Duties and Responsibilities of the Tankerman Person in Charge (PIC)

Vessel Inspection Certification Assurance:

• The PIC is required to inspect the vessel to ensure it is certified to recover vapors. This inspection is guided by the certificate of inspection cargo authority, which outlines the specific criteria for certification and compliance with safety standards.

Vapor Control Components:

• The PIC must confirm that all barge vapor control components are vapor-type, including cargo tank hatch covers, to prevent vapor leakages and ensure safe transfer processes.

Vapor Collection System Alignment Check:

• Each component of the vapor collection system must be properly aligned. This includes ensuring the integrity of:

  • Vapor piping valves: These must be in the correct open or closed position as needed.

  • Vapor collection hoses: They need to be securely connected to avoid disconnections during transfers.

  • Arm connections: These should be meticulously checked for tightness and correct attachment to prevent vapor loss.

Avoiding Confusion:

• The PIC must be cautious not to confuse vapor collection hoses and arms with liquid hoses and arms. A clear understanding of these different types is critical for maintaining safety and operational integrity.

Connection Requirements:

• Flange connections must be correctly connected to ensure they are vapor-tight. Improper connections can lead to leaks and environmental hazards.

Electrical Insulation Securing Connections:

• Cargo and vapor hoses and their connections must be secured with an electrically insulating flange at the facility vapor connection to mitigate risks of electrical hazards during transfers.

• Alternative Insulation: If an insulated flange for the cargo hose is not available, a section of nonconductive hose can be implemented in line between the vessel and the dock to ensure safety.

Cargo Transfer Rate:

• Confirmation of Transfer Rate: The PIC must confirm the maximum cargo transfer rate, which should be determined during the pretransfer conference with the facility or vessel PIC, allowing for adequate planning of the transfer process.

• Documentation Aids: Barge transfer procedures include barge vapor drop tables and vapor drop worksheets to help calculate transfer rates and ensure compliance with regulations.

Pretransfer Requirements:

• Operating Pressures: During the pretransfer conference, the PIC should establish:

  • Maximum and minimum operating pressures at the vapor connection.

  • PV valve settings to ensure proper pressure maintenance.

  • Cargo vapor density to understand the characteristics of the vapor being transferred.

  • Barge pressure drop tables necessary for accurate pressure determination throughout the transfer process.

• Overfill Control Testing: If the facility's system is supplying power at the dock, a short tie power cable must be tested and confirmed operational before transfer begins to avoid risk of operational failure. Fill no higher than 98.5% full or to level that overfill alarm is set.

Alarm Testing:

• Alarm Checks: All alarms involved in vapor-controlled transfers must be tested within 24 hours prior to the cargo transfer operation to ensure functionality and prompt response to emergencies.

Safety Checks:

• Vapor Recovery Hose Inspection: The PIC is responsible for confirming that the vapor recovery hose is free from defects that could allow vapor discharge, which can pose environmental and safety risks.

• Electrical Insulation Requirement for Hoses: The vapor recovery hose also requires installation of an electrically insulating flange at the connection to the facility vapor hose to prevent electrical shock hazards.

• If not inerted (O2 concentration below 8%) wait 30 minutes to gauge or sample.