Tank truck to marine vessel - Oil transfer

11. Operating Procedures

Before carrying out any oil transfer, adequate preparation is required to ensure that the following safeguards are in place:

• A sufficient number of trained personnel must be on site, dedicated to the oil transfer operation.
• The driver must accompany the truck, staying in constant attendance of the discharge flow controls.
• A marine representative must stay in attendance at the vessel to control the nozzle and ensure the tank is not overfilled.
• Additional people may be required to watch the hose or relay messages between the driver and the marine representative if they are not in direct and constant communication; all key personnel must be able to communicate clearly and fluently.
• Two-way radios may be required to facilitate communication. These radios must be intrinsically safe.
• The driver must be familiar with the requirements of this document, and must ensure that all applicable requirements are met.

11.1 Before Transfer

Before carrying out any oil transfer check the following 6 areas:

1. The tank truck must be safely and securely located to prevent damage from the truck to its surroundings.

   Note

   Ensure the location is acceptable in accordance with the requirements in the "Oil Transfer Locations" section of this document.

   • Set the parking brake and/or chock the wheels
   • The truck engine must be shut off while connecting or disconnecting hoses
2. The vessel must be suitably located, secured and fitted to safely receive the delivery.
3. A spill contingency plan must be in place to enable a quick, effective and sustained response to any emergency at that specific location.
4. The fuel transfer safety checklist must be completed with a copy retained by the driver and a copy left with the vessel.
5. The driver and marine representative must agree on the amount to be transferred, making allowance for:
   • Thermal expansion: the tank should not be filled above 95% capacity,
   • Sufficient additional tank capacity to accept the hose's line fill after the pumping is complete.
6. Communications should be ensured between the following:
   • The truck and vessel, to ensure that both parties are in constant, clear communication throughout the oil transfer operation
   • The transfer location and the head office or other outside resource to ensure that, in the event of an incident, an appropriate response can be initiated without delay

Oil transfer operations are not to take place until all communication systems have been confirmed for proper operation.

At the first signs of an electrical storm, the operation must be shut down.

11.2 Fuel Transfer Safety Checklist

The transferring Company should have a checklist appropriate for the operation being carried out. This safety checklist must be filled out and kept available during the transfer operation.

The purpose of the checklist is to ensure that both parties, the driver and marine representative, have had a "meeting of minds" and understand the particulars of the transfer operation. It also provides a double check that required precautions are in place.

See "Appendix A: Fuel Safety Transfer Checklist", for a sample checklist used in the Port of Vancouver and other jurisdictions. It provides a model for Company-specific checklists. On this checklist the driver is considered to be the "facility".

By filling out and signing the checklist the driver and marine representative agree that their responsibilities have been met.

Additional information on Company-specific checklists might include:

• Bonding and grounding in place
• Fire extinguishers in place
• Tidal action accounted for
• Hose connections secured

11.3 Starting Transfer

Proper and careful preparation are required for a safe transfer operation. Do not begin the transfer until all of the proper steps have been taken.

• Before opening fill caps, ensure proper bonding is in place.
• Ensure nozzle or extended fill tube is properly inserted in the fill stem, and in contact with the side of the fill opening.
• The marine representative must be present at the fill opening and signal when ready for flow to begin.
• The driver must be present at the truck controls, starting flow only when signaled by the marine representative.
• Start the flow slowly until the bottom of the fill tube is completely submerged.
• If any significant pressure build-up is noticed the driver shall immediately halt the filling process until it is safe to resume.

11.4 Finishing Transfer

Most spills during transfer occur when finishing the filling process, for the obvious reason that this is when overfills can occur. Constant vigilance is required.

• Slow down the flow when nearing the top of the tank; throttle the flow rate at the truck for best control.
• Watch the tank level through the fill opening, rather than waiting for product to splash out the vent;
• If using a large hose i.e. over 25 mm (1") diameter, take care to avoid shutting the flow down suddenly: line shock can damage the hose and connections;
• When disconnecting from the fill pipe or removing the nozzle take care to avoid dripping product; contain all drips;
• After all oil connections are released and capped, remove bonding cable.

11.5 Draining Hoses

Care must be taken when draining hoses to prevent any spillage or drips from causing pollution or slipping hazards.

• Disconnect at the end nearest the truck and drain into the vessel tank or other suitable container - not plastic!
• If using a portable container, ensure solid footing so the container cannot be inadvertently knocked over.
• Plug or cap the hose ends to prevent drips.

Date modified:

2019-07-26