C.O.W.

Why was COW made compulsory? (NOT CONFIRMED)

To reduce amount of sludge in cargo tanks
To reduce pollution.
To improve cargo outturn.
To prevent corrosion in cargo tanks.

Why is COW more efficient than water washing? (8)

Because of the dissolving property in crude.

What is the difference between SBT-system and CBT-system?

CBT-system can utilise cargo pumps/lines for ballast handling.

What is the dissolving effect dependent on?

The type of oil.
The composition of the oil.
The temperature of the oil.

From how many or which one of the cargo pumps must it be possible to take “bleed off” from main(s) for COW
supply? (4)
From any one of the cargo pumps.

What is the requirement regarding hydrant valves on the COW line? (4)
They must be blanked off.

What is the requirement to the number of drive units on vessels equipped with tank washing machines where
the drive units are detachable? (4)
That no drive unit has to be shifted more than twice.

Where shall the verification of submerged washing machines be recorded? (4)

In the Supplement 2 to the Oil Record Book.

What is the requirement regarding stripping system capacity when washing bottom of the cargo tanks?
The stripping capacity must be 25% more than the total throughput of washing fluid.

What is the purpose of the small diameter line? (4)

To discharge ashore the drainings form pumps and lines.

What is the requirement regarding arrangements for hand dipping the cargo tanks after COW?
Arrangements in the aftermost portion of the tank and in 3 other suitable locations.

What requirements must the person in charge of COW operation meet with regard to the COW Manual? (4)
Be fully knowledgeable of the content of the Manual.

What are the requirements regarding experience for persons who are intended to have particular
responsibilities as defined in the Manual? (4)
They shall have at least 6 months experience on oil tankers where they should have been involved in COW operation.

Are we allowed to perform COW at sea? (4)

Yes, between discharge ports.

What is the minimum distance from the nearest land when you are pumping departure ballast overboard? (4)
50 nautical miles.

Water that is put into a tank which has been crude oil washed but not water washed shall be regarded as: (4)
Dirty ballast.

How many per cent of the cargo tanks to be crude oil washed on rotational basis for sludge control during a 4
months period? (4)
Approximately 25 per cent.

What is the maximum quantity of oil you are permitted to discharge into the sea from an “existing tanker”? (4)
1/15,000 of the total quantity of the cargo.
Where in the tank shall the oxygen level be determined before crude oil washing?
1 metre from the deck and in the middle region of the ullage space.

What is IMO’s requirement regarding the oxygen level in the tank before and during it is crude oil washed?
The oxygen level must not exceed 8 % by volume.

How to avoid excessive electrostatic generation in the washing process due to the presence of water in the
crude oil washing fluid? (4)
By discharge at least 1 metre from the tank before use as a source of washing fluid.

How to avoid vapour emission during filling of departure ballast (non SBT vessel)? (8)
By simultaneous ballasting and cargo discharge.

What is the requirement regarding capacity of inert gas plant? (4)

At least 125% of the maximum discharge capacity.

According to IMO the Manual has to be approved by the Administration. With regard to general practice who is
giving the final approval of the Manual? (4)
The classification society.

What kind of action to be taken if an alternation affecting the crude oil washing system is made? (4)
Revise the Manual.

Where should you record the crude oil washing after completion? (4)
Oil Record Book.

Who is signing the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist? (4)

Ship and Shore Representative.

What kind of action must be taken in the event of total failure of the inert gas system during discharge/COW?
(8)
Stop the discharge/COW.