What are precautions prior and during loading on Tankers as per ICS ?

• flange faces are clean and smooth;
• all bolt holes are fitted with a nut and bolt of the correct size;
• material, size and condition of gaskets to be used are suitable for intended loading;
• all connections are tightened evenly;
  • A pre-loading meeting with the terminal is to be held to discuss start-up, loading and topping off rates, communications, shut-down procedures and any relevant local rulers.

The Chief Officer is to check personally to ensure that:

• all valves on the cargo system, including the pumproom, are correctly set for the intended operation;
• all valves on the tank’s vent system are correctly set;
• all manifolds are fitted with accurate pressure gauges that are in good condition;
• pollution clean-up materials are accessible;
• air driven pumps are stationed at the aft end of the main deck scuppers in case of spillage;

• Appropriate portable gas detection equipment is properly calibrated and in use. All fixed gas detection or gas monitoring systems are properly calibrated and operational.
• The Master must be advised, and an announcement for the ship’s crew is to be made regarding commencement of cargo operations on board.
• Loading is to be commenced slowly, and a close watch kept on all manifold connections and pipe work for leaks, particularly those in use. Any leakage that occurs must be rectified immediately.
• The tanks receiving the initial cargo must be checked to ensure that cargo is arriving in the correct tanks. All tanks not being loaded in the initial phase must be checked to ensure there is no leakage into them. If all is found to be correct then the shore facility may be allowed to increase the loading rate.
• A watchman, equipped with a VHF set, must be stationed at the manifold area throughout loading operations. The gangway watchman may fulfill this function.
• The Officer of the Watch is to be on deck, or in the Cargo Control Room at all times.
• The ship’s moorings are to be closely monitored and adjusted to ensure that they are neither too tight, nor too slack.
• The ullages in all tanks are to be recorded hourly and the loading rate calculated and logged in the Cargo Time Book. Unplanned deviations in the loading rate must be investigated immediately.