Cargo Transfer Operations

June 2019
Notes for Guidance

What the Engagement Pack includes Who is to be Engaged?

• Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in
• Questions the supervisor can ask the group marine operations.

Purpose of the Engagement Pack Where?

To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where they
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet area
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes. in a workshop would be suitable.

Using the Engagement Pack When to hold the Engagement

This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much longer.
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
word for word.
training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
Preparing for an Engagement Session
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
themselves with the content and its purpose. Make sure there is
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
sessions if necessary.

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Cargo Transfer Operations - Introduction

Key message: Safety has no hierarchy or

nationality, it involves each of us, ALWAYS

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Introduction to Cargo Transfer Operations LET

Introduction:
We continue to see incidents during cargo operations, this LET addresses common issues that we see
within our industry. There is a recognition that there are many different types of cargo being carried
on many different types of vessel and the risks for each may differ, however, some of the risks
remain constant and this LET should promote a conversation on these risks onboard your vessel.
Scope:
We have seen several serious environmental spills and high potential process safety incidents (over-
pressurisation/ leaks in hazardous areas) which could also have resulted in injuries or casualties.
After a review of cargo handling/cargo operation incidents, the topics of the following slides
highlight the large contributing factors in the cargo handling incidents.
Objective:
• To explain and highlight issues whilst offering the opportunity to expand on your specific cargo
operations with the associated hazards that are relevant onboard your vessel.
• To empower your team in the importance of identifying weak signals and promote intervention.
• To highlight the importance of a “one team mentality” and the benefit it provides.

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Communication During Cargo Operations

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Communication During Cargo Operations

The main issues:

Key message: Clear, concise and two way
• Language Barriers communication is paramount to prevent mistakes
• Communication methods (choice of verbal / radio)
• Choice of unsuitable means of communication
• Clarity and understanding of instructions (Standing orders / cargo plan
Discussion points:
/ ship/shore checklist) 1. How do we interact and communicate with each other and
• Emergency Shut down Plan agreed. recognise when someone has understood?
2. How do we ensure effective communication between ship and
Always pay special attention to the following: shore personnel?
3. How do you intervene if you don’t understand the message?
• Ensure compliance with industry guidelines for Ship / Shore Interface, 4. What might prevent us from using the agreed working language
as well as any other relevant procedures. onboard?
• Awareness of different nationalities and language
• Use your ability, and responsibility, to STOP operations if
communications fail or become ineffective.
• Use of Radios, dedicated channels and be aware of dead zones,
background noise and distractions.
• Maintain Open line of communication without fear of intervening.
• Have clear and documented instructions,
• Standing orders and cargo plan must be in-place, understood and
signed before cargo operations commence
• Openly discuss communication issues (ie lack of understanding)

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Understanding Cargo Hazards

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Understanding Cargo Hazards

The main issues:

• Lack of awareness on the hazards of the cargoes being carried eg
Benzene / H2S / static accumulation / temperature Key message: What we carry is dangerous!
• Mixing of Non-compatible cargoes can have fatal or catastrophic
consequences. Discussion points:
• Compatibility of equipment with cargo been carried
1. How do we know the hazards associated with the cargoes we
• Quality of and understanding of SDS (Safety Data Sheets)
carry and where can you find that information?
• Exposure during cargo operations, e.g. During sampling / measuring / line
2. How do we make everyone onboard aware of the cargo hazards
clearing / tank cleaning / connection/disconnection etc
onboard our ship?
• Loss of cargo containment – Spills / overflows etc
3. How do you protect yourself against the cargo hazards?
4. When and for which activity do you need to protect yourself against
Always pay special attention to the following:
cargo hazards?
• Compatibility with other cargoes (Know your segregation and all possible
sources of mixing have been eliminated)
• Company procedures and industry guidelines for cargo transfer are
followed
• Condition of hoses, transfer equipment tested as per industry guidance and
inspected before use.
• Type and quality of PPE onboard, in respect of suitability and limitations.
• Identify cargo specific PPE and make people aware of when and where it
must be used.
• Training and familiarisation for donning PPE and use of lifesaving
equipment, eg firefighting equipment, respirators, Breathing Apparatus.
• Emergency response equipment maintained and ready for deployment

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Cargo System (Operation, Design and Layout)

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Cargo System (Operation, Design and Layout)

The main issues: Key message: Know your ship!

• Lack of understanding of system limitations. (e.g blowing / pigging of
lines, leading to structural damage)
• Wrong operation of system (e.g incorrect operation of valves resulting Discussion points:
in potential surge event.)
1. How can equipment operation ( for example valves) affect safe
• Poor condition of cargo equipment. (e.g Valve indication faulty)
operations?
• Layout and location of Cargo Control rooms.
• Complexity of certain types of vessels. 2. What monitors / indicators / alarms should you be looking at during
• Lack of Supervision cargo operation?
• Inadequate Verification / avoidance of single man error 3. How do you know the operating limits for cargo operations, i.e. Max
loading rate / pressure per tank?
Always pay special attention to the following:
• Monitoring of loading rates to ensure design limits are not exceeded
• Monitoring of cargo loaded quantities between ship and shore
• Familiarisation and onboard training of cargo system.
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.
• Clean and maintain the cargo equipment
• Manning levels for the specific cargo operation are as required by
procedures.
• Procedures / drawings and manufacturers instructions and operating
manuals
• Ensure line walk verification, cross check, is completed before cargo
transfer commencement

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Alarm Management

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Alarm Management

Key message:
The main issues: Failure to act on alarms can have serious
• Incorrect or no response to Alarms
consequences
• Inadequate instructions for actions on Safety critical alarms
• Multiple alarms leading to Alarm normalisation
Discussion points:
• Incorrectly set Alarms
• Inadequate testing of Alarms 1. How do you respond to Alarms?
• Bypassing of alarms or conditions of operation in permanent alarm 2. What are the Alarms on your ship and what do they mean?
condition.
3. How can we ensure we all respond to Alarms in the same manner?

Always pay special attention to the following:

• Ensure all alarms are enabled
• Ensure High and High/High Level alarms are tested and functional no
more than 24 hours before cargo transfer commences
• Know your actions to alarms
• Ensure Alarm parameters are set within operational requirements
• Quantity of alarms does not overload operator
• Calibration of alarms as per manufacturers and Company Procedures
• Familiarisation with the system and limitations

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Situation Awareness

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Situation Awareness

The main issues:

• Distractions Key message:
• Changes to agreed plans What is happening around us?
• Lack of Reaction to weak signals
• Not using all of your “senses” (Sight / hearing / touch / smell)
Discussion points:
• Not aware or reacting to external influencing conditions 1. What distractions can you be exposed to whilst on duty?
2. How do you identify and manage changes against agreed plan?
3. How do you ensure the team are aware of a change?
Always pay special attention to the following:
4. What is the best way to make use of your senses during cargo
• Routines in place to manage distractions during critical stages
operations?
• Establish and agree a clear cargo transfer plan
• Update, review, agree and communicate any changes to plan
• Maintain oversight of environmental conditions
• Awareness of risks in regard to your location whilst carrying out
cargo operations.
• Know your teams, their strengths and weaknesses.
• Deck Rounds.
• Complacency can kill!
• Fatigue awareness and fatigue management.

Cargo Transfer Operations – June 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Intervention / Behaviours

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Intervention / Behaviours

The main issue:

• Lack of effective intervention Key message: Safety has no hierarchy or
nationality
• Failure to establish one team mentality on-board
• Hierarchy on-board Discussion points:
• Different nationalities - cultural background 1. How can nationality or hierarchy differences affect
• Communication – language barrier positive interventions?
• Lack of support in speaking up 2. What situations or factors would stop you intervening
and how would you overcome these?
Always pay special attention to the following:
• Don’t be afraid to completely stop the job
• Everybody on-board is a leader and should lead by example no
matter what rank
• Always speak up when you feel that something is wrong
• If you do not understand, seek clarification – Don’t be afraid
• Ensure signage is clear, concise and can be understood by all.
• Intervention can be difficult, so consider training and practicing your
skills and techniques .

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Notes:
• Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with Key message: We all want to get home safely
family and friends
• Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also
benefits our family, crew, and others too Discussion points:
• Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and 1. Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
body primed to deal with challenging situations
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and
colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?

Cargo Transfer Operations - June 2019

Health, Safety, Security and Environment