TANKER SAFETY PROCEDURES The general principal in eliminating risk of fire or explosion on a tanker is to avoid a source of ignition and

a flammable atmosphere being present in the same case at the same time in cargo compartments, pump rooms and the tank deck Petroleum vapours can always be expected and so sources of ignition must be strictly eliminated from these areas. In the accommodation and engine room there are innumerable sources of ignition from electric appliances, motors, smoking, tools etc and so flammable vapours should not be allowed to enter these spaces. In deck workshops, store rooms and forecastle areas both flammable gases and ignition sources are to be safely controlled.

Smoking: Smoking is to be permitted only at times and in places designated by the Master. These are to be places where entry of flammable vapours is highly improbable. Matches and cigarette lighters should not be carried outside the accommodation. It is extremely foolish to smoke in hiding. Naked Lights: These should not be permitted on the tank deck. Flash lights / portable equipment should be approved by a competent authority for safe use in a flammable atmosphere. They should be carefully examined for defects, with no damaged insulation and securely attached to the cable. Notices against smoking and the use of naked lights should be prominently displayed. Fixed electrical equipment must be properly maintained so that it or its wiring does not become a source of ignition. Air driven lamps, fitted to avoid accumulation of static electricity may be used in flammable atmospheres. UHF / VHF Commn: The transceivers should be intrinsically safe.

 Wireless transmission of medium or high frequency can induce an electrical potential in derricks, masts, stays, metal posts, etc. So these should be efficiently earthed. Radar, telephones, and close circuit television should not be operated if the ship is in a hazardous zone where an electrical potential can be induced in shore conductors. VHF, UHF and satellite communication are generally safe. Hot Work: Before any chipping / hammering / any hot work carried out / any power tool used outside the E/R or accommodation, a hot work certificate must be obtained and the space maintained gas free throughout the work period. The space should be checked for adequacy of oxygen and absence of any toxic or inflammable gases. Enclosed Spaces: Before entering into enclosed spaces / spaces which have flammable / toxic gases / deficient in oxygen, and the pump room whenever it is used, thorough and efficient ventilation must be carried out. Entry into the pump room is to be only permitted when the extractor / blower fans are running and extracting air right from the bottom of the pump room. A breathing apparatus set should be rigged ready and easily accessible. All doors, portholes and other openings into the accommodation / engine room must be kept shut. Ventilation / air conditioning units must be put on recirculation. Aluminium: Aluminum equipment like gangways, portable ladders, etc when dragged on deck leaves a smear which, if subsequently struck, can give rise to and incendive spark Magnesium and aluminum anodes, give rise to an incendive spark on impact with rusty steel. Only zinc anodes are permitted in oil tanks. NO AL PAINT IN PP ROOMS.

Oil Stained Items Cloth, wood and other materials, when stained with oil, especially vegetable oil, gradually heat up and can ignite by spontaneous combustion. Such materials should not be stored near oil, paint or chemicals, or be lying around. Certain chemicals can spontaneously ignite when permitted to evaporate. Any petroleum or other oils should not be allowed to fall or be sprayed onto hot surfaces. Fire Fighting Equipment It must be kept in constant readiness. Portable fire extinguishers must be kept standby at the manifold. It should be possible to cover the manifold and other areas with sea water or foam from two nozzles simultaneously. Sources of Ignition: Special precautions to controls sources of ignition must be taken in the E / R. Funnel uptakes, inert gas uptakes, and boiler tubes must only be blown before arrival at or after departure from port. Spark arresters must be in good condition, oil spills cleaned and a high standard of personal safety and hygiene maintained. In the galley only stoves with and integral heating element should be used and these too must be shut down if stem loading is in progress. ELECTRICAL EQPT GEN / MOTORS. TORCHES, TANK CLEANING AND GAS FREEING APPLIANCES MUST BE OF APPROVED DESIGN STATIC ELECTRICITY LIGHTNING VENT RISERS Tow Wires Emergency towing wires must be made fast to the offshore bollards with sufficient slacks and suspended about a meter above the water. The main engines must be available at short notice.

Signals: Flag B by day and one red light by night is to be continuously displayed. Scuppers / Overboard Discharges: These should be plugged, oil containing and dispersing equipment kept ready and all other pollution prevention measures taken.