SECTION 8 STS Transfer Operational Preparations

8.1 General

For STS transfer operation at sea, passage plans must include references to relevant navigational charts and publications.

The passage plans are to include:

i) Details of the projected track lines from the approach phase up to the mooring operation

ii) Estimated required sea room

iii) Planned anchor position

iv) Anticipated track lines if drifting

v) Any potential navigational hazards

vi) An awareness of territorial boundaries

vii) Prohibited zones

8.2 The Joint Plan of Operation (JPO)

See also Subsec.2.3/6.4.4

Before the commencement of an STS operation, a JPO should be developed that ensures that all parties involved, including the STS service provider, are in alignment with regard to how the operation is to be conducted.

A consensus on agreement between all parties should be established by the person in overall advisory control (POAC), STS Superintendent or transfer organizer

A compilation of information from various sources should be included in the JPO.

Wherever appropriate, for a particular location, a generic template may be used which may include the following:

i) Arrangements and plans for mooring, the sequence of running lines, including the use of any specialist mooring equipment

ii) Rendezvous location and designated lightering area details with the relevant risk assessment(s)

iii) A narrative regarding how the STS operation will be conducted i.e. approach, mooring, underway or with one vessel at anchor, transfer at anchor or underway, unmooring with one vessel at anchor or while underway

iv) Details regarding any local or government regulatory requirements and mandatory notifications

v) Protocols for communication

vi) Requirements for security

vii) Personnel transfers and associated procedures

viii) Service craft and launches - details as applicable

ix) For each section of the STS operation the relevant environmental operating parameters and, limits. These operating parameters and limits should include environmental and operational limits that would trigger suspension of the transfer operation and disconnection and unmooring of the vessels

x) Fender configuration and rigging arrangements

xi) Arrangements and plans mooring, the sequence of running lines, including the use of any specialist mooring equipment

xii) The Details of transfer and associated equipment, including the number, type and dimensions of cargo (and where applicable vapor) hoses with the method of rigging and applicable support

xiii) The maximum and minimum draught and freeboard that would be anticipated during operations, with the details of the applicable stage of operations

xiv) Emergency and spill containment procedures

xv) In the case of spillage of cargo the sequence of actions to be taken

xvi) Cargo hose connection coordination of plans for, draining, purging and disconnection, as applicable

xvii) Unmooring sequence details

8.3 Preparation of STS Transfer Operation

Preparations for STS Transfer Operation are to be made well in advance and as early as practicable by the Masters of the STS ships.

The following are to be included in such preparations:

i) The operation-specific risk assessments and, where applicable, the related JPO is to be reviewed to ensure that all identified preventive and mitigation measures have been completed

ii) Confirm that the crew are familiar with the procedures contained in this plan, including any instructions issued by the organizers and ship operator

iii) Ensure that the ships will be able to comply with the requirements of the relevant checklists

iv) The crew have been briefed and trained on procedures and hazards, with special emphasis on the operations of mooring and unmooring

v) Ensure that all navigation and communications equipment and the steering gear are in working order

vi) The engine and thruster controls and main propulsion plant ahead and astern are to be tested

vii) Equipment associated with safety and essential cargo to be tested

viii) Ensure that each ship is upright, with a suitable trim and the propeller fully immersed. If one of the STS vessels has a list, the requirement of safe stand-off distances not being met should be considered

ix) Based on the agreed mooring plan confirm mooring equipment, including messengers are in good order

x) Confirm that all fenders and transfer hoses are positioned correctly, connected securely and appropriately as detailed in the JPO

xi) Ensure that for specialized lightering vessels, the fender davits are in the stowed position

xii) Confirm that cargo manifolds and hose handling gear are prepared

xiii) Weather forecasts for the concerned area of transfer and for estimated duration obtained

xiv) If emergency signal is sounded confirm actions to be taken as agreed

xv) Ensure that the security level at which the ship is operating is in accordance with the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and the requirements being taken on board to ensure compliance -Section 14/6

xvi) Confirm removal of anti-piracy barriers if installed, to eliminate injury to personnel or fouling of the mooring lines

8.4 Lightering Support Vessels

The transfer of equipment and personnel to the STS location is performed by lightering support vessels. These vessels also assist in preparing STS vessels for the transfer operation.

The following are the miscellaneous duties that are usually performed by lightering support vessels:

i) Assisting in the safety and security of the operation.

ii) Rigging of fenders

iii) Rigging of hoses

iv) The lightering support vessel personnel maintain a radio watch on agreed VHF channels and/or internal communication channels

v) Effectively communicate and agree with the STS ships Masters for the approach manoeuvres alongside

vi) While vessels are maneuvering, during the STS transfer operations agree to a standby position in the vicinity of the STS ships

vii) Maintain an effective look out visually and on the radar for vessels in the vicinity

viii) Immediately contact vessels that may be on an approach route to the STS ships

8.5 Lights, Shapes and Sounds Navigational Signals

Prior to the STS transfer operations, the lights and shapes are to be displayed and sound signals made as required by the “International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea” (COLREGS) Section 14/7.

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