Understanding the Most Dangerous Shipboard Operations in Crude Oil Tankers

The safety of shipboard operations, particularly in crude oil tankers, is a critical aspect of maritime industry. Any operation can become dangerous unless proper safety measures are followed and personnel remain alert. Two of the most perilous operations are hot work and tank cleaning. These procedures involve flammable gases and hydrocarbons, which can lead to fires and explosions if not handled carefully.

Hot Work: Welding and Gas Cutting

Hot work, such as welding and gas cutting, is often performed to replace leaky pipes and damaged metal fittings. While these operations are necessary, they pose significant risks due to the flammable gases present. The explosion on MT Front Sunda in 2006 serves as a poignant example of how a lack of vigilance can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Here are the key steps and safety measures for conducting hot work in crude oil tankers:

Preparation: Ventilate and inert the tanks with inert gas. Gas Detection: Use a multi-gas detector to ensure oxygen levels are below 8%. Fire Preparedness: Have fire hoses on standby and inform the bridge and engine room. Permit Document: Ensure all requirements for a hot work permit are met.

Hazards such as the MT Front Sunda incident can be mitigated by rigorous adherence to protocols. A 15-minute break allowed for an unsafe buildup of gases, leading to an explosion. The explosion opened the center tanks and resulted in the death of the fitter.

Tank Cleaning: Crude Oil Washing (COW)

Another critical operation in crude oil tankers is tank cleaning, typically done using Crude Oil Washing (COW). This process involves high-pressure nozzles to clean the tank walls and bottom. However, the high-pressure spraying can result in the expansion of explosive gases, and the potential buildup of static charges poses an additional risk.

A case study from the MT Desh Vaibhav in 2018 highlights the dangers of tank cleaning. The vessel was preparing for a vetting inspection and a deadline-driven approach led to an oversight. The junior officer, without proper instruction, dropped a dipping tape, igniting a gas mixture and causing an explosion that resulted in casualties.

The key steps and safety measures for tank cleaning include:

Preparation: Isolate the tank for at least 2 hours after COW to dissipate static charges. Equipment Safety: Do not use metal objects, as they can cause sparks. Staff Training: Ensure crew members are fully briefed and aware of the procedures.

Risk awareness is crucial, as even minor oversights can lead to severe incidents. Other factors such as improper discharge rates, engine room fires, collisions, and inadequate port or flag state inspections can also contribute to accidents.

Enhancing Safety Culture through Port and Flag State Inspections

To maintain a high standard of safety in the maritime industry, regular port and flag state inspections are essential. These inspections help identify potential hazards and ensure that vessels meet the necessary safety regulations.

For instance, a port state can conduct unexpected safety checks, while a flag state can perform surveys to ensure compliance with international maritime laws and regulations. By fostering a strong safety culture, these inspections can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in crude oil tankers.

To summarize, proper adherence to safety protocols and rigorous inspections are essential for ensuring the safety of shipboard operations in crude oil tankers. Any deviation from these measures can lead to catastrophic consequences, as demonstrated by the incidents on the MT Front Sunda and the MT Desh Vaibhav.