Technomount Marine Services LLC

Onboard safety precaution on tank cleaning

tmsadmin — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 15:52:00 +0000

The shipping industry is now making the final preparation for the compliance with the IMO 0.50% sulphur cap with less than a month to go before the new regulation takes effect on 1 January 2020. Skuld would like to advice its members on the risk for the IMO 2020 regulation, particularly to the crew onboard who will be cleaning the tanks if the vessel will use compliant fuel.

With the 2020 deadline approaching, members are advised to be mindful in preparation for the safety of the crew onboard. Fuel oil tanks are not really designed for human intervention for cleaning, there are lots of compartments and the crew onboard may not be familiar with the design of the fuel tanks which makes this a trap for them.

One of the major causes of fatalities onboard during tank cleaning is death due to hydrocarbon vapours and deficient in oxygen in the tank. It is the responsibility of the Master of the vessel or Officer in charge to carry out the tank cleaning procedure in a safe manner and in accordance with the company safety procedure and safety guidelines.

Some precautionary measures the vessel should take before tanks are entered for cleaning:

Carry out toolbox meeting
Make a risk assessment
Ventilate the tank thoroughly
The atmosphere of the tank should be tested for percentage of oxygen and presence of any toxic gases
A detailed work plan should be in place, including how many persons will enter the tank for cleaning, person in charge, person(s) on look out or stand by and duration of the work

All crew who will enter the tanks should be properly briefed about the risk involved, the proper donning of breathing apparatus and means of rescue procedures. The Officer in charge for the tank cleaning should make a proper risk assessment taking into account the danger involved.

While carrying out tank cleaning the crew should never enter the tank without proper PPE. The crew should prepare all necessary equipment and tools required for work to avoid searching or asking for tools after they enter the tank. The person outside the tanks or look out should have frequent communication by voice or by VHF radio to make sure that the people inside the tank are safe and sound. The area should be properly illuminated using a flame proof lamp or anti-static lamp. It is important not to use any kind of lights which can be a source of fire. Ensure that the supply and exhaust of air from the ventilation is continuous to have fresh air and to get rid of toxic gases. The crew should take extra precaution if they will use chemicals in cleaning, MSDS should be available, first aid kit and medicines should be place-ready for immediate use. The Officer in charge should place a precaution notice in the area of the valves and pumps, lock tag should be in place to avoid any accidental operation while cleaning is in progress. The crew should have breaks at regular intervals to avoid being exhausted. It is advisable to have rotation of the crew in cleaning the tanks.

Bulk carrier interrupted voyage to carry out repairs, Indian ocean

tmsadmin — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Bulk carrier SKYLIGHT experienced engine problem E of Mauritius while en route from Singapore to Abijan, Ivory Coast, and according to local sources, on Jul 11 asked Mauritius Maritime Authorities permission to call Port Louis, for repairs. Permission was granted, the ship interrupted voyage and proceeded to Port Louis, understood under own power, albeit at slow speed of some 2-4 knots. As of 1820 UTC Jul 20, she looked like she was adrift some 40 nm west of Port Louis, situation unclear.

NBCC to offer independent engineering services to aviation sector

tmsadmin — Sat, 08 May 2021 11:48:00 +0000

Rajasthan: Engineer kingpin in REET paper leak, say cops

The government on Thursday asked container shipping lines to be transparent in their levy of various charges and accept payment in free foreign exchange, in light of a global shortage of containers and soaring freight rates that have hurt traders across the country.

Officials said lack of transparency and arbitrary levy of charges may attract the attention of the Competition Commission of India.

Representatives from the container shipping industry in turn apprised the officials of steps already taken to tackle the shortage that include repositioning of containers as well as placing orders for new containers and container ships.

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/shipping-lines-told-to-be-transparent-on-levies/articleshow/86078441.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

The issues were discussed in a meeting called by the commerce and industry ministry. It was attended by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, shipping secretary Sanjeev Ranjan and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw apart from heads of port trusts, shipping lines, container operators and industry lobbying bodies.

The Covid-19 pandemic had led to a temporary closure of seaports across the world, leading to a glut of containers in some pockets and a massive shortage in others. Global container rates have surged more than sevenfold since last year. Since May, they have increased more than 60%.

“The non-availability of containers is delaying exports and some countries like China are encouraging imports of empty containers by offering a premium,” said another industry representative who attended the meeting, adding that suggestions were given on regulating empty containers similar to what Kolkata Port Trust has done.