Chemical Tanker Operations Part 2 - Prevention of Pollution (Edition 4)

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of adhering to Marpol Annex II regulations for handling noxious liquid substances (NLS) on ships. It outlines the categorization of NLS into X, Y, and Z based on their environmental impact, with category X posing the greatest threat. The script discusses emergency procedures, pollution control measures, and the necessity of proper tank cleaning and cargo handling to prevent accidental discharges. It also highlights the strict rules for discharging residues, especially for category X substances, which must be pre-washed and sent to shore facilities, and the importance of having a Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) for ships carrying NLS in bulk.

Takeaways

• 📄 **Read Data Sheets**: It's crucial to read data sheets for chemicals onboard, providing necessary information for emergencies and pollution control.
• 🚨 **Emergency Preparedness**: Marpol Annex II outlines measures to control pollution from accidental discharges and operational procedures.
• 🌊 **Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS)**: Bulk liquid cargos other than petroleum are categorized as NLS, with categories X, Y, or Z based on environmental harm.
• 🔍 **Ship's Certificate of Fitness**: Lists NLS the ship is certified to carry, with specific categories indicating the degree of environmental harm.
• 🚫 **Pollution Control**: Pollution control is not limited to emergencies; it includes proper handling during tank cleaning and cargo operations.
• 🔥 **Cargo Types and Their Categories**: The script mentions toxic, corrosive, flammable, and reactive cargos, each with specific pollution categories and handling requirements.
• 🛑 **Immediate Action on Spillage**: In case of spillage, immediate action is required, including stopping pumps and notifying officers and the jetty.
• 💧 **Pre-Washing and Disposal**: Tanks carrying category X substances must be pre-washed, and residues disposed of at shore-based facilities.
• 🚧 **Tank Cleaning Regulations**: Cleaning of tanks after cargo discharge must follow an approved plan in accordance with Marpol regulations.
• ⛓ **Equipment Maintenance**: Regular inspection of hoses and connections is essential to prevent dangerous spillage due to equipment failure.
• 🌍 **Environmental Considerations**: Discharge of washings at sea is controlled, with specific requirements for speed, distance from land, and water depth.

Q & A

Why is it crucial to read the data sheets on chemicals being carried on board a ship?

Reading data sheets is crucial because they provide all the necessary information required in case of an emergency, such as when cargo escapes from its controlled containment.

What are Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) and how are they categorized under MARPOL Annex II?

NLS are bulk liquid cargos other than petroleum that are harmful to the environment. They are categorized under MARPOL Annex II as Category X, Y, or Z, depending on the degree of harm they may represent to the environment, with Category X being the most severe.

What is the significance of the ship's Certificate of Fitness in relation to NLS?

The ship's Certificate of Fitness lists the NLS that the ship is certified to carry, ensuring that the ship can legally and safely transport these substances.

Why is it important to follow the procedures outlined in the data sheets during an emergency involving toxic cargo like dichlorobenzene?

Following procedures during an emergency is important because toxic cargoes like dichlorobenzene represent a major hazard to marine resources or human life and are considered high pollutants.

How does MARPOL categorize corrosive cargo like sulfuric acid in terms of pollution hazard?

Corrosive cargo like sulfuric acid is categorized as Category Y under MARPOL, indicating it is a lesser pollutant than Category X substances but still requires specific handling and storage procedures.

What are the stripping requirements for ships carrying Category X and Y substances, and how do they differ for older ships built before 2007?

All tanks and cargos must be stripped to the same 75 liters for newer ships. For older ships built before 2007, less stringent stripping requirements apply.

What actions should be taken immediately if a spillage or overflow involving toxic or corrosive substances occurs on board?

If a spillage involves toxic or corrosive substances, the officer of the watch must be notified immediately, and if discharging the cargo, pumps can be stopped using emergency stops located in the cargo control room and at the manifold.

What is the procedure for pre-washing tanks that have carried Category X substances?

Tanks that have carried Category X substances must be pre-washed after discharge to assure reception at a facility in accordance with the company's procedures and arrangements or P&A manual.

How should the discharge of washings at sea from tanks containing Category X, Y, or Z cargos be managed to minimize environmental impact?

The ship must proceed at an appropriate speed, at least seven knots, be at least 12 miles from land, and in at least 25 meters depth of water. The discharge must be from below the water line and ensure proper mixing in the ship's wake.

What is the role of the MARPOL Control Surveyor during the pre-washing and tank cleaning processes?

The MARPOL Control Surveyor supervises and ensures that the tank cleaning processes are done in accordance with regulations, checks that the cargo record book is up to date, and endorses the entries relating to the operations they have supervised.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Safety and Pollution Control on Ships

This paragraph emphasizes the criticality of reading chemical data sheets onboard ships, especially in emergencies like chemical spills. It introduces Marple Annex II, which outlines measures to control pollution from accidental discharges and operational procedures. The paragraph discusses the categorization of noxious liquid substances (NLS) into X, Y, or Z categories based on their environmental harm, with X being the most severe. It also mentions the ship's Certificate of Fitness for carrying NLS and the importance of proper stowage and stripping levels for different categories. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on common sources of pollution, such as human error and mechanical failure, and the necessity of immediate action and reporting in case of a spill.

05:01

🛳️ Handling and Discharge Procedures for Noxious Liquid Substances

Paragraph 2 delves into the specific procedures for handling and discharging noxious liquid substances (NLS) on ships. It highlights the strict regulations for category X substances, which are severe pollutants and must not have any residue entering the sea. The paragraph outlines the pre-washing requirements for tanks that carried high viscosity or solidifying substances and the need for an approved plan for tank cleaning. It also discusses the role of Marple control surveyors in supervising tank cleaning processes and the requirements for stripping and washing tanks at sea. Additionally, it covers the restrictions on discharging washing mediums and the specific conditions that must be met when discharging NLS or mixtures containing such substances into the sea.

10:07

🌐 Emergency Response and Pollution Prevention

The final paragraph focuses on emergency response and pollution prevention measures for NLS cargo. It stresses the importance of following specific requirements and procedures for each type of cargo in case of an emergency. The paragraph discusses various response actions, such as using absorbent materials or washing down affected areas with water, depending on the nature of the cargo. It also mentions the necessity of reporting any spill or pollution incident at sea to relevant coastal authorities and the requirement for ships carrying NLS in bulk to have a Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP). The paragraph concludes by summarizing the categorization of NLS as per Marpol Annex II and the specific operational procedures and discharge controls for different categories of substances.

Keywords

💡Data Sheets

Data sheets are documents that provide essential information about the chemicals being carried on a ship. They are crucial for handling emergencies, such as accidental discharges, as they detail the properties and hazards of the substances. In the video, it is emphasized that reading data sheets is most important for understanding how to manage and respond to incidents involving the cargo.

💡Pollution Control

Pollution control refers to the measures taken to prevent or minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment. The video discusses how pollution control is not only about emergency situations but also about managing operational procedures to reduce environmental harm. It includes strategies for managing accidental discharges and routine tasks like tank cleaning.

💡Marpol Annex II

Marpol Annex II is a part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) that specifically addresses the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances (NLS) in bulk. The video explains that this annex sets out measures to control pollution from accidental discharges and operational procedures, categorizing substances based on their potential harm to the environment.

💡Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS)

NLS are bulk liquid cargos that are harmful to the marine environment and are categorized under Marpol Annex II. The video mentions that these substances are categorized into different groups (X, Y, Z) based on the degree of harm they may represent to the environment, with category X being the most severe.

💡Category X, Y, Z

These categories are used in Marpol Annex II to classify noxious liquid substances based on their potential environmental impact. Category X substances pose the most severe pollution hazard, while category Z substances pose the least. The video script uses these categories to illustrate the different levels of pollution control required for various substances.

💡Stripping Level

The stripping level refers to the minimum amount of a substance that must be removed from a tank to ensure that the remaining residue does not pose a significant pollution risk. The video explains that for category X substances, tanks must be stripped to a very high level to minimize the risk of pollution.

💡Pre-wash

A pre-wash is a procedure where tanks that have carried certain types of cargo are washed before discharging their contents to a reception facility. This is done to ensure that no harmful residues enter the environment. The video emphasizes the importance of pre-washing for tanks that have carried category X substances.

💡Discharge Port Authority

The discharge port authority is responsible for overseeing the discharge of cargo residues and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The video mentions that the port authority provides a Marpol control surveyor to supervise tank cleaning processes and ensure they are done in accordance with regulations.

💡Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP)

The SMPEP is a plan that ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk must have on board. It outlines procedures for responding to pollution incidents, including reporting requirements and actions to reduce or control discharge. The video highlights the importance of having such a plan to manage pollution emergencies effectively.

💡Vapor Residues

Vapor residues are the remaining gases or vapors from a cargo after it has been unloaded. The video discusses how these residues can be safely disposed of through ventilation, provided it is done in a manner that does not pose a risk to the environment or the ship's crew.

💡Contamination

Contamination refers to the presence of unwanted substances or impurities that can affect the quality or safety of another substance. In the context of the video, contamination is a concern when washing tanks after discharging cargo, as it can affect the integrity of the next cargo load. Proper tank cleaning is essential to prevent cross-contamination.

Highlights

Reading data sheets on chemicals carried is crucial for emergency preparedness.

Pollution Control extends beyond emergencies to include operational procedures like tank cleaning.

Bulk liquid cargos other than petroleum are termed Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS).

Ship's Certificate of Fitness lists NLS categories based on potential environmental harm.

Dichlorobenzene, a toxic cargo, is categorized as Category X due to its severe hazard.

Sulfuric acid, a corrosive cargo, is categorized as Category Y for lesser pollution hazard.

Isobutyl alcohol, a flammable cargo, is categorized as Category Z for lower pollution hazard.

Butyl acrylate, a reactive cargo, has a pollution category of Y.

Pollution often results from human error or mechanical failure, such as leaks and overflows.

Regular inspection and maintenance of hoses and connections are essential to prevent spillage.

Toxic spills can poison air, sea, and humans, necessitating immediate action.

Corrosive substances can harm humans and the environment upon contact.

Flammable substances can form explosive vapors, requiring careful handling during spills.

Immediate reporting of any spillage or overflow to the officer of the watch is mandatory.

Emergency stops for cargo pumps are located throughout the ship for quick response.

Category X substances require pre-washing and cannot have residues enter the sea.

Pre-washing of tanks and proper disposal of residues are regulated by the company's procedures.

Category Y and Z substances have controlled discharge procedures to minimize environmental impact.

An approved plan for tank cleaning after discharge is essential and must follow Marpol regulations.

Marpol Annex II provides specific requirements for the operational procedures of NLS cargos.

Discharge of washings at sea from tanks containing NLS must follow strict Marpol guidelines.

In the Antarctic, any discharge of NLS or mixtures containing such substances is prohibited.

Ships must have a Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) for handling pollution incidents.

Annex II of Marpol categorizes NLS into X, Y, and Z based on the severity of their pollution potential.

Transcripts

we established in part one that it is

most important to read the data sheets

on the chemicals being carried on board

they provide all the information needed

in the case of an emergency

for example when the cargo escapes from

its controlled containment

but Pollution Control is not confined

only to emergencies

Marple Annex II sets out measures to

control pollution arising from

accidental discharges and from

operational procedures such as tank

cleaning

bulk liquid cargos other than petroleum

are known as noxious liquid substances

or nls's

the ship's Certificate of Fitness lists

the nls's which she is certified to

carry

these substances are categorized in

Annex II of marpol under category X Y or

Z

depending on the degree of harm they may

represent the environment

category X being the most severe

substances which fall outside categories

X Y or Z are categorized as other

substances or os's

in part one we established that the ship

is carrying a toxic cargo

dichlorobenzene

a corrosive cargo sulfuric acid

A flammable cargo isobutyl alcohol and a

reactive cargo butyl acrylate with

inhibitor to prevent it from reacting

with itself and solidifying

the toxic cargo is listed as category X

because it represents a major Hazard to

Marine Resources or human life and is

considered to be a high pollutant

from the point of view of pollution the

corrosive cargo is listed as category y

this is considered a lesser pollutant

than the toxic cargo

but has to be stowed in tanks that can

achieve the same stripping level as a

category X substance

this cargo isobutyl alcohol is dangerous

as it's flammable

but with regard to pollution it is

categorized as Z because its pollution

Hazard is lower

in older ships built before 2007

less stringent stripping requirements

apply than for category X and Y

substances

in the case of newer ships all tanks and

all cargos are stripped to the same 75

liters

the final cargo butyl acrylate has a

pollution category of Y

typical sources of pollution arise from

human error or mechanical failure such

as leaks spillage and overflow when

blowing lines

ignoring level alarms including high and

high high level alarms

and not following the rules during

discharging of cargo residues after tank

washing

effective hoses and connections can also

lead to dangerous spillage they should

be regularly inspected and if a fault is

discovered they should be taken out of

service immediately

a frequent cause of Hose failure is the

inadequate monitoring of Moorings

hoses can be strained or broken leading

to Serious spillage if the lines are not

correctly tensioned

if the spillage were to involve a toxic

substance it could poison the air the

sea and anybody nearby who may have

breathed in the vapor or touched the

liquid

corrosive substances will harm most

things they touch including humans

if the spillage involves flammable

substances

they can form explosive Vapors

foreign

spillage or overflow must be reported to

the officer of the watch immediately

if discharging the cargo pumps can be

stopped by using the emergency stops

these are located in the cargo control

room and at the manifold and Elsewhere

on Deck so discharge can be stopped

instantly before notifying the officer

of the watch

The Jetty must be notified immediately

vowels must not be closed on board

against the flow of cargo being loaded

category X substances are considered to

be such severe pollutants that no

residue is permitted to enter the sea

tanks which have carried such a cargo

must be pre-washed after discharged to

assure reception facility in accordance

with the company's procedures and

arrangements or p and a manual

foreign

tanks that held high viscosity or

solidifying substances in category Y and

were not discharged at the higher

temperature to ensure that the viscosity

is low enough must be subject to a

pre-wash procedure with the residue

water mixture discharged to a reception

facility

the same procedure applies where the

discharge temperature was not at least

10 degrees above melting point

a pre-wash is also required if the

discharge was not carried out in

accordance with the p and a manual

it is essential that the cleaning of

Tanks after discharge of cargo follows

an approved plan

this plan must be drawn up in accordance

with Marple regulations

when pre-washing is required the

discharge Port Authority will provide a

Marple control surveyor who will

supervise and ensure that the tank

cleaning processes are done in

accordance with regulations

an early request for a Marple control

surveyor to attend the ship must be made

in all cases where category X substances

are to be discharged

or where exemptions are sought

or where there is any reason why

specified unloading procedures cannot be

followed

following the completion of the required

pre-washes the control surveyor will

check that the cargo record book is

being kept up to date

and will endorse the entries relating to

the operations he or she has supervised

tanks which have held category y or Z

substances can be stripped by an

efficient stripping system and must be

thoroughly drained so that only very

small quantities of cargo below the

permitted limit remain on board

the tanks can then be washed at Sea as

prescribed

The Vapor residues can be disposed of

through ventilation

provided this can be done safely

when the ship leaves port and after any

pre-washing most of her tanks will

require further washing to prevent the

contamination of the next cargo

there are a number of restrictions which

apply to the discharge of the washing

medium

Annex 2 of marpol is particularly

concerned with the discharge to see of

water which is contaminated by chemical

cargo residue

in all cases the requirements must be

checked prior to discharging at sea

whilst discharging Washings at Sea from

tanks which have contained category X Y

or Z cargos the ship must proceed at an

appropriate speed at least seven knots

so that the discharge is spread over a

wide area

the ship must be at least 12 miles from

land and in at least 25 meters depth of

water

yeah this is Bridge we are ready

okay then it is confirmed that uh we are

more than probably from land and the

depth of water is uh 30 meters thank you

the discharge must be from below the

water line and the rate should ensure

and equip mixing in the ship's wake

in the Antarctic that is the sea area

below latitude 60 degrees south

any discharge into the sea of NLS or

mixtures containing such substances are

prohibited

prevention of pollution in an emergency

centers around the Escape of NLS cargo

from safe containment

each cargo will have specific

requirements and procedures to be

applied in an emergency these must be

strictly followed as the response action

will vary depending on the nature of the

cargo and the volume of spill

where appropriate and safe to do so some

spills can be soaked up with absorbent

materials and disposed of in accordance

with regulations but with cargos such as

corrosives the safest option may be to

wash down the affected areas with large

volumes of water

I'll just see this traffic this is Joe

bidula

in all cases any spill or pollution

incident taking place whilst at Sea must

be reported to the relevant Coastal

authorities

for this reason

ship of 150 gross tons and above which

is certified to carry NLS in bulk must

have on board a shipboard marine

pollution emergency plan smpep

as a minimum this must include the

procedure to be followed when reporting

a pollution incident as required in

article 8 and protocol 1 of mapo the

list of authorities or persons to be

contacted

a detailed description of the action to

be taken to reduce or control the

discharge and the procedures and point

of contact on the ship for coordinating

shipboard action with national and local

authorities in combating the pollution

in summary whilst the categories of

substances can be found in the IBC code

chapter 17 and 18. it is annexed 2 of

marpor that categorizes the nls's as

categories X Y and Z

in accordance with the severity of their

pollution potential

Annex 2 also contains specific

requirements for these cargos regarding

the operational procedures relating to

them

the residues of category X substances

must not be discharged at sea

they must be pre-washed and the effluent

must be discharged into shore-based

facilities provided for this purpose

category Y and Z substances are

considered less severely polluting

but their discharge is still controlled

by Annex II