Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stability
Section B
Emergency procedures for OOW discovering a fire on board ship
If at Sea, inform the Bridge; if in port, inform the local fire authorities.
Preparations and precautions to ensure vessel's watertight integrity and security of the cargo
All mechanical and watertight doors should be closed and alarm indicator tested.
All hatches battened down, hatch cleats closed, butterfly nuts locked
Close ventilators
All deck surfaces used for transit about the ship must be properly maintained and free from
dangerous substances
Areas used for cargo operations, or other work processes, to be well illuminated.
Permanent fittings which may cause hazards to movement, marked with warning signs
Name of vessel
Date of permit
Person carrying out the work to countersign, then get the permit cancelled upon completion of work
Boiler suit
Safety helmet
Goggles
Ear defenders/plugs
Dust mask/respirator
Safety footwear
Boiler suit
Safety helmet
Goggles
Gloves
Safety footwear
ENCLOSED SPACES
Breathing apparatus
Rescue harness
Lifeline
Safety footwear
Safety helmet
Gloves
Equipment required in the event of an emergency
Rescue and resuscitation equipment should be ready for use and positioned at the entrance
Life lines
Rescue harness
Torches or lamp
Stretcher
Prior to opening the entrance-precaution in case of pressurized vapors or gas being released.
Call Master
Ensure any water on deck during heavy weather is able to drain as quickly as possible
Expired pyrotechnics
Expired pyrotechnics must be disposed of ashore, preferably into a designated collection point.
They may not be disposed of either by letting them off, or dumping them into the sea.
Expired pyrotechnics should never be stored on board for any length of time, as they present a risk
of becoming unstable and causing fire and/or injury
It deals with regulatory background to the advice and general principles of health and safety, gives
general advice to seafarers, covers specific work activities and deals with safety for specialist ship
operations. Carriage of the code is Mandatory and governed by the Merchant Shipping (code of swp
for merchant seaman) regulations 1998/1838. Copies must be carried on board all vessels (except
fishing vessel and pleasure craft) must have adequate copies, depending on personnel.
Safe access for Pilot to board when freeboard is less than 9 meters
Rigged mid ships, to ensure all steps are against the side of the ship
Ensure adequate lighting, heaving line, safety harness and safety line
A responsible Officer must supervise the operation-must be in immediate contact with the bridge
Access via accommodation ladder is necessary (Angle of slope must not exceed 45 0)
Must lead aft, and the lower platform must remain horizontal throughout its operational range
Lower platform fitted with stanchions and handrails on the inboard and outboard sides
Fixed or portable light rigged. Lights to shine abaft ladder to avoid dazzling Pilot
GANGWAYS
Do not rig on ships rails-unless rails have been reinforced for that purpose
Make regular checks, having due regard for tidal movement and trim of the vessel
When end of gangway is flush with the top of the bulwark-a bulwark ladder should be provided
(Fence any gap that is present to height of at lease one meter)
Carry out check on moorings with regards to the effect o n the shore gangway.
Rigged well clear of cargo working area, so no suspended weights pass over. If this is not
always possible, then the access for personnel should be supervised
Ensure area around gangway is clear of obstructions- if not possible completely then warning notices
to be rigged
Instrument should not be used when oxygen concentration exceeds that of fresh air, when sampling
for gases like acetylene and hydrogen
Certain materials, such as silicon, silicates, organic lead, will poison the combustible gas sensor
thereby giving off wrong readings
Pressurized or low pressure samples will give erroneous oxygen per cent readings
The instrument will not indicate the presence of combustible airborne mists or dusts.
Non conformity
This is an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfilment of a specific
requirement. A major non-conformity would cause serious threat to the safety of the vessel
and/or personnel, or cause pollution.
Provide advice and guidance to relevant parties in order to improve the safety of shipping and life at
sea, and to prevent or minimize pollution from shipping. Numbered in sequence
Are used to convey Mandatory information which must be complied with under UK legislation. They
relate to Statutory Instruments and contain the technical details of such regulations. Each MSN will be
numbered in sequence, and must be carried by law. As these notices are mandatory, it is a legal
requirement to carry all of these notices aboard the vessel.
Provide information for a more limited audience, such as training establishments or equipment
manufacturers, or which will only be of use for a short period of time, such as exam timetables. Each
will be numbered in sequence from MIN1, and each will have a cancellation date (usually twelve
months after publication).
Competent person
Someone who is capable of making an informed assessment of the likelihood of any danger present
for example, as that person has previous experience and/or theoretical knowledge.
Dangerous space
Any enclosed or confined space in which it is foreseeable that the atmosphere may at some stage
contain toxic or flammable gases or vapors, or be deficient in oxygen, to the extent that it may
endanger the life or health of any person entering that space.
Mfag
Medical first aid guide- any accidental exposure to a dangerous substance should be treated in
accordance with this guide.
EmS Guide
Emergency schedule- this sets out the emergency response procedures for any vessel that is
carrying dangerous goods.
Both Mfag and EmS are found in the supplement of the IMDG code (light blue book)
Flash point
This is the lowest temperature at which a material can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air
Flammable range
This is the range of flammable vapor or gas-air mixture between the upper and lower flammable
limits
Volatile Petroleum
Petroleum, having a flash point below 60 degrees centigrade, as determined by the closed cup
method of testing.
Duties of the OOW in charge of the AFT mooring station
The overall duty is to ensure that the operation is safely and efficiently carried out.
Ensure working area is free from avoidable obstacles, and that the deck is free of oil or dangerous
substances
Check crew have correct PPE gear on, and understand their duties
Ensure Ropes, wires and heaving lines and stoppers are ready for use
Always ensure that wires and ropes are kept in separate fairleads and bollards
When mooring it is worth remembering the following: very short lengths of line should be avoided
when possible, as they will take a greater proportion of the load when there is movement of the
vessel. Breast lines provide the bulk of athwart ships restraint. Back springs provide the largest
proportion of the longitudinal restraint.
Duties of the OOW in the fwd. mooring station
(Most of the above points are also relevant to the fwd. mooring operation)
Maintain a sharp lookout for any dangers as the vessel approaches the mooring station
Find the source of the spillage and attempt to prevent further overflow
Ask shore permission to spray the sea area with any appropriate dispersant and/or foam to limit fire
risk
Keep a careful record of all activities and times in logs and record books, namely:
Pre-bunkering procedure
Agree quantity
Check valves
Plug scuppers
If it is raining, ensure water from deck and save-ails is drained away at regular intervals
Keep watch over the side to ensure no leakage into the sea
Disconnect hoses
Lower bravo flag, switch off red light and remove warning signs
BULK CARRIER
If there is an emergency, can the vessel leave the berth at any time
Shipper has provided Master with details of properties of the cargo (Solas chapter v)
Adequate lighting
All external doors/ports and windows are closed (ER vents may be open)
Sea and overboard discharge valves, when not in use, are closed and secured
All cargo tank atmospheres are at positive pressure with oxygen content 8% or less by volume.
Anchoring operations
When deciding upon the anchorage location, consider the following: depth of water and nature of
seabed, whether vessel is in ballast or fully loaded, weather conditions, current/tidal flow,
proximity of navigational dangers, and proximity of other vessels, likely swinging circle, and
reliability of position fixing.
During the cargo operations at the SMP, one man will be stationed forward to monitor and report on
the position of the SMP and the distance from the vessel, and will be in contact with the duty Officer
The engines are to be on Engine control at short notice (generally 10 minutes) during the period at
the point
Local port authorities may have additional considerations to take into account.
CARGO OPERATIONS
Loading plan
planned quantity
Information on stress and stability at regular intervals during the operation, indicating maximum
allowable limits like-GM, SF and BM
Lifting gear
All load test and type test certificates for lifting gear, mooring gear and assorted wires and ropes to
be kept in a safe place
When an item has been discarded, the test certificate should be removed and destroyed
Every year all items listed in the CARGO GEAR REGISTER must be subject to annual
thorough inspection by competent ship staff
Every five years, this equipment must undergo approval by class, with the cargo register
being stamped accordingly
Once cargo is loaded under a clean bill of lading, it is now the vessels responsibility
Damage prior to discharge-record the extent and reasons for damage. If damage is due to weather,
Master will note protest at arrival port (this denies liability)
If cargo damaged deliberately to protect the safety of the ship and/or personnel, declare 'general
average'
Enter circumstances into the ship’s deck log book-list date, time and as much information as possible
Prior to loading:
Keep times of cargo operations, and enter any relevant information in the ships log book
When closing tween deck covers or hatch covers, check they are properly secure
Check moorings
Check ships fenders, and be aware of passing vessels secure steadying lines to the load
Ensure lifting points of the load are attached to the load itself.
Vessel at anchor discharging into barges-duties of OOW
Comply with STCW, port and company regulations and fire regulations
Ensure correct preparations are carried out in holds-dunnage, cleaning, lashing points
Before loading
Ensure cargo hoses arms are in good condition, properly rigged and connected with ships manifold
and fully bolted
When de ballasting is completed tanks should be inspected and overboard valves lashed shut as
well as sea valves
Test the emergency stopping systems, efficiency of COP, ballast pump, IG system and
stripping system.
Manifold pressure should be zero-monitor and inform shore immediately if any problems
As loads go in final tanks, inform shore personnel, giving at least 30 minutes’ notice
All other general safety and pollution prevention regulations should be followed
After loading
Pipe line valves to be pumped and deck delivery valves to be opened leaving tank suction
and manifold valves closed
When shore is ready to receive cargo, open correct manifold valve and tank suction
Non return valves may leak back and pressure in the shore pipeline may cause an overflow in
the opened tank if pump starting delayed
Check pressure of IG
All other general safety and pollution prevention regulations should be followed
After discharging
Pipe line may be cleared by draining back into the ships slop tank
Blank up the manifold and drain drip trays, usually in the nearest tank
Check ullage spaces are still pressurized with IG then suction plant
down
Duties of deck Officer after completion of cargo loading, and awaiting the next tide
Check hatch covers and loading equipment has been stowed securely
Liaise with Master and Officers regarding sailing instructions fwd. and aft
Ensure all crew are on board for sailing, and check for stowaways
Make sure crew required for letting go are aware of time for stations
Ensure all cargo handling equipment is in good mechanical order, structurally sound and free from
defect.
They should have clear visibility, and be stood in a protected location whilst operating gear
All gear used must be certified and listed on the chain register
MGN notice 418 to be consulted with regards to advice on securing of Ro-Ro cargo
All cargo space fans and vents in use to prevent a build- up of noxious gases
Particular care with regards to personnel and passengers being in the vicinity
Bow and stern doors to be correctly operated, and seals checked. To be double checked prior to
vessel casting off and may not be opened until alongside
Deck pre-sailing checks the Officer of the watch should make prior to sailing
Spillage on deck:
Stop loading
Commence clean-up operations, preferably avoiding the use of chemicals which may be
more damaging to the environment itself than the oil spill
NB Marpol requires oil tankers of l5Ogt or more and all ships over 400gt to carry an approved
'Shipboard oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP) if engaged in the carriage of noxious liquid substances
The ODMCS is used to prevent pollution of the ocean by oil due to the discharge from ballast and bilge spaces
Oil tankers of l5Ogt and above shall be fitted with an oil discharge monitoring and control system approved by the
administration.
*to be fitted with a recording device to provide a continuous record of the discharge in litres per nautical mile and
total quantity discharged, or the oil content and rate of discharge
*the record to be identifiable as to time and date, and shall be kept for THREE years.
*the ODMCS shall come into operation when there is any discharge of effluent into the sea
*the ODMCS shall automatically stop if the instantaneous rate of discharge of oil exceeds the permitted limit
*must be able to work in manual mode if auto system does not work
Safety check list for Helicopter landing
1. GENERAL
(a)Have all loose objects within and adjacent to the operating area been secured or removed
(b)Have all aerials, standing or running gear above and in the vicinity of the operating area
been lowered or secured?
(c) Has a pennant or windsock been hoisted where it can be clearly seen by the helicopter
pilot?
(d) Has the officer of the watch been consulted about the ship's readiness?
(e) Does the leader of the deck party have a portable radio transceiver (walkie talkie) for
communicating with the bridge?
(f) Are the fire pumps running and is there adequate pressure on deck?
(g) Are fire hoses ready (hoses should be near to but clear of the operating area)?
(h) Are foam hoses, monitors and portable foam equipment ready?
(i) Are dry powder fire extinguishers available and ready for use?
(k) Are the fire hoses and foam nozzles pointing away from the operating area in case of
inadvertent discharge?
(o) Has the correct lighting (including special navigation lights) been switched on prior to night
operations?
(p) Is the deck party ready, wearing brightly coloured tabards (waistcoats) and protective
helmets, and are all passengers clear of the operating area?
(q) Has the hook handler been equipped with helmet, strong rubber gloves and rubber soled
shoes to avoid the danger of static discharge?
(r) Is access to and egress from the operating area clear?
2. LANDING ON
(a) Is the deck party aware that a landing is to be made?
(b) Is the operating area free of heavy spray or seas on deck?
(c) Have side rails and, where necessary, awnings, stanchions and other obstructions been lowered or
removed?
(d) Where applicable, have portable pipes been removed and have the remaining apex ends been blanked
off?
(e) Are rope messengers to hand for securing the helicopter, if necessary? (Note: only the helicopter pilot
may decide whether or not to secure the helicopter.)
(f) Have all personnel been warned to keep clear of rotors and exhausts?
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3. TANKERS: Additional Items for Check List
a) Ships not fitted with an inert gas system: has pressure been released from tanks within
30 minutes of commencement of helicopter operations?
(b) Ships fitted with an inert gas system: has pressure in cargo tanks been reduced to slight positive
pressure?
(c) All tankers: have all tank openings been secured following venting operations?
4. BULK CARRIERS AND COMBINATION CARRIERS: Additional Item for Check List
Has surface ventilation to dry bulk cargoes ceased, and have all hatch openings been fully battened
down prior to helicopter operations?
•Bulk chemical-IBC code and BCH code (international bulk chemical code, for
the construction and equipment of ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk)
•Liquefied gas -IG code and ICS publication, IGC (inert gas code, tanker safety guide
publication, code for the construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gas in
bulk)
•Nuclear -INF code (international code for the safe carriage of nuclear
fuel,plutonium,and high level radio- active wastes on board ship)
• Bulk cargoes -IMSBC code and BLU code(international maritime solid bulk cargoes, and
safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers)
Fire- adequate firefighting facilities to cover all types of chemicals being carried
Glasses/mask/goggles/visors
In all documents relating to the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea,the proper
shipping name of the goods shall be used (trade names alone shall not be used) and the correct
description given in accordance with the classification set out in the IMDG code.
• A signed certificate or a declaration that the consignment, as offered for carriage, is properly
packaged, marked, labelled or placarded, as appropriate, and in proper condition for
carriage
The person responsible for the packing/loading shall provide a signed packing certificate stating that
the cargo has been properly packed and secured
Each ship shall have a special list or manifest setting out the dangerous goods on board and their
position, or a detailed stowage plan which sets out the location of all dangerous goods may be used
instead. A copy shall be made available before departure, to the person designated by the port state
authority.
All cargo to be stowed and secured in accordance with the cargo securing manual
When an incident takes place involving the loss or likely loss of dangerous goods overboard, this
shall be reported without delay and to the fullest extent possible, to the nearest coastal state.
The conditions set out for dangerous goods in packaged form shall apply, in addition to the
following:
• Dangerous goods shall be loaded and stowed in accordance with the nature of the goods.
Incompatible goods shall be segregated from one another
• Dangerous goods liable to spontaneous heating or combustion, shall not be carried unless
adequate precautions have been taken.
• Dangerous goods which give off dangerous vapours shall be stowed in a well-ventilated
space
Vessel loading dangerous goods in drums:
Sound the alarm, inform Master, and bring vessel to state of emergency readiness
Directions where to place dangerous goods on board ship to insure safe transport
Provides emergency response advice for dangerous goods involved in fire or spillage on board