Guiding Principles

  1. You should implement procedures (based on a risk assessment), including checklists, controlling bunkering operations.
  2. Ensure that the bunkering plan is formulated and agreed, including pump rates, quantities, loading sequence, etc.
  3. Make sure the duties and responsibilities assigned and agreed, including watch-keeping on deck / engine control room / bridge.
  4. Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) controlled so as to not impact the bunkering operation.
  5. Hot work and smoking must be prohibited.
  6. See that means of communication established and tested.
  7. Ensure that emergency stop procedure agreed. Emergency stop(s) tested.
  8. Pollution prevention measures implemented, in accordance with the oil pollution emergency response plan.
  9. Fire-fighting arrangements prepared ready for use.
  10. Ensure the adequate lighting, see that the weather conditions suitable, including forecast conditions.
  11. Have the local rules / regulations reviewed, and permission obtained where appropriate.
  12. Ensure that the mooring arrangement checked.
  13. See that the valves double-checked along the line.
  14. Ensure that the tank levels are verified and monitored throughout bunkering operation. See that the tank vent flame screens in good condition.
    Example Bunker Operation Checklist
  15. Bunkering is a critical operation to be conducted under the supervision of competent officers and in accordance with company procedure. Appropriate overlap should be provided when senior crew members join the vessel for the first time. Crew induction process should ensure that new crew are familiarized with procedures and arrangements concerning critical operations that are expected to execute.
  16. SOPEP drills should be conducted at least once every 3 months. All members of the oil spill emergency response team are required to participate.
    Lessons Learnt: Bunker Spill
  17. The scope of internal audits should include records related to bunkering, e.g. have the required checklists been completed correctly, as well as entries in the engine logbook, deck logbook, and oil record book(s). Has equipment and systems related to bunkering and fuel oil management been maintained (including sampling) in accordance with planned maintenance system routines? Are the crew able to communicate effectively and can they demonstrate familiarization with procedural requirements related to bunkering?
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