Instructions on Transporting Fuel During Marine Disasters
In the unpredictable world of the high seas, a dismasted vessel facing engine failure upon making landfall can be a catastrophic situation. To mitigate such risks, it's crucial to follow well-planned and carefully coordinated procedures for transferring fuel between boats at sea.
First and foremost, a detailed transfer plan should be prepared, agreed upon by all involved crew and ship masters. This plan should specify the fuel type, quantity, and tank considerations, such as the trim and heel of vessels.
To ensure safety and environmental protection, it's advisable to avoid transferring fuel at night or in adverse weather conditions. The sea should be stable with wind speeds below 25 knots.
Proper vessel positioning is also vital. The vessels should maintain parallel alignment at close proximity (30–50 meters) and speeds below 0.5 knots during approach. All bunker tank vents should remain open and unrestricted to allow proper ventilation during transfer.
Deck scuppers and save-alls should be plugged to prevent any spillage from entering the sea. Thorough valve line-up and checks should be performed, with unused valves kept closed to avoid leaks.
Continuous and reliable communication between vessels is essential, with backup systems in place. A dedicated watch keeper near the receiving tank vent should monitor the transfer. All alarms, quick closing valves, and shutdown devices should be tested before starting, and an emergency stop procedure should be ready to halt the operation if needed.
Spill response equipment and fire extinguishers should be staged nearby, and an Emergency Response Plan should be active with readiness for spill containment within 30 minutes. The use of certified, regularly inspected and maintained hoses, fenders, and mooring gear suitable for fuel transfer operations is also crucial.
After completion, hoses should be flushed with inert gas or water to clear residual fuel and prevent hazards. In an emergency, the transfer should immediately be stopped, and all valves closed to prevent oil discharge overboard.
These practices reflect maritime industry best standards and guidance for both conventional fuel and alternative fuels like LNG, where applicable regulatory notifications must be made in advance to authorities. The priority is always to prevent leaks, spills, fire, and ensure crew safety during at-sea fuel transfer operations.
In less critical situations, a merchant ship may offer assistance mid-ocean to a sailing yacht in need of fuel. Jerry cans are necessary for fuel transfer at sea, and the casualty vessel may need to send some over to be filled. A jiggle hose is a useful tool for transferring fuel from a jerry can into a deck filler at sea.
Good line handling is essential for safe transfers at sea, and crew must be briefed to let go of a line if needed. A long heaving line is sent down from the ship, which is taken aboard by the yacht. A throwing bag is an important item on the boat and can be used for transferring supplies.
When every litre counts, a fully charged handheld VHF and SART, or AIS-enabled EPIRB, stowed in a drybag will come into their own in these scenarios. Maximising range by reducing electricity consumption and slowing down on a dismasted vessel can also help extend the journey.
However, problems with the diesel supply on board, combined with light airs, could make a fuel transfer from another vessel a pragmatic solution. It's important to note that most sailing yachts do not carry enough fuel to motor across an ocean. In the case of a dismasting, fuel supply issues may be the only communications left available.
Rig failure is an ever-present threat on long passages. If the rig has been damaged, the chances are the communication systems have been too. Calculating motoring range, planning engine use for areas of variable winds, and deciding how much fuel to carry are essential parts of passage planning.
In the event of damaged or contaminated fuel tanks, being able to run the engine from a jerry can is a useful option. A significant proportion of any ocean passage needs to be done under sail. Problems with the diesel supply on board, combined with light airs, could make a fuel transfer from another vessel a pragmatic solution.
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