a safety plan which includes
̵ Guidance on venting procedure
̵ Monitoring of vapour
̵ Accommodation and E/R ventilation arrangements
̵ Use of PPE
̵ Emergency measures
 Follow company guidelines on MSDS
 Carry on a pre-operations meeting with crew on hazards associated with H 2S. Discuss:
̵ Precautions to reduce exposure risks to acceptable levels
̵ Use of PPE
̵ Gas testing / monitoring
̵ Contingency planning and emergency response

Note: Brief new joining personnel on above.

 Advise terminal and surveyors

During loading
 Ensure closed operations

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Chapter 08.02 - Tanker Operations

 Allow only relevant personnel on deck

̵ Limit or postpone regular maintenance on deck
̵ Escort visitors to and from accommodation
̵ Brief visitors on hazards and emergency procedures
 Keep engine room manning to minimum
 Verify MSDS/Terminal values by measurement from first tank loaded

Warning!
Do not treat cargo or bunker free of H2S until confirmed by measurement.
 Follow below precautions for venting
̵ Avoid venting to atmosphere at low tank pressures particularly in calm winds
̵ Ensure adequate vapour dispersion during STS
 Keep vent velocities high on the receiving ship
̵ Give notice to shore personnel / workboats in vicinity
 Stop cargo loading if:
̵ No wind to disperse the vapours
̵ Wind direction takes the vapours towards accommodation
 Monitor the exposure levels on deck
̵ Use personal gas meters when engaged in cargo operations
̵ Set the alarm limit at 2.5 ppm or 2 ppm (on instruments where this cannot be set to 2.5)
 Check frequently the operational condition of mechanical gauges
 Run exhaust fans or use forced ventilation for at least 30 minutes prior entering any
confined space

Note: Operate fans when the deck atmosphere is free of H2S.

During Carriage
 Maintain a log of tank pressures 
 Check IG line abaft the deck seal for presence of H2S
 Minimize entry into confined spaces
 Avoid cargo sampling, ullaging and temperature readings from deck
 Avoid working aloft
 Avoid internal transfer of cargo
̵ If necessary to do so carry out JSA
 Do not carry out maintenance which may affect the system integrity
 Do not pressure test cargo lines or related equipment
 Recharge compressed air cylinders under controlled atmosphere

During Discharge
 Follow all guidelines given above
 Consider amending safety plan (see Prior loading/discharge)
̵ Based on experience during loading and carriage of cargo
 Consider reducing the setting of IG pressure controller
 During COW
̵ Follow COW procedure
̵ Use minimum sections of the line
̵ Drain all branches and legs after use

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Chapter 08.02 - Tanker Operations

Additional precautions when handling cargoes with very high concentration of H 2S:
Note: Consider 100 ppm in vapour space as very high.
 Provide personnel with EEBD
̵ If alarm activates, don the EEBD and leave the area to an upwind location
 Use SCBA, if it is necessary to breach the integrity of cargo system like:
̵ Open gauging and sampling
̵ Removing blanks or disconnecting hoses
̵ Cleaning filters
̵ Draining lines to open containment
̵ Mopping up spills

Caution: Do not use chemical cartridge respirators for respiratory

protection.
 If pressure rises to greater than the 90% of relief valve setting and requires venting
̵ Evacuate the cargo area
̵ Ensure all personnel remain inside accommodation or ECR
̵ Advise shore personnel / workboats in vicinity
̵ Assess wind direction to confirm adequate gas dispersion
̵ Alter course to direct the wind away from accommodation
̵ If alteration of course is not possible
 Release pressure in short bursts at high velocity
 Release most of the pressure before entering congested waters
 Operator of mast riser to wear SCBA and position himself windward
 Allow enough time for any residual gas to disperse prior resuming activities on deck
 If you suspect cargo or vapour leakage
̵ Evacuate immediately
̵ Inform OOW
̵ Wear SCBA during repair or spill clean up

Note: Refer to Emergency Checklist for Hazardous Vapour Release.

Tank Entry
 Prior entry into a tank that has recently carried oil containing H 2S
̵ Follow enclosed space entry procedures
̵ Test for H2S concentrations
 Thoroughly test the bottom of the tank

Note: Do not rely on catalytic H2S sensors as they may have cross sensitivity with
HC vapour

Additional precautions for handling H2S in bunkers

 Obtain MSDS from supplier

Note: 1 ppm in liquid state can give rise to 50 to 100 ppm concentration of vapour
 Monitor tank head space for H2S
̵ Prior, during and after bunkering
 If H2S detected, test the vapour space for a minimum of 3 days every 24 hrs
 If H2S content is over 5 ppm in bunker tanks or associated system
̵ Carry out JSA

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Chapter 08.02 - Tanker Operations

̵ Advise fleet cell

̵ If possible, reduce heating of the tank
̵ Tank hatches to remain closed
̵ Restrict access to areas adjoining the tank vents
 Use appropriate PPE
 Carry personal gas detectors

Caution: Do not assume associated fuel systems like settling, service and
sludge tanks are free of H2S.

 Consider forced ventilation, in consultation with the fleet cell

Note: Heating, transferring or agitating bunker by any other means can increase
H2S concentration.

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