1. Ship to Ship Operation
December 2017

2. Notes for Guidance What the Engagement Pack includes
Key points the Mooring master/ supervisor / trainer should cover in their discussion
Questions the Mooring master/ supervisor / trainer can ask the group
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help Mooring master/ supervisor to provide the vessel staff with a platform to have a meaningful operational safety discussion prior the STS operation.
This pack can also be used by vessel operator for training crew
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a Mooring master/ supervisor in front of a group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the Mooring master/ supervisor . Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the Mooring master/ supervisor should familiarise themselves with the content and it’s purpose. Make sure there is enough space and time for the vessel staff to ask questions.
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel staff who are involved in the Ship to Ship operations. This include Bridge team, Mooring crew and crew involved in assisting with cargo hose connections.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where they will not be disturbed. The vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet area in a workshop would be suitable.
When to hold the Engagement
This should be done once the Mooring master boards the vessel prior the commencement of operation similar to tool box talk.
This can also be used as part of routine crew training.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for the engagement between Vessel operator representative, Mooring Master and staff on board to talk about operational safety aspects without feeling rushed to commence their work.

3. Manoeuvring – Bridge Team

4. Manoeuvring – Bridge Team
The main issues:
Two vessels manoeuvring at close quarters (Underway/ Anchor)
Knowledge of Ship handling characteristics
Communication – Bridge team & Between the vessels
Navigational Hazards & Traffic in the vicinity of STS location
Adverse weather condition – Sea, Wind, Swell (height and period)
Unexpected or unanticipated forces, such as interaction between vessels.
Processes:
Always
Ensure compliance with OCIMF STS Guide, Checklist No 2 & 3
Be clear on the roles, responsibilities of Bridge team & Mooring Superintendent.
Bridge teams from both ships to intervene, when an unsafe situation is sighted.
Ensure
Environmental conditions are suitable for the operation
Location clear of any hazards and local traffic is monitored
Appropriate day shapes or Night signals are displayed
Contingency plan agreed and understood.
Co ordination with mooring team on deck.
Key message: Operation to go ahead only when both Masters and STS Superintendent in agreement with Joint Plan of Operation (JPO)
Discussion points:
What are potential navigational hazards of Ship to Ship operations you are involved in?
How do you make sure everyone fully understands the STS and contingency plans for the Ship to Ship operation?

5. Fendering Operation

6. Fendering Operation
The main issues:
Unsafe mooring / lifting operation during fendering
Poor communication – Winch/crane operator, Bridge
Insufficient/ Inexperience crew to assist with fendering
Inadequate leads to safely rig primary and secondary fenders.
Secondary fenders placement and adjustment
Processes:
Always
Check that the equipment condition (Ropes, stoppers, shackles etc.) is suitable for the job, has been inspected, and bears a Safe Working Load (SWL)
Ensure on site tool box talk carried out prior the operation
Ensure
Direct line of communication between winch operator and signaller.
Lines are always handled in a controlled manner – Never let the lines run out.
Equipment is visually examined, before every use by a competent person(s)
Key message: : Stay well clear of the fender lines at all times – DO NOT CROSS THE LINES
Discussion points:
What do we have in place to prevent failure of lifting equipment?
What should you do if you suspect equipment to be damaged?

7. STS Mooring & Unmooring Operations
Typical Arrangement

8. STS Mooring & Unmooring Operations
Key message:
Stop the operation when there is no clear signal
The main issues:
Getting injured by parting mooring line due to excessive strain – environment (sea, wind, swell); turning; mooring line condition
Lack of clear communication between bridge-mooring team lead- mooring team
Insufficient / inexperienced crew with STS mooring operations, critical when lines have to be cleared, specially the aft springs.
Unexpected increase in strain on mooring caused due to forces between the vessels.
Always pay special attention to the following:
Ensure heaving line is thrown, clear off the mooring crew on-board other vessel
Follow correct method to take the weight on the stopper, while transferring the mooring rope from the warping drum to the bitts
Signals between operator and signaller are audible or visual at all times
Use the rope stoppers on the Fibre / synthetic rope and chain stoppers on wire ropes
Snap Back Zones
Discussion points:
What would you do if communication methods agreed are not clear to you?

9. Cargo Hose Handling

10. Cargo Hose Handling Key message: Never walk under a suspended load.
The main issues:
Lack of awareness of safe lifting methods
Crew walking under suspended load during the lifting operation
Inadequately trained crew for lifting operations
Risk of residual hazardous vapours from previous cargo in the hose
Oil spray from hose when draining.
Processes:
Always
Exercise care when handling hose to avoid kinking or overstressing
Support hoses during the operation by suitable means to prevent excessive loads on manifold fittings such as saddles.
Be clear on the roles, responsibilities, and who the Person in Charge (PIC) is for the lifting operation
Intervene & Stop work when an unsafe situation arises
Ensure
Trained and competent to operate lifting equipment and perform maintenance
Toolbox talk carried out at site prior hose connection and disconnection
Crew involved in hose connection and disconnection to wear personal gas meters.
Oil spill response equipment in the state of readiness in the immediate vicinity.
Key message:
Never walk under a suspended load.
Always direct line of sight between crane operator and signaller
Discussion points:
What checks should be carried out before involvement in a lifting operation?
What should you do if you suspect hose or lifting equipment is damaged?
Use of quick connect / disconnect coupling.

11. Operational matters

12. Operational matters Key message:
Additional Operational Factors :
Method of releasing the mooring lines – Operational and in Emergency situation – Quick release hook, Fire Axe.
If deemed necessary, then use of approved means of personal transfer during the operation – Launch, PTB (personal transfer basket), Helicopter?
Mooring & fender lines management during operation – Adjustment, greasing the fair leads, Use of Grommets, Chafe protector.
Use of cargo hose quick release coupling in emergencies
Clearing anti piracy barriers for safe mooring operation
Risk of exposure to hazardous vapours from the inert gas vented from the daughter vessels – e.g. high H2S last cargo. – Use of wind sock
In case of Helicopter operations, crew to be familiar with the risks and controls. (Ref: ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations)
Do not use the bits, bollards, eyes, specially around the manifold area which do not have the sufficient SWL or not designed for the intended operations.
Key message:
STS is a high risk non routine operation, additional vigilance is required at all stages.
Discussion points:
Master and respective deck team aware of the details of the operation ?
Information discussed and agreed with the team during the tool box team meeting?

13. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Remember
Your family needs you

14. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Notes:
Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with family and friends
Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also benefits our family, crew, and others too
Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and body primed to deal with challenging situations
Key message: We all want to get home safely
Discussion points:
Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?