Lesson 1Cargo documentation and communication with terminal: NOR, Manifest, Safety Data Sheets, ship/shore checklist use and filling the gangway logThis section addresses cargo documentation and ship–shore communication, including NOR, cargo manifest, Safety Data Sheets, ship/shore safety checklist, and gangway log entries, ensuring legal compliance and clear operational coordination.
Notice of Readiness content and timingCargo manifest and bill of lading dataSafety Data Sheets and hazard infoShip/shore safety checklist completionGangway log and visitor controlRecord retention and audit readinessLesson 2Tank atmosphere and inert gas system management: IG system operation, oxygen and LEL targets, purge and gas-free concepts, pressure/ventilation controlThis section covers inert gas system operation during cargo work, including oxygen and LEL targets, pressure control, purging and gas-freeing concepts, and coordination with venting to keep tanks safely non-flammable at all times.
IG plant components and operationOxygen limits and LEL safety marginsTank pressure control and alarmsPurge, inert and gas-free conceptsVenting arrangements and P/V valvesIG failure procedures and contingenciesLesson 3Crude oil characterization for chosen load port: API gravity, viscosity, flashpoint, compatibility and heating requirementsThis section reviews crude oil properties at the load port and how API gravity, viscosity, flashpoint, compatibility, and heating needs affect cargo planning, pumping performance, safety margins, and blending or segregation decisions.
Sampling and laboratory test reportsAPI gravity and density implicationsViscosity, pour point and pumpabilityFlashpoint, H2S and safety marginsCompatibility, segregation and blendingHeating curves, coils and monitoringLesson 4Tank monitoring and overfill prevention: high-level alarms, independent overfill protection, sounding vs tank level gauging, tank calibration tablesThis section explains continuous tank level control, comparing manual sounding and fixed gauging, use of high-level and overfill alarms, calibration tables, and alarm response to prevent spills, structural damage, and cargo loss.
Types of level gauging systemsManual sounding versus closed gaugingHigh-level and overfill alarm settingsAlarm testing and response actionsUse of calibration and trim tablesMonitoring during topping-off stagesLesson 5Loading rate and manifold control: pump capacity, manifold pressures, hose limitations, overload prevention and rate adjustment for list/trimThis section explains how to control loading rates at the manifold, considering pump capacity, hose and arm limits, line backpressure, and adjustments for trim or list, to avoid hydraulic shocks, spills, and structural overstress.
Determining safe loading ratesManifold pressure limits and alarmsHose and loading arm design limitsStarting, ramp-up and topping-offAdjusting rate for trim and listPreventing surge and water hammerLesson 6Discharging planning: berth operations sequencing, pump and shore booster coordination, minimum discharge rates, line flushing and strippingThis section describes discharge planning, including berth sequence, pump and shore booster coordination, minimum discharge rates, stripping and line flushing, and managing ROB while protecting pumps and avoiding vacuum or cavitation.
Pre-discharge meeting with terminalStarting sequence and line up checksMaintaining minimum discharge ratesCoordination with shore booster pumpsStripping tanks and lines to slopManaging ROB and pump protectionLesson 7Post-operation procedures: tank washing requirements, slop handling, recordkeeping (cargo logbook, ullage records)This section covers post-discharge tasks, including tank washing methods, slop collection and segregation, MARPOL-compliant disposal, and accurate recordkeeping in cargo logbooks, ullage reports, and terminal documentation for audits.
Criteria for crude oil washing or water washCOW procedures and safety checksSlop tank designation and capacity useSegregation of clean and dirty slopsDisposal options and MARPOL complianceCargo logbook and ullage record entriesLesson 8Loading plans: sequence of tanks to be filled, heel and longitudinal strength considerations, target drafts, trim and stress criteriaThis section explains how to prepare loading plans, select tank sequences, manage cargo heel, and check drafts, trim, bending moments, and shear forces using loading computers to keep the vessel within safe stress envelopes.
Input of cargo parcels and densitiesTank filling sequence and segregationHeel planning and ROB considerationsDraft, trim and air draft targetsBending moment and shear checksUse of loading computer and approvalsLesson 9Cargo tank arrangement and utilization: tank names, sounding and ullage procedures, allowable filling limits and stripping linesThis section details cargo tank layout, naming conventions, and how to plan filling patterns, ullaging and sounding routines, allowable filling limits, and stripping line use to minimize ROB and maintain safe structural and stability margins.
Tank numbering and naming schemesSegregation lines and crossover valvesAllowable filling limits and freeboardUllage and sounding best practicesStripping lines and minimizing ROBUse of tank plans and loading manualsLesson 10Ballast management during cargo ops: intact/stability calculations, ballast tank selection, ballast exchange considerations and compliance with BWM/IMO rulesThis section examines ballast management during cargo operations, focusing on stability and strength calculations, ballast tank selection, exchange procedures, and compliance with BWM Convention, IMO rules, and local port restrictions.
Intact stability and GM during loadingLongitudinal strength and shear checksSelection of ballast tanks in useBallast exchange methods and timingBWM Convention and IMO compliancePort and coastal ballast restrictions
