The primary hazards include:

The ship loses effective control of the tank atmosphere

pressure, and is directly influenced by any changes which may
occur within the terminals system. It is therefore most
important that associated pressure sensing devices on the
vessel are well maintained. It is also essential that individual
cargo tank P.V. valves are properly maintained and operate
correctly. Check that the VECS alarms are correctly set and
tested. (Secondary PV alarms are set 5-10% above PV valves
setting as per Oil Major requirements for normal operations).
Note;
1) For VECS as per USCG requirements the VECS alarms
should be activated at 80% of PV valve setting.
2) Where IG pressure sensors are used to satisfy secondary
venting requirements, PV alarm setting for secondary venting
of cargo tanks are required by Oil majors to be set at 5-10%
higher than the PV valve setting.
Whenever any of these alarms activates during cargo
operations, the cargo operations shall be immediately stopped
and cause of alarm activation rectified before resuming cargo
operations.

Vessels fitted with a VEC system must have an independent

overfill alarm providing audible and visual warning. These are
to be tested at the tank to ensure their proper operation prior
to commencing loading, unless the system is provided with an
electronic self-testing capability. Fixed gauging systems must
be maintained in a fully operational condition at all times.

Tanks must not be opened to the atmosphere for gauging or

sampling when connected to the shore vapour collecting
system, unless the cargo being handled permits, loading to the

tank is stopped, the tank is isolated from any other tank being
loaded, and precautions are taken to safely reduce any
pressure within the cargo tank vapour space.

The ships system is to be provided with means to collect and

drain condensed vapour, which may have accumulated in the
pipelines. Drains must be installed at low points within the
ships piping system. These drains must be checked clear
before each use of the VEC system and on a regular basis
when the system is not in use.

Care must be taken to ensure that no possibility of

misconnection of Vapour and Liquid hoses can occur. The ships
vapour connection is to be clearly identified. The outboard 1.0
metre of piping is to be painted with yellow and red bands
(0.1m red, 0.8m yellow, 0.1m red) and marked with the word
Vapour (not less than 50mm high). The vessels presentation
flange is to be fitted with a stud to prevent an incorrect
connection.

To prevent electrostatic build up within the vapour return pipe

work, all pipe work is electrically bonded to the hull. The
integrity of these connections is to be periodically checked.

VECS manual requirements to complied with respect to loading

rate, vapour density, pressure drop etc.

Ships personnel are to make themselves fully aware of the

operation of the VEC system on board. Reference to the approved

operations manual is to be made. The transfer procedure, required

by section 4.6.9 of this manual must contain a description of the
VEC system as listed in 33 CFR 155.750 (d).
The full procedures for the use of the VEC system are to be clearly
agreed at the pre-transfer meeting between the Terminal
Representative and the Chief Officer. All tests and inspections
required by 33 CFR 156.170(g) must be carried out prior to transfer
operations. Checklist TNK 04 is to assist the responsible officer with
VEC operations. This checklist is to be completed prior to
commencement of any VEC operation.
NOTE: The VEC system must be inspected and approved/certified by
the USCG prior to use in the USA. The TVEL/LOC will reflect this
approval, being endorsed accordingly.