Answer SSEP Question 29

Q29. As Second Engineer of a new ship;
A. Prepare standing orders for all future bunkering operations;
B. State why it is very important to obtain a representative sample of heavy fuel bunkers taken.
C. State how a representative sample is obtained.
Answer: A. As Second Engineer of a new ship, prepare standing orders for all future bunkering operations onboard;
(1) skips usually have a ship specific bunker plan as per the SMS. It Is mandatory that every engineering officer and crew shall be aware of this bunker plan at all time.
(2) One of the engineering officers (Usually 4th Engineer) shall be assigned responsible for the whole bunkering operation under the supervision of chief engineer. He must be in close contact with the shore/barge especially with respect to stopping of bunkers, in case of emergencies.
(3) He shall properly sound the tanks and keeps a clear record of level of all tanks including fuel oil overflow and leak off tanks. He will stay in contact with the chief engineer with regards to the amount of fuel to be bunkered, maximum rate of pumping, required flange type, preparation etc.
(4) On arrival at bunker port delivery documents of the fuel supplier, to be examined and compared with instruction, of owner/charterer. Density, viscosity, sulphur, content etc. are to be matched with ordered ones.
(5) All preparations are to be done as per the SMS bunker checklist. Usual checks in the checklist are:
(a) On board systems are tested and checked and kept ready to receive the bunkers.
(b) All required valves are open.
(c) Mooring lines are checked.
(d) Ropes at bow and stern are on standby for emergencies.
(e) Scuppers or any overboard drains are plugged off. 
(f) Bunker station is properly lit.
(g) Spill containment is present near bunker station.
(h) Unused flange connections blinded off ,
(i) Hand operated valves not used during operation are closed.
(j) Air vent of oil tanks in the stack are open/clean. 
(k) Sounding pipes of tanks are closed.
(l) Transfer hoses adequate/long use enough for intended use.
(m) Transfer hoses are properly supported
(n) Transfer schedule is provided and understood. Operating Guidelines are posted at required locations.
(o) MSDS are present for product being transferred.
(p) Sounding of storage tanks witnessed on barge/terminal
(q) Bridge Watch Officer is notified.
(r) Red light or sign visible at mast (flammable transfers only).
(s) Communication between ECR and bunker station checked.
(t) "Stat Transferring" announcement is made
(u) Chief Engineer is notified.

The following Items have been discussed with receiver:
(1) Product identity
(2) Sequence of transfer operation
(3) Maximum transfer flow
(4) Starting, stripping, stopping and shut down
(5) Emergency procedures
(6) Clean-up of oil spills
(7) Watch and shift arrangements
(8) Notifications before changing duties
(9) Communications procedures

Apart from the checklist Items the following shall he made sure:
(1) Overflow tank should be kept empty for oil. Trays must be fitted under joints.
(2) Bunkering should start at a minimum rate so that any problem maybe detected early. Tanks should not be filled more than 90% capacity. For the last two tanks, final topping up should be done by gravity, if practicable otherwise pumping rate should be reduced. On completion, special care should be taken when disconnecting hoses, removing drip trays. Instruction to personnel:
(3) Before any transfer of product is undertaken, the officer must confirm the following items, with the person-in-charge of barge/terminal bunkering. Each will sign the form, to acknowledge. Pumping Data 
Quantity and type of Stock to be transferred. Initial transfer rate Maximum transfer rate Maximum transfer pressure Anticipated stoppage time
(4) It is usual to take the sample by continuous dripping method in the receiving ship, the flange for collecting sample shall be properly fitted and maintained during regular days.

B. State why it is very Important to obtain a representative sample of heavy fuel oil bunkered;
It is Imperative that the representative samples are taken for every bunker and stored. Usually 4 sample bottles are taken during every bunker. Sample is collected in sealed bottles signed & dated by-both Chief Engineer and the local supplier -
(1) To send It to the Laboratory for testing.
(2) To the fuel oil supplier (Given to the barge, sometime the barge may not take it then it is necessary to mark it in the paper works that the supplier refused to take the sample.)
(3) One sample Is retained on board for maximum of up to a year.
(4) MARPOL sample, to be retained in the ship up to 1 year from the date of bunkering.
- Ship bunkers fuel In many countries and the supplier are always not the same, hence it is very important to take a proper sample and retain to support your side of argument in case of any Fuel Quality based issues like adulteration, high water content, high asphaltenes, high sedimentation, filter chocking, reduced power up to engine failure could occur due to a bad fuel supplied.
- In case of any quality problem, a-sealed sample must be sent by the Chief Engineer ashore, so that a proper analysis can be carried out. Quality/quantity problem arising, it is imperative that the supplier is advised as soon as possible. The supplier may decline to accept liability, specified period. (The period of notification should be clearly mentioned in the supplier's terms and conditions). In case of any problem regarding quality or quantity, Letter of Protest to be issued by Chief Engineer.
State how a representative sample Is obtained;
(1) One of the most commonly practiced methods is "continuous dripping method" at ships end. This is achieved by using a special flange shown in figure below fitted permanently to the receiving manifold. This flange has pipe connected across with holes placed equally on the pipe to drain the fuel while hunkering. Holes at different heights on the pipe ensure flow of oil from different height within the pipe.
(2) There is a throttling valve attached to the bottom of the inner pipe which is used to regulate the flow so that the sampling container doesn't fill up quickly but to the complete length of the bunkering process.
(3) The sample must be representative of the total delivery, and ideally taken by drip feed at the discharge side of the manifold, during the course of pumping process. Samples should not be taken at the start or on the completion of bunkering because then they will not be representative of the total tonnage loaded.
(4) Sampling is topped prior to "blowing the air" at the end of the bunker to avoid, any rupture due to air filling. The sampling container is detached from the sampling flange and the contents are carefully transferred into 4 sampling bottle.

Comments