STS transfer operations refer to
the bulk cargo,
transfers, either oil or gas from one vessel to another in open water. Such
operations are conducted where bigger vessels cannot enter a port due to draft
restrictions. It saves them the cost and time it takes for port berthing.
Although ship-to-ship transfer have been an effective means of avoiding port limitations, they are extremely hazardous, both in relation to the environment as well as to human beings. Additionally, there is even a chance of pollution, fire, or leakage without mooring in open water. The highest degree of safety and environmental precautions has to be implemented to ensure that these activities do not affect marine ecosystems or coastal regions.
While STS transfers offer economy and flexibility, the need to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility is a consideration of paramount importance in the quest to ensure safe and sustainable management of bulk cargo transfer operations.
What will I learn?
- 1. Manoeuvring a vessel when carrying out an STS operation
- 2. Forces in connection with the use of rudder and propeller.
- 3. Use of bow thruster and different types of tugs
- 4. STS operation without tugboats underway including ship to ship interaction
- 5. Manoeuvring in shallow water and under different environmental conditions
- 6. Shallow water and banking effect
- 7. Anchoring procedure
- 8. How to secure fenders in a safe way and shifting / sailing with fenders alongside.
- 9. Selecting fender size, amount of fenders and assessing their strengths and limitations.
- 10. Mooring arrangement, contact and agreement with the other vessel and different types of moorings and procedures for mooring during STS including mooring operations under different environmental conditions.
- 11. Use of checklist as required and exchange of experience between Masters, Pilots and Mooring Masters. Briefing and debriefing as applicable
- 12. Tanker specific layouts
- 13. Guidelines from OCIMF
- 14. MARPOL requirements
- 15. Typical STS plan
- 16. Manoeuvring during mooring and unmooring
- 17. Contingencies ( E.g. aborting the approach, pollution)
- Familiarity with maritime operations is recommended for STS transfer courses.
- Health certifications may be required for working in high-risk environments.
- Typically, participants must be 18 years or older.
- Good physical condition is essential for safety in dynamic ship operations.
- Previous maritime certifications like STCW may be required for certain courses.
- Relevant experience in shipping or vessel operations may be beneficial.
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