Thinking about working on a Gas Carrier Fleet?

Often, seafarers are trying to get on gas fleet without any understanding what awaits them and because of this, vessels receive a lot of observations during inspections, losing their potential charters and the company loses its credibility at the international market.

Did you know that with the entry into force of SIRE 2.0, special emphasis will be placed on the knowledge of junior officers of key procedures regarding cargo operations, as well as the overall safety of the vessel. Now inspectors will interview officers more thoroughly in order to understand their general level of knowledge of basic procedures. Here is the simplest question for you to test your strength, which was asked to my 3rd officer by an English inspector from Exon Mobile, as an example of upcoming questions on SIRE 2.0:

What is the procedure for preparing a vessel for cargo operations? It seems to be an easy question, but ask yourself if you can answer it off the top of your head without resorting to any sources?

Remember that during the inspection you will be one on one with the inspector and you should have a clear picture and sequence in your head of every action the vessel will undertake before arrival and immediately before the commence of cargo operations.

You can focus on company’s SMS and to learn all cargo procedures and checklists (before/after loading/discharging), you can also find useful information in the following publications: 

Liquified Gas Handling Principles (LGHP4) in chapters:

• The Ship/Shore Interface
• Cargo Handling Operations

Tanker Safety Guide (Liquified Gas) in chapter:

• Cargo Operations.

The best option for me, to prepare all cargo checklists in a separate file, so you can quickly run through the main points before passing the inspection. Now let's consider the main issues for preparing a vessel for cargo operations.

Before the vessel arrives at the port, the captain is obliged to request the following information through the agent of the port of loading:

• The name and quantity of the cargo to be loaded (if there are several grades, the necessary information must be provided for each cargo).
• Density and temperature of incoming cargo and any other necessary information.
• Manifold operational pressure and temperature.
• Requirements for inhibitors (if applicable).
• Size and type of shore connection (ANSI, DIN).
• Which side will be alongside, to prepare reducers (if required) in advance.
• Availability on the terminal and the need of using shore vapour return line, and if applicable maximum performance figures.
• Maximum operational rate and any restrictions if applicable.
• Tidal and draft limitations.
• Method of line clearing (N2 from shore to ship/ hot gas from ship to shore, etc)
• Any special requirements of the terminal during cargo operations. An example is cargo sampling throughout the entire cargo operation after 25٪;50٪;75%;100%;

Prior arrival of the vessel, the following vessel’s safety systems and cargo equipment to be checked:

• Emergency shut down systems (ESD). Check testing requirements for your vessel in your company PMS, but normally at least 3 activation buttons (on the side of the Manifold of cargo transfer, CCR an one other activation point) should be tested.
• Firefighting and Safety systems (Fire hoses, Dry powder system, Eye wash, etc).
• Fixed gas detection system. Check that all gas detection systems and sampling points are calibrated for the proper gas.
• Cargo Manifolds and Cargo tanks filling valves. Closing time of cargo Manifolds hydraulic valves should be less than 30 seconds (normally between 25‐30).
• High, High High and overfill system alarms (95%;98%99%) for the each cargo tank.
• High and low pressure alarms for the each cargo tank.
• Cargo Tank Relief Valve Set Pressure. As example for fully refregirated vessels - Primary Set Pressure (0.275 barG), Secondary Set Pressure (0.45 barG).
• Ballast system hydraulic valves (open/closing time).
• Fusible plugs (visual check/simulation test depends on your type).
• Cargo holds P/V Valves and pressure inside cargo holds (if applicable).
• Water spray system (especially for USA ports).

It is necessary to make entries about carrying out the above checks/tests to the vessel’s logbook, as well as you should be prepared for the fact that you may be required to provide evidence of each check/test.

Before commence of cargo operations, it is necessary to check the equipment that ensures the safety of the crew:

• Deck illumination (especially Emergency illumination in cargo area).
• Ventilations systems for cargo machinery and accommodation.
• Communication equipment (CCR VHF, Hot line, etc).
• Availability of personal protective equipment and readiness of breathing apparatuses.
• Coordination of all works that could be performed in the area of cargo operations (lifting operations, bunkering, etc).
• SOPEP equipment should be placed in cargo manifolds area.
• Condition of the fire/protection screens (vent masts).
• To familise the crew with the main dangers of the cargo declared for transportation (MSDS).
• Post Safety Data Sheets (CCR, various decks, fire plan, etc).
• Prepare portable gas detector for every person involved in cargo operation (zero/span calibration).
• Prepare cargo compressors and deck pipe line up for oncoming cargo operation. 

As you can see, there are quite a lot of procedures but still, there are a lot of other important points that need to be checked before port calling, but in practice, if you remember at least half of what is mentioned above, it will be more than enough for the inspector to put a tick opposite the ill-fated question in his SIRE questionnaire and proceed to the next one.

This is one of the easiest questions that you will face as an officer when passing SIRE 2.0. Similar questions for all deck officers regarding the loading or discharging process will be common practice, so do not expose the company and yourself and begin to explore the cargo systems of your vessel immediately after boarding...Good luck...