Repsol YPF

Conditions to be observed during transfer operations

During operations a number of adequate crew must remain on board under the continuous supervision of a responsible ship's officer to deal with any emergencies.

During the loading/discharging operation or the transfer from one compartment to another, and whilst ballasting after the discharge

All doors, portholes and openings leading from the main deck to accommodation or machinery spaces (other than pumproom) shall be kept closed, and doors, portholes and openings at any deck level above the main deck which overlook that deck shall be kept closed.

All ventilation through which gas can enter shall be suitably trimmed and mechanical ventilation and air conditioning units shall be stopped if gas is being drawn into the system.

All cargo tanks lids shall be kept closed and secured.

The venting of the Vessel's tanks must take place only through the venting system.

If for any reason there is an accumulation of gas, loading shall be stopped.

In addition to the foregoing, the following conditions must be observed in the loading operations of L P G Vessels: 

• Master to advise the following.
  
  1. Max. loading rate required.
  2. Max. working temperature and pressure of ship's tanks.
  3. Previous three cargoes carried. 
  
  
• Ships relief valves to be set at maximum working pressure. 
• Ship's tanks to be purged of air to the satisfaction of the Terminal Representative prior loading. Loading will not commence where oxygen contents exceeds 2% by volume. 
• VENTING/PURGING OF VAPOUR TO THE ATMOSPHERE WHILE ALONGSIDE NOT PERMITTED. 
• Personnel to be aware of the danger of "frost burns". 
• Cargo loading arms to be completely cleared of liquid and all pressure removed before disconnecting. Nitrogen is connected to the loading arms for purging prior to the removal of the arms.
• All automatic controls, gas detectors, gauges and temperature indicators to be in working order. 
• Emergency control systems for closing of valves and stopping of pumps to be operating satisfactorily. 
• Due account should be taken of the high coefficient of volumetric expansion when determining closing ullages. 
• All vapour must be recycled and not permitted to be released to atmosphere. 
• At least two independent methods of determining ullage space to be provided.       

All Vessels alongside must be maintained in a state of readiness for vacating a berth at short notice, except in cases of approved repair work.