USA Barge Operations (1st, 2014)

USA Barge Operations (1st, 2014)

This Guide describes recommended best practices for managing and operating ocean and inland barges, towboats and tugs that carry and transport crude oil and petroleum products in bulk. The focus is on operations within the USA, but much of the guidance may be relevant to barge operations in other parts of North America and in other regions.

The Guide builds on the recommendations in accepted industry publications, such as the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). Additionally, this Guide is intended to complement any applicable international conventions, national legislation, local laws and Classification Society rules.

Introduction iii

Glossary viii

Abbreviations x

Bibliography xii

Section one

Safety management 1

1.1 Safety management system 2

1.2 Drug and alcohol policy 3

Section two

Certification and documentation 5

2.1 Requirements and recommendations 6

2.2 Documents and certificates 6

2.3 Insurance 6

Section three

Crew management 9

3.1 Manning 10

3.2 Qualifications and training 11

3.3 Crew manning during cargo transfer operations 11

3.4 Preventing fatigue 13

Section four

Security and vessel access 15

4.1 International Ship and Port Facility Security Code 16

4.2 Security arrangements in the USA 16

4.3 Access between vessel and shore 19

Section five

Navigation, communications and electronics 21

5.1 Vessel operator’s navigation policy 22

5.2 Voyage planning and equipment testing 23

5.3 Bridge procedures and avoiding collisions 27

5.4 Nautical publications, charts and information 28

5.5 Navigation and communications equipment 28

Section six

Cargo and ballast systems and procedures 35

6.1 Cargo handling equipment 36

6.2 Cargo handling procedures 39

6.3 Machinery rooms, pumphouses and pumprooms 45

6.4 Tank cleaning and gas freeing 46

6.5 Inert gas systems 47

6.6 Vapor recovery and venting 49

6.7 Material safety data 50

6.8 Static accumulator cargoes 51

6.9 Requirements for cargoes containing hydrogen sulfide 52

6.10 Hose handling booms and cranes 53

Section seven

Bunkering operations 55

7.1 Overview 56

7.2 Bunkering operations 56

7.3 Vessel to vessel bunkering operations – additional considerations 57

Section eight

Vessel to vessel transfers 59

8.1 Plans and procedures 60

8.2 Fenders 61

8.3 Transfer hoses 61

8.4 Communications 61

Section nine

Pollution prevention and response 63

9.1 Emergency response 64

9.2 Cargo systems and spill containment 67

9.3 Inspecting and testing of cargo pipes and hoses 69

9.4 Spill response equipment 70

9.5 Oil record book 71

9.6 Garbage management plan 72

9.7 Vessel General Permit 72

Section ten

Fire-fighting and safety equipment 73

10.1 Fire prevention 74

10.2 Fire-fighting equipment 74

10.3 Personal protective equipment 80

10.4 Lifesaving equipment 80

10.5 General alarm system 81

Section eleven

Mooring and anchoring 83

11.1 Mooring 84

11.2 Anchoring 87

Section twelve

Towing/pushing equipment and procedures 89

12.1 Tug design 90

12.2 Towing equipment and procedures – tugs 92

12.3 Towing equipment and procedures – barges 96

12.4 Tug fendering 98

12.5 Training and drills 98

Section thirteen

Machinery spaces and systems 101

13.1 Maintenance 102

13.2 Equipment 103

13.3 Steering systems 104

13.4 Hazard control 105

Section fourteen

Structural maintenance 107

14.1 Inspection and gauging 108

14.2 Corrosion control 109 

Although the Guide is primarily intended for use by tug and barge operators, it may also be of interest to prospective charterers, oil company vetting departments, terminal staff and government officials.

A generic guide such as this is not specific to all types of vessels in all locations. Readers should decide carefully whether to apply the Guide in particular circumstances.

References within the Guide to particular codes should be checked to verify that only the latest editions of the codes are used.