Double Banking Operation
Sometimes ships are required to perform cargo operations with barges in an anchorage or more commonly to take bunkers. The North P&I Club and TANKEROperator have published some valuable guidelines. In this section, we present which hazards a risk analysis should include when a ship’s operator and master are planning such an operation.
Lack of crew training
- Training and familiarisation of the ship’s crew with all the details of the operation taken.
Breach of ship Security
- Declaration of Security (DOS)
- Specific Security Assessment has got the details below:
- Security communications
- Action in event of a breach in security
- Local regulations regarding exclusion zones
- Current security level enforced by the port
- Security on various vessels (e.g. Barges)
- Dangers associated with accommodation doors
- Actions on the presence of unauthorised craft alongside
Unfavourable weather conditions
- Monitoring forecasting to the prevailing environmental conditions (visibility, wind and waves)
- If applicable, attention is given to operations in cold weather and/or ice conditions
- Training is delivered for rolling and pitching movements.
- Plan actions if an electrical storm is expected
Fire during cargo operations
- Smoking and use of naked lights is prohibited
- Readiness of fire-fighting equipment
- Precautions against the use of radio and satellite communication equipment addressed
Electrical hazards
- Risks associated with earths on electrical switchboards identified by the ship’s electrician.
- Electrical isolation between the two ships is discussed
Contingency Planning
- Training for helicopter medical evacuation operations
- Self-contained breathing apparatus and lifeboats and life-rafts ready for emergency evacuation
- SOPEP equipment made available in case of an oil spill
- Familiarise with procedures for reporting oil spill as per SOPEP
Change of Command Failure
- Master stands at all times liable for the safety of the ship, its crew, cargo and equipment
- Only master approves any machinery operations about main engines, emergency power, steering gear, boilers, fuel changeover
Cargo Spillage
- IMDG Code sections are studied in event of cargo leakage on either vessel
- Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the products being available onboard
Ship Drag, Collision
- Radar usage discussed with navigation officers
- Monitor broadcast of navigational warnings
- Complete a specific passage plan if the operation is to be conducted en route
- Preparation of ship before manoeuvring
- References of various navigational signals to be used
Health Hazards
- Personal protective equipment is provided for the cargoes handled
Communication Failures
- Shipboard general communications established
- A common language for communication is established (internal and foreman)
- Ensure that any information requested from the ship are presented by the agent
- Addresses communications during arrival, departure, mooring and unmooring
- Establish procedures in place for communication failure
Mooring/unmooring operations failure
- Risk Assessment for mooring operations at sea addressed
- The ability of the ship’s mooring system has been examined for the following:
- Danger of excessive tension in mooring lines between the vessels
- Mooring line lead angles
- Awareness of weather thresholds
- Cautions against long-period waves
- Directions of wave encounter
- Elasticity of mooring arrangement
- Chafing protection
Coating damage of the ship’s hull
- Fenders to be used and rigged
- Condition of fenders is verified by crew