Neither the downstream nor the upstream sector of the industry is free from hazards because incidents do happen either as a result of negligence or equipment failure. In this article, our focus would be on oil cargo discharge safety and hazard prevention.
What is Oil Cargo Discharge?
An oil cargo discharge is the offloading of oil from a tanker to a truck, storage unit or other tanks. It is as simple as that, but the operations may not be that easy.
In carrying out this operation, you need to exhibit extreme carefulness and vigilance. Extreme caution is needful because any form of mistake could lead to incidents such as an explosion or oil spill.
Make sure you train your crew and officers that will be in charge of your cargo transfer operations. They need proper training to be able to monitor and control operational procedures. The essence of staff training your staff on how to handle flammable products is to guard against any fatal incidents during the operation.
Oil Cargo Discharge Safety Precautions
In the cargo discharge operation, there are several essential safety precautionary measures you need to know. These measures serve as a guide for crew members to ensure a smooth or incident-free oil cargo discharge operation.
Moreover, a safer and incident-free oil cargo discharge operation is attainable if you adhere to industry safety precautions. Also, let your ship officer put some things in order.
First of all, let us talk about your crew and officers’ safety, knowing fully well that your fate lies with them. Note that Oil cargo discharge operation will end up in a total mess if the process endangers your crew members.
For instance, if you expose your crew to corrosive chemicals, they may likely suffer health challenges, and that may invariably lead to operation hitches.
Also, have you considered the importance of those essential vessel compartments? In case the high-pressure alarm of the cargo is malfunctioning, your crew and the discharge operation are surely not safe. Ultimately, you need to make sure every compartment is in good condition before starting discharge operation.
Also, proper handling of cargo hoses is essential in oil cargo offloading. A good precautionary measure is needful when handling the hosepipes. Typically, they should give the tubes the necessary support and always lift but not drag them when they need to move them. Also, they should make sure they are well-connected at all times.
Other Precautionary Measures
I am sure you do not want to take chances when it comes to the safety of cargo and crew members. To be on a safe side, always take appropriate preventive measures such as the provision of firefighting personnel and equipment.
Furthermore, do not be careless with your hoses joints as leakages from such joints may result in oil spillage or and cargo contamination.
As I mentioned earlier, you need to be mindful of your crew and officers’ safety if you want a problem-free cargo transfer. Make sure you provide safety gears such as nose cover, safety boots, and other necessary gadgets. Most importantly, the use of safety gears should be mandatory for all officers.
However, no amount of expertise on the part of your officers can stop the ocean from being boisterous at some point. To this end, you will have to put weather condition into consideration before carrying out oil cargo transfer.
For instance, if there is a change in weather condition, you are at the mercy of nature, and there is no way out but to yield. At what point are you supposed to stop operation?
Whose Responsibility is Oil Cargo Discharge Safety
Who is responsible for oil cargo discharge safety? The crew members or vessel owners?
Oil cargo discharge safety is supposed to be a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. While the vessel owners are responsible for keeping their vessel in good condition, the crew members must vigilant at all times.
Moreover, you cannot blame crew members for a ship breakdown just as we cannot blame a vessel owner for captain’s careless manoeuvring of vessel?
Also, effective communication cannot is paramount when carrying out an oil cargo transfer operation. It must not be allowed to break down in any form. As much as you don’t have to interfere with other department’s operations, do not in any way ignore whatever threatens people’s safety.
Other Considerations in Oil Cargo Discharge Safety
The oil cargo discharge safety is not all about transhipment or discharge of cargo. Let’s now look at it holistically by briefly discussing its main components. Oil cargo discharge does not just focus on consignment but also, personnel, equipment, environment and more.
Personnel Safety: As we mentioned on a few occasions, the safety of crew members and vessel officers cannot be overemphasized. Moreover, the success of any oil transhipment or cargo transfer depends on the people who carry out the operation.
Cargo Safety: Cargo safety is paramount when discharging cargo into a storage tank or another tanker. Just imagine employing a chain smoker to supervise the discharge of premium motor spirit.
Vessel owners are to provide necessary safety equipment and personnel while crew and officers ensure safety while carrying out their assignment. Note that negligence on the part of either of the parties could result in disaster.
Environmental Safety: Negligence on the part of officers could result in an oil spill and invariably environmental pollution. Polluting the ocean is not only harmful to man but also, aquatic beings. Your officers must be aware of the dangers of polluting the waters, and the need to maintain a safe environment.
Vessel and Equipment Safety: Officers must take Vessel and equipment safety serious because any form of carelessness could create serious problems.
Additionally, careless manoeuvring on the part of a captain endangers not only his vessel but also, other crew members’ lives. Also, cargo and oil terminals owners may suffer some losses if a vessel captain acts carelessly.
What about that lazy officer who prefers to drag hoses instead of lifting them? Does he know the implications of his actions? What about fire firefighting equipment? Are they in good condition and fit for use?