What is VEC or Vapour Emission Control and its hazards ?

• Tanks must not be opened to the atmosphere for gauging or sampling when connected to the shore vapour collecting system, unless loading to the tank is stopped, the tank is isolated from any other tank being loaded, and precautions are taken to reduce any pressure within the cargo tank vapour space.

• The ship’s system is to be provided with means to collect and drain condensed vapour, which may have accumulated in the pipelines. Drains must be installed at low points within the ship’s piping system. These drains must be checked clear before each use of the VEC system and on a regular basis when the system is not in use.

• Care must be taken to ensure that no possibility of misconnection of Vapour and Liquid hoses can occur. The ship’s vapour connection is to be clearly identified. The outboard 1.0 metre of piping is to be painted with yellow and red bands (0.1m red, 0.8m yellow, 0.1m red) and marked with the word “Vapour” (not less than 50mm high). The vessel’s presentation flange is to be fitted with a stud to prevent an incorrect connection.

• To prevent electrostatic build up within the vapour return pipe work, all pipe work is electrically bonded to the hull. The integrity of these connections is to be periodically checked.

Points to pounder :

Ship’s personnel are to make themselves fully aware of the operation of the VEC system on board. 

Reference to the approved operations manual is to be made. The oil transfer procedure, required by section 4.7.2 of this manual must contain a description of the VEC system as listed in 33 CFR 155.750 (d).

The full procedures for the use of the VEC system are to be clearly agreed at the pre-transfer meeting between the Terminal Representative and the Chief Officer.

All tests and inspections required by 33 CFR 156.170(g) must be carried out prior to transfer operations.

NOTE:  

The VEC system must be inspected and approved/certified by the USCG prior to use in the USA.

The TVEL/LOC will reflect this approval, being endorsed accordingly.

You may also know about STS using VEC :

Before carrying out such an operation reference is to be made to the operational guidelines contained within ISGOTT and other applicable reference publications. The technique is probably described as Vapour Balancing.

Ships carrying out this operation are to be inerted.

Before commencing transfer the following operational precautions must be complied with as a minimum.