NEW VIQ 6 and STS, as published by OCIMF

The VIQ 6 includes questions 8.84-8.87 for STS associated matters for oil tankers and respectively for chemical and gas tankers in succeeding sections. The issues presented comment on the existence of an approved STS PLAN, existence of sufficient number of closed chocks/fairleaders, proof of check-lists completion and comments on whether the SIRE inspection took place during an STS Operation and if same was conducted according to latest industry guidelines.

The STS Plan is of great importance to be updated according to ICS/OCIMF/SIGTTO/CDI ?Ship to Ship Transfer Guide, for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases? First Edition 2013. Therefore your STS Plan should have a revision with respect to the new guidelines after November 2013 or relevant class approval. Should you are interested to receive further information on gap analysis, kindly contact us.

Attention is also drawn with respect to the use of closed fairleaders and their SWL. You have to ascertain that the mooring lines passing through closed chocks/ fairleaders have less breaking strength than the relevant SWL of the chock. In case some vessels utilise more than one mooring line through a closed chock, the total breaking strength should again be less than the SWL of the chock. Otherwise the risk for damaging the chock is high.

STS Check lists and other associated records from STS should be completed according to STS Guide 3.3 and Appendix 1. Records should be evaluated according to TMSA and ISM practices and lessons learned should be brought forward to technical operators for further actions, if required. Element 6 of TMSA 2.0 stage 3.0 is applicable also for STS Operations. It mentions that "There is a documented system in place to ensure that Appraisal reports verify regular participation in support of junior officers/relevant vessel staff are actively involved in the officers'training and development process planning, cargo-line setting, and execution of the cargo and ballast operations." STS records may be part of the documented system.

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