Approved General Manager

OIL TANKER MANUAL Date 01.04.2014

Chapter 5
Revision 0
Page 1 of 2

5. ADVERSE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Vessels might face with different climatic conditions according to their voyages and seasonal changes. Masters
and responsible officer from cargo operations shall closely follow the local weather, wind and climatic conditions
during operations from EGC and Navtex reports.

5.1 Terminal Advice of Adverse Weather

Vessel must request from the Loading Master/ Terminal Representative any forecast of expecting adverse weather
conditions which may require operations to be stopped or operation rates to be reduced. This information to be
clearly recorded in the Ship Shore Safety Check List form 2801.

5.2 Wind Condition and Dispersion

Many vapours are heavier than air. (air =1,0 gr/cm3, if vapour density more than 1,0 gr/cm3, so this is heavier and
shall be spread on deck, if there is no wind.)

Heavy vapours may be released during loading and gas freeing operations, if vapour return line not connected.
Heavy vapours intend to lie down on main deck. If the operation carried out at gentle breeze(light wind), heavy
vapours will gathering on deck and will be source of ignition and dangerous for crew health.

When the wind speed is equal or less than 5 knots (2.2m/sec), during loading toxic or flammable cargoes with
vapour density greater than air, loading to be suspended until suitable weather conditions available. (if vapour
return line not connected)

On the other hand, if there is a wind, eddies can be created on the lee side of accommodation or deck structure
which can carry vapour towards the accommodation or structure.

During flammable and toxic cargo operations, potential danger of cargo vapour accumulation to the
accommodation side to be always taken in to the consideration. This may a cause of fire, explosion in the galley,
engine room and potential source of toxicity inside accommodation for the crew health.

5.3 Electrical Storm

When an electrical storm is expected in the vicinity of the tanker or terminal the following operations must be
stopped, whether or not the ship’s cargo tanks are inerted:
• Handling of volatile petroleum.
• Handling of non-volatile petroleum in tanks not free of hydrocarbon vapour
• Handling of flammable chemicals
• Purging, tank cleaning or gas freeing after the discharge of volatile petroleum and flammable
chemicals.

All tank openings, ventilation valves, and mast risers must be closed.

5.4 Cold Weather Precautions

Care must be taken to avoid the severe damage, which may be experienced as a result of freezing water in
pipelines and fittings. All lines, which have been cleared by water on completion of discharge and/ or tank
cleaning, are to be drained and valves securely closed. Particular care must be taken of stern loading lines where
fitted.
In low ambient temperatures where the vessel is discharging heated products and stoppage is required by either
the shore or ship, the lines must be immediately dropped to a tank. Failure to comply with this may lead to cargo
solidifying in the lines on the discharge side of the pump, if necessary all lines must be stripped to a respective
tank.
(For details see the Ship Operation Safety Manual ICE and COLD WEATHER PREVENTIONS, WINTERIZATION
OF THE SHIP)
 Approved General Manager
OIL TANKER MANUAL Date 01.04.2014
Chapter 5
Revision 0
Page 2 of 2

5.5 Precautions for PV Valves in Cold Weather temperatures

Pressure vacuum valves must be checked to ensure that frozen condensate is not affecting the functioning of the
valve.

If the temperature reduced less than minus 15 Celcius Degrees, rutine deck watch shall be maintained and manual
opening of P/V valves established for every 20 minutes intervals so that ice formation to be avoided.