IMS4.1.4.3 Bruce - Bunkering Procedure

1.0   INTRODUCTION

1.1   Bruce fuel tank layout is as follows:

• Two main fuel supply tanks located either side of the fore & aft centre-line in the generator room.
• The volume of the port F.O.T @ 100% is 25.335(M3) or 21,534L.
• The volume of the starboard F.O.T @ 100% is 24.570C or 20,885L.
• Prior to commencing & on completion of bunkering, the fuel level in each of the F.O.T's are obtained by dipping the tanks through the respective sounding pipe for each tank in the generator room and logged.
• There is also an analog gauge adjacent to the sounding pipes which can be referred to as a quick reference during operations as well as an electronic readout on the AMS screens in the generator room & bridge.
• There is a fuel meter in the bunkering line which is also in the generator room located near the centre line on the aft bulkhead wall.
• The bunkering point is located on the starboard side (vehicle deck) under the aft stairs leading from the upper decks. 
• Each F.O.T is bunkered through a common fuel line with a 2" cam-lock fitting. The ships engineer will direct the fuel to the F.O.T's tanks as required from the generator room.
• Fuel is only to be gravity fed when bunkering operations are in progress.    
• There are also two identical F.O.S.T (day tanks) located on the forward bulkhead wall of the main engine-room. (volume/tank @ 100% = 1.960(M3) or 1,665L).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Recommendation Note: It is recommended that the F.O.T's are not filled to over 90% for operations to mitigate any risk of a spill occurring.

                      Dipping the fuel tank                                                                  Analog fuel gauges                                                                         AMS monitor

1.2   Bunkering Preparation and Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P)

• Pre-start meeting with all persons involved with bunkering operation to discuss quantity of fuel to be loaded & procedure.
• Risk assessment & JSA to be completed and signed off by all persons involved in bunkering operations.
• Risk assessments to be entered onto Data-Web.
• Risk assessments & JSA to be reviewed if procedure changes and management notified.
• S.O.P to be completed in conjunction with the Bunkering Checklist
• Check sounding pipes to confirm fuel to be bunkered.
• Verify manual gauge readings and soundings against stability book.
• Communicate how much fuel is to be bunkered to the tanker driver, master and all involved in refueling.
• Ensure all crews are at their bunkering stations and have radios for communications.
• Notify Master prior to commencing bunkering.

1.3   Standard Bunkering Operating Procedure

• Secure vessel ready to receive fuel tanker.
• Establish communications between vessels crew & fuel tanker operator.
• Display BRAVO flag or exhibit all round red bunkering (day or night) signals.

• Position fuel tanker near the bunkering point and secure vehicle by inserting wheel chocks.

• Complete pre-start meeting and Preparation Checklist.
• Lay out fuel bunding booms and position SOPEP kits near bunkering point.

• Block scuppers & freeing ports, Bung fuel catch alls.
• Position portable foam extinguishers near the bunkering point.

• Check hoses are in test date & ensure locks are fitted to cam-locks on connection.
• Open associated fuel valves to commence bunkering. (notify Master)
• Crew positioned at monitoring stations.

• Hoses to be drained on completion of emptying a compartment on the fuel tanker & changing hose over to another compartment.
• Hose drained, removed and capped on completion of bunkering.
• Wheel chocks removed prior to off loading fuel tanker and Master notified.
• Preparation checklist completed and signed off by the ships engineer.

  This document is to be completed prior to & on completion of bunkering operations

Print Name: .............................. (Ships Engineer)

Engineer Sign: .....................................         Date: ....../...../.....