Enclosed Space Entry

Precautions to be taken when entering enclosed spaces, including correct use of different types of breathing apparatus.

Before allowing access to the space, the Responsible Officer should ensure that:

1. Appropriate atmosphere checks have been carried out.
2. Piping, inert gas and ventilation systems have been isolated.
3. Effective ventilation will be maintained continuously while the enclosed space is occupied.
4. Fixed lighting, such as air-turbo lights, are ready for extended entry periods.
5. Approved self-contained, positive pressure breathing apparatus and resuscitation equipment is ready for use at the entrance to the space.
6. A rescue harness, complete with lifeline, is ready for immediate use at the entrance to the space.
7. A fully charged approved safety torch is ready for immediate use at the entrance to the space.
8. A responsible member of the crew is in constant attendance outside the enclosed space, in the immediate vicinity of the entrance and in direct contact with the Responsible Officer.
9. All persons involved in the operation should be trained in the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency.
10. Lines of communications have been clearly established and are understood by all concerned.
11. Names and times of entry will be recorded and monitored by personnel outside the space.
12. The personnel undertaking the task should ensure that such safeguards are put into effect prior to entering the space.
13. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) This consists of a portable supply of compressed air contained in a cylinder or cylinders attached to a carrying frame and harness worn by the user. Air is provided to the user through a face mask, which can be adjusted to give an airtight fit. A pressure gauge indicates the pressure in the cylinder and an audible alarm sounds when the supply is running low. Only positive pressure type sets are recommended for use in enclosed spaces because, as their name implies, these maintain a positive pressure within the face mask at all times.
14. Airline breathing apparatus enables compressed air equipment to be used for longer periods than would be possible using self-contained equipment.

Deck Water Seal

The deck water seal is the principal barrier; a water seal is fitted that permits inert gas to be delivered to the deck main but prevents any backflow of cargo gas, even when the inert gas plant is shut down; it is vital that a supply of water is maintained to the seal at all times, particularly when the inert gas plant is shut down; in addition, drains should lead directly overboard and not pass through the machinery spaces; one of three principal types of design may be adopted.

Types of Deck Water Seal:

Wet type
This is the simplest type of water seal; when the inert gas plant is operating, the gas bubbles through the water from the submerged inert gas inlet pipe, but if the tank pressure exceeds the pressure in the inert gas inlet line, the water is pressed up into this inlet pipe, thus preventing backflow; the drawback to this type of water seal is that water droplets may be carried over with the inert gas, which, although not impairing the quality of the inert gas, could increase corrosion; a demister should, therefore, be fitted in the gas outlet from the water seal to reduce any carry-over.

Semi-dry type
Instead of bubbling through the water trap, the inert gas flow draws the sealing water into a separate holding chamber by venturi action, thus avoiding or at least reducing the amount of water being carried over; otherwise this seal is functionally the same as the wet type.

Dry type
In this type, the water is drained when the inert gas plant is in operation (gas flowing to the tanks), and filled with water when the inert gas plant is either shut down or the tank pressure exceeds the inert gas blower discharge pressure; filling and drainage are performed by automatically operated valves controlled by the levels of the water seal and drop tanks and by the operation of the blowers; the advantage of this type is that it prevents water carry-over; the drawback could be the risk of failure of the automatically controlled valves that may render the water seal ineffective.

Filipino Seafarers

To all Filipino Seafarers please visit Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) official website for more details and updates.

ATOT Batch 3

Advanced Training For Oil Tanker Cargo Operations

PROTECT MARINE DECK AND ENGINE OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINES INC.

ADVANCED TRAINING FOR OIL TANKER CARGO OPERATIONS

The mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of Masters, Chief Engineer Officers, chief mates , second engineer officers and any person with immediate responsibility for loading, unloading and care during transit and handling, tank cleaning or other cargo related operations on Oil tankers as specified in Regulation V/1-1 paragraph 3 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended. The competences are stipulated in the STCW 2010 table A-V/1-1-2
To show consistency and adherence to STCW 2010, as given in STCW Code Chapter V, Table A-V/1-1-2.

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