Vessel Refuelling Procedure

Purpose. This procedure describes how company vessels are refuelled at the marina fuel wharf or from a road tanker so that fire, spill and injury risks are controlled.

1.Before refuelling

The person in charge of refuelling must confirm the quantity required from the tank soundings and the planned consumption, calculate the ullage, and confirm that the vessel is secured alongside with engines stopped. Smoking, hot work and mobile phones are prohibited within the refuelling zone.

• Spill kit and absorbent booms at the fill point
• Fire extinguisher ready
• Scuppers plugged and drip trays under fittings
• No-smoking and refuelling-in-progress signs displayed
• Radio call to the marina office before starting

2.During transfer

One crew member must remain at the fill point for the whole transfer with a hand on the nozzle or the shut-off in reach. A second crew member must monitor tank levels and the transfer rate. The transfer must be slowed before the tank reaches 90 per cent and stopped before the vent overflows.

3.Spills

If any fuel is spilled, stop the transfer immediately, contain the spill with the kit, notify the marina office and the master, and complete a marine incident report. Spills to the water must be reported by the Safety and Compliance Manager to the regulator and port authority.

4.After refuelling

The person in charge must record the quantity taken, the tank levels before and after, the date and the vessel in the refuelling log and the planned maintenance system. Fuel caps must be secured and the hose drained before it is returned.

5.Road tanker deliveries

Tanker deliveries must be supervised by the marina supervisor. The tanker must be earthed, the delivery hose inspected, and the wharf closed to other vessels during the delivery.