What are the steps to control emergency oil spillage?
OPERATIONAL SPILLS
As per SOPEP
Whenever an oil spill occurs, it is the duty of the person finding the spill immediately to inform the Master or responsible officer,
who should call out the vessel’s oil pollution prevention team .Remember that an oil spill may create a fire or explosion hazard,
requiring safety precautions to be observed
The most likely operational spills will result from:
1.Pipeline leakages, including transfer hoses
2.Bunker tank overflows
3.Hull leakages
If a spill occurs, there are four primary procedures to be followed:
1 Reporting to company and authorities (Refer SOPEP)
2 Spill containment and control
3 Spill cleanup and recovery
4 Disposal of oily wastes and materials
INITIAL ACTIONS
If a spill is actually detected or suspected:
(1). Shut Down Operations
• Shut down cargo transfer operations immediately.
• If the person detecting a spill is not qualified, call on the engineer or mate to shut down operations.
• If any oil is spotted in the water during a transfer operation, immediately shut down pumps and close vessel valves.
• If loading, close shore valves first, then shut down vessel.
• Sound the general alarm and clear the area.
• Notify authorities/others downwind and downstream
(2.) Identify Product Determine what has been spilled:
- Distillate (ship’s bunkers)
- Lubricating oil
- Cargo
(3.) Identify Spill Source
It is important to understand what the source of the spill is in order to correctly and effectively deploy containment boom on-site:
• Specify if a hose, fitting, vent, tank, etc. is the spill source.
• Estimate its distance from water.
• Estimate quantity released.
• Indicate whether spill is continuing or not
(4.) Initiate Preliminary Containment Upon detection of the spill, immediately:
• Deploy oil sorbent that is on-site during transfer operations but comply as per local regulations.
• Contain product on vessel deck, where possible and safe to do so.
• Deploy containment equipment to control and contain any oil that has entered, or may enter, the water.
• Surround the vessel with boom, if necessary and safe to do so.
• Use a combination of fabric and sorbent boom for containment.
Actions may be possible to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent escalation of an incident. Prevent fires and explosion:
• Alter course so that the vessel is upwind of the slick.
• Shut down non-essential air intakes and other openings.
• If the vessel is aground, and cannot maneuver:
o Eliminate all sources of ignition.
o Prevent flammable vapours from entering accommodation and engine room.
When the vessel is able to maneuver:
The Master consults the appropriate shore authorities. Consider moving the vessel to a more suitable location:
To facilitate emergency repair work
For lightening operations
To reduce the threat posed to sensitive shoreline
As per SOPEP
Whenever an oil spill occurs, it is the duty of the person finding the spill immediately to inform the Master or responsible officer,
who should call out the vessel’s oil pollution prevention team .Remember that an oil spill may create a fire or explosion hazard,
requiring safety precautions to be observed
The most likely operational spills will result from:
1.Pipeline leakages, including transfer hoses
2.Bunker tank overflows
3.Hull leakages
If a spill occurs, there are four primary procedures to be followed:
1 Reporting to company and authorities (Refer SOPEP)
2 Spill containment and control
3 Spill cleanup and recovery
4 Disposal of oily wastes and materials
INITIAL ACTIONS
If a spill is actually detected or suspected:
(1). Shut Down Operations
• Shut down cargo transfer operations immediately.
• If the person detecting a spill is not qualified, call on the engineer or mate to shut down operations.
• If any oil is spotted in the water during a transfer operation, immediately shut down pumps and close vessel valves.
• If loading, close shore valves first, then shut down vessel.
• Sound the general alarm and clear the area.
• Notify authorities/others downwind and downstream
(2.) Identify Product Determine what has been spilled:
- Distillate (ship’s bunkers)
- Lubricating oil
- Cargo
(3.) Identify Spill Source
It is important to understand what the source of the spill is in order to correctly and effectively deploy containment boom on-site:
• Specify if a hose, fitting, vent, tank, etc. is the spill source.
• Estimate its distance from water.
• Estimate quantity released.
• Indicate whether spill is continuing or not
(4.) Initiate Preliminary Containment Upon detection of the spill, immediately:
• Deploy oil sorbent that is on-site during transfer operations but comply as per local regulations.
• Contain product on vessel deck, where possible and safe to do so.
• Deploy containment equipment to control and contain any oil that has entered, or may enter, the water.
• Surround the vessel with boom, if necessary and safe to do so.
• Use a combination of fabric and sorbent boom for containment.
Actions may be possible to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent escalation of an incident. Prevent fires and explosion:
• Alter course so that the vessel is upwind of the slick.
• Shut down non-essential air intakes and other openings.
• If the vessel is aground, and cannot maneuver:
o Eliminate all sources of ignition.
o Prevent flammable vapours from entering accommodation and engine room.
When the vessel is able to maneuver:
The Master consults the appropriate shore authorities. Consider moving the vessel to a more suitable location:
To facilitate emergency repair work
For lightening operations
To reduce the threat posed to sensitive shoreline