Transfer Operations

Taking on Fuel

Fueling a boat requires certain precautions in order to ensure safety and protect the environment.  Here are the steps and precautions to take when fueling a vessel:

• Make sure the boat is properly secured to the fuel dock or pier before starting to refuel. This will help prevent any accidents or spills.
• Shut off engines and all electrical equipment.  The extent of electrical shutdown may vary somewhat based on the size of vessel.  On smaller vessels, the batteries should be shut off.  On larger vessels, power can be shut down to a specific area and any ongoing deck work should be well clear of the fueling area.
• Signs may be posted and crew notified that there is to be no smoking on outer decks.
• The red Bravo flag is traditionally hoisted on the yardarm away from the dock.
• The person doing the fueling may don suitable protective equipment and equip themselves with a handheld radio for communication with the bridge.
• Plug the cofferdam near fueling station.  In the event of a spill in this area, this enclosed space can effectively contain a spill such that it can be pumped out.
• Ensure there is nearby access to a fire extinguisher and fuel absorbent pads.
• Use the appropriate fuel nozzle for your boat’s fuel type (gasoline or diesel).
• Inform the bridge you’re ready to begin fueling.
• Avoid overfilling the tank.  How to do this can be different depending on the vessel.  On some vessels, it helps to have someone listen to fuel vents for a rise in the pitch of the sounds of incoming fuel.  On others, a dipstick may be used to first sound the tank and then, knowing the full capacity of the tank, only take on an amount that would leave some room at the top.  A good rule of thumb is to fill the tank to about 90% capacity.
• While fueling, stay with the boat and monitor the fueling process at all times. Do not leave the fuel nozzle unattended.  If a long hose is used, ensure all fittings have a catchment device below them that can catch leaks.
• Once fueling is complete, inform the bridge, have any signs taken down, lower the Bravo flag.
• This may also be the time to add any fuel additives that reduce carbon buildup in the engine.
• Dispose of any used absorbent pads or spilled fuel appropriately.  Fuel docks should have areas for proper disposal.
• Inspect the fuel cofferdam and clean if necessary.  Unplug it.
• After fueling, wash your hands and any clothing that may have come into contact with fuel.

Other Transfer Operations

• Transferring liquids and other cargo has the capacity to impact the ships draft, trim, and list.  While this should be something the OOW should be well aware of, being able to notice changes in regards to these characteristics can be helpful.  Lines may tighten, dock sections can be impacted, load lines can indicate the ship is overloaded, etc.
• Communication with the bridge as to how cargo or other substances are to be loaded or unloaded is key to maintaining the safe stability of the ship.  For this reason, the bridge should always be aware of what is being transferred, how much, and when transfer operations begin and end.
• Although refilling potable water tanks doesn’t carry with it the same hazards as taking on fuel, it isn’t without hazards.
  • A running hose can begin flooding a vessel if it’s left unattended.
  • Contamination can occur if the intake, hose, dipstick, or nozzle isn’t clean.
  • Be mindful that fluids onboard a vessel can present a danger to stability by way of the free surface effect.  When a container of fluid (or an aggregation of small objects like sand, gravel, or other objects that may act like a fluid) isn’t filled completely to the top, the contents of the tank can have a destabilizing effect on the ship’s ability to right itself.  For more information, see the free surface effect.
• In addition to other PPE suitable for the task, when transfer operations require cranes or derricks for hoisting, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) requires hard hats to be worn.