Script

BUNKERING OPERATION
(At the Manifold)
Characters:
Chief Engineer/Narrator –
2nd Engineer –
3rd Engineer –
4th Engineer –
Oiler –
Engine Cadet -

BEFORE
Narration: Before bunkering operation, the chief engineer should
calculate and check which bunker oil tanks are to be filled after he
receives confirmation from the shore office about the amount of fuel to
be accepted. Preparing for the bunkering operation which will involve
the readiness of bunkering equipment, storage tanks and bunkering
safety.

Chief Engineer: 2nd, make sure that all the assigned tasks during our
tool box meeting are properly executed. Follow and fill all relevant
checklist.
2nd Engineer: Copy Sir, we will now start preparing for the bunker
operation
2nd Engineer: 3rd, Let’s empty some tanks and transfer the oil from one
tank to other.
Engine Cadet: Sir, why do we need to empty those tanks?
3rd Engineer: This is required to prevent the mixing of two oils
2nd Engineer: Exactly, it is to prevent incompatibility between the
previous oil and the new oil that will be supplied.
Engine Cadet: (taking notes) Copy Sir, thank you.
4th Engineer: Cadet, come with me, we will do sounding of other fuel
storage tank.
Engine Cadet: Even those that will not be used during bunker operation
sir?
4th Engineer: Yes, we should also do sounding for that to keep a record
of fuel already present onboard.
2nd Engineer: Make sure also that all deck scuppers and save all trays
are plugged.
Oiler: Copy Sir, I’ve already plugged the drip tray also.
2nd Engineer: Also ensure that the overflow tank is kept empty to
transfer excess fuel from the bunker tanks.
Oiler: Will do, 2nd. I’ll also prepare the lighting at the bunker and
sounding position now.
2nd Engineer: Great! Cadet, put also a No SMOKING NOTICE near the
bunkering station
Engine Cadet: Aye Sir.
3rd Engineer: Is the red light already presented on the masthead?
Engine Cadet: Not yet sir.
4th Engineer: I’ll now inform the bridge to set up the red flag or light
to be presented on the masthead.
2nd Engineer: (Preparing the safety equipment) Make sure that all these
SOPEP locker are checked and kept near the bunkering station
(the bunker ship is now secured to the ship side)
Chief Engineer: Make sure to check all those equipments, I’ll just go
ahead and explain our bunker plan to the person in charge of the bunker
barge.

2nd Engineer: We will now connect the hose to the manifold.

4th Engineer: 2nd, there are some crews sent by the bunker supplier to
help us connect the bunker oil pipeline coming from the barge.
3rd Engineer: Certainly, I’ll just recheck the flange connection to
eliminate the doubt of any leakage.
Chief Engineer: Are all the connections properly lined up?
2nd Engineer: Yes Chief
Narration: Chief Engineer will ensure all the line valves which will
lead the bunker fuel to the selected bunker tanks are open, keeping the
manifold valve shut.
Chief engineer: Okay, continue what you’re doing. I’ll just check if the
bunker barge provide an emergency stop switch
Engine Cadet: Chief, what is the emergency stop switch for?
Chief Engineer: It controls the bunkering supply pump. We need to check
if its working before commencing the operation.
Engine Cadet: (taking notes) Copy Sir.
Narration: Once all the checks are done, the manifold valve is open for
bunkering.

DURING
Narration: Performing the bunkering operation in real time as per the
pre-decided procedure and receiving the marine fuel according to the
bunker plan. During the start of the bunker, the pumping rate is kept
low; this is done to check that the oil is coming to the tank to which
the valve is opened

2nd Engineer: Let us now start sounding all the tanks.

3rd Engineer: Okay, I’ll sound those that are involved in the bunkering
4th Engineer: Then, I’ll sound those that are not involved
Engine Cadet: Sir, why do we still need to sound the other tanks that
are not involved?
Oiler: This is to ensure that the oil is only going to the selected
tank. Come with me Cadet, we will check the other hose if there are some
leakages. Tho we ensure that the pumping rate is low at the start.

Narration: After confirming the oil is coming to the proper tank, the
pumping rate is increased as agreed before

Engine Cadet: Sir, how many tanks are getting filled right now?
Oiler: We can start filling 3 tanks but we prefer to start with only one
tank filling.
Engine Cadet: Why is that Sir?
Oiler: Because gauging more that one tank at a time increases the
chances of overflow.

2nd Engineer: Oiler, is there any leakages when you check the line up?
Oiler: None sir, all are well lined up.
2nd Engineer: Okay, make sure that sounding is taken regularly.
3rd Engineer: Noted, when the tank level reached the max allowable 90%
capacity, we will ensure the frequency of sounding.
4th Engineer: I’ll also check if the tank level in the tank gauges in the
control room from time to time.

Chief Engineer: (overhearding their conversation) – Make sure to also

check the temperature of the bunker oil.
Engine Cadet: I thought it will be provided by the bunker barge
Chief Engineer: Yes, but we still need to check it since temperature is
a critical parameter especially for bunker fuel such as heavy fuel oil,
and any deviation in the provided temperature value may lead to
shortfall in the bunker supply.
2nd Engineer: Cadet, take note of all of that. Chief Engineer is kind
enough to explain those to you.
Engine Cadet: Sir, thank you sir.
4th Engineer: Oiler, let’s go take samples at the sampling cock at the
manifold
Oiler: Copy Sir.
Engine Cadet: Can I help with that sir?
Oiler: Sure, we need continuous sample taken during bunkering, your
assistance will really help.

AFTER
Narration: Wrapping up the bunkering operation with utmost safety and
ensuring the correct amount and quality of bunker fuel has been received
onboard from the bunker ship. Once the bunker is finished, it is a
general practice to air blow the bunkering supply line for discharging
all the oil trapped in the pipelines. 
2nd: 3rd All tank must be check for soundings and write immediately what
tank is full and not.
3rd: copy sir
Chief Engineer: (roaming around)
2nd: 3rd which tank is not full?
3rd: no more sir all tank is full and 4th is already getting samples for
testing
4th: sir I already double check and have got some sample and it is ready
for testing sir.
2nd: Go proceed to Chief Engineer and Tell him immediately.
4th: Copy sir (Engine Cadet and Oiler are helping on the manifold side)
Narration 1: ( If there is any shortfall of bunker received the chief
engineer can issue a note of protest against the barge/supplier (in case
the deficit is not agreed by the bunker supplier) )
3rd Engineer: Oiler, did you endure that all sounding caps are closed
now?
Oiler: Yes sir, everything is settled. The hose connection can now be
removed.
Narration 2: (The chief engineer will make the entry of the operation in
oil record book along with received BDN. The new bunker should not be
used until the report from the lab)
NARRATION: The bunker fuel can be supplied to a cargo ship in different
ways. The mode or method may vary depending upon the grade or type of
fuel being delivered to the vessel. But the safety procedures are
almost all the same.