STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING OCT 2013 - DARE TO DARE | Page 10

GLOBAL SHARING MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – NOV. 2013 – DARE TO DARE
SHIPSTAFF PRIORITISE SAFE PROCEDURES DESPITE CARGO SURVEYORS PROTESTS
THE INCIDENT – Recently, one of our Suez-max tanker, loaded a cargo of Arab Heavy at a Gulf Sea Port. The MSDS
sheet handed over by the terminal indicated H2S content as traces. View previous experience of similar cargoes, vessel
was aware that cargo was potentially high in H2S content. An LOP was issued to the terminal, as the MSDS sheet was not
in accordance with the guidelines given by GHS. Vessel implemented Company procedures for loading cargoes containing
High H2S cargoes. Eventually H2S content in excess of 2000 ppm was detected in the vapor space. Further, on completion,
manual gauging / sampling was insisted upon by terminal/surveyor. Ship staff donned SCBA sets and took appropriate
safety precautions. This somewhat irritated the attending surveyors, as the process was slowed down, but ship staff firmly
implemented the safety procedures.
LESSON LEARNT – Despite various safety barriers, a few terminals continue to provide MSDS sheets which are not in
compliance with GHS guidelines, and insist on manual gauging and / extensive sampling for cargoes with high toxic
contents. The occurrence was shared with our fleet vessels, and vessels were further alerted to firmly implement high toxic
gas precautions diligently, and be vigilant against information / MSDS sheets not complying with GHS guidelines.
MESSAGE TO INDUSTRY - With respect to the cargo being handled, charterer’s should be requested to: a)Instruct
terminal to provide vessels with MSDS sheets complying with GHS guidelines b)Instruct supplier/ terminal to provide
accurate information on toxic gasses and their expected concentration. c)Instruct terminal / surveyor to agree to ullage by
remote gauging system and minimal sampling. (wrt cargoes containing high H2S / benzene content).If we reflect inwardly,
we will notice that similar occurrences are taking place quite frequently in different parts of the world.
These can only be reduced / controlled with commitment and compliance from the major oil suppliers / terminals.

PRIORITISING SHIP SAFETY OVER COMMERCIAL PRESSURES – WELL DONE CAPT.
THE INCIDENT - "The LNG Vessels managed by OSMC trade around the world but mainly towards the
continent of Asia. The loading port is usually in Oman and the discharge port is commonly in Japan or Korea.
The vessels ETDs and ETAs are under very tight regulations set by the charters and the Masters are doing
their best to keeping up with these tight rules.
The route these vessels follow require them to cross the HRA almost in every journey. However, due to the
high speed these vessels can steam at and also to the height of the free board, the security risk assessment
has recommended that the use of Armed Guards is not necessary. So these vessels have never had armed
guards onboard before.
In a recent case, one of the LNG vessels on her return journey and just before entering the HRA had to shut
down a boiler for an emergency maintenance. This has compelled the vessel to drastically reduce her speed.
The Master of the vessel has quickly realised that this is a very dangerous scenario. If he stays on the same
route, which goes right in the middle of the HRA, he would put the safety of the ship, crew and cargo under
dangerous situation due to the possibility of piracy attacks.
The Master has immediately contacted us and requested for Armed Guards to be deployed at an appropriate
port. He has also given other options of changing the passage plan and following a costal route which safer
but much longer. This option will severely affect the ETA to the loading port and will not make the charters
very happy, however, safety always comes first and before any other commitments.
We think that the Masters dared to make a difference.
LESSON LEARNT Make the safety of the vessel
and crew your fist priority.
MESSAGE TO THE INDUSTRY Safety of the ship
and crew always come first. Don't let keeping your
clients ETAs shift your thinking from your priorities.

4 November 2013

A Shell Marine Contractors Safety Initiative

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