Transfer Plan

Transfer Plan Overview

  • The transfer plan serves as:

    • A risk assessment tool

    • A supplement to the declaration of inspection

Guidelines for the Transfer Plan

  • A Kirby transfer plan:

    • Must be generated for all cargo transfers.

    • Requires signatures from:

      • PIC (Person In Charge)

      • Towing vessel watch officer

      • Shore side supervisor

    • Review cargo transfer orders with the dock operator's transfer paperwork.

Order Verification

  • Confirm that orders match up.

  • If discrepancies are found:

    • Exercise Stop Work Responsibility (SWR)

    • Report to the officer on watch or supervisor.

Supplemental Documents Included in the Transfer Plan

  • Barge transfer procedures

  • Cargo orders

  • Declaration of inspection

  • Safety data sheet (SDS)

  • Heating orders

  • Inspector survey report

  • Declaration of security

  • Product transfer document

Emergency Considerations

  • After reviewing the SDS, identify necessary personnel protection in case of an accidental release or spill, including:

    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    • Provisions for shelter in place

    • Evacuation guidelines

  • Discuss and document emergency shutdown procedures for:

    • Loss of dock communications

    • Cargo hose failure

    • Barge breakaway

  • Document the radio working channel and establish backup communications with the dock.

Implementation of the Kirby Transfer Plan

  • Review each segment of the plan during:

    • Pre-transfer conference

  • Discuss with the dock operator:

    • Develop a risk management plan

  • Address unresolved areas of concern:

    • Exercise Stop Work Responsibility if necessary

  • Clarify specific instructions or precautions related to cargo operations, such as:

    • Vapor pressure limits

    • Active shore tank

    • Type of line clear

    • Ballast considerations

  • Plan for cargo stops

Cargo Top-Off Execution

  • Identify execution methods for cargo top off, including:

    • Top off paddle

    • GP paddle

    • Draft gauge

    • Stop gauge

  • Retain completed transfer plans on the barge during transfer operations along with all supplemental documents.

  • Ensure a copy of the transfer plan is present on each barge for tandem transfers.