Tandem Loading Guidelines v1 21

Tandem Loading Guidelines
Volume 1
March 2011
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this
publication, neither Oil & Gas UK, nor any of its members will assume liability for any use made
of this publication or the model agreement to which it relates.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the publishers.
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of Her Majestys
Stationery Office.
Copyright 2011 The United Kingdom Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Association Limited trading
as Oil & Gas UK
ISBN: 1 903 003 67 9

PUBLISHED BY OIL & GAS UK
London Office:
6th Floor East, Portland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5BH
Tel: 020 7802 2400 Fax: 020 7802 2401
Aberdeen Office:
Exchange 2, 3rd Floor, 62 Market Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5PJ
Tel: 01224 577250 Fax: 01224 577251
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oilandgasuk.co.uk
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Purpose & Application

Authority
Background
Objective
Summary of Principal Factors
Standards
2. Definitions and Abbreviations

2.1
2.2
2.3
Preamble
Definitions
Abbreviations
3. UK Legislation & Oil & Gas UK Risk Reduction Strategy

3.1
3.2
3.3
Legislation
Concept and Design Phase
Operating Phase
4. Safe Operations
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Use of the Guidelines

Safety Critical Elements
Safe Operations
Background to Station Keeping Assurance
IMO Equipment Class
Historical Incident Data
DP FMEA and Annual DP Trials
5. Crewing Levels Training & Competency

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Introduction
FPSO/FSU Competence
Matrices
DP Tanker Training and Experience Matrices 1 & 2
Masters Experience Flowchart
DP Training & Competence Assurance
6. Management System
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Objective
Management Audits
Vessel Acceptance and Auditing
Joint Operations Manual
7. Incident Reporting
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
Objective
Background
Incident Reporting via Oil & Gas UK
IMCA Station Keeping Incident Reporting
Forms
8. References
Volume 1, March 2011
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Appendix A: Standards Common to both FPSO/FSU & Tanker
43
Appendix B: Standards for FPSO/FSU
55
Appendix C: Standards for Offtake Tankers
75
Appendix D: Oil & Gas UK Model FPSO/FSU & Tanker Acceptance System
89
Appendix E: Offtake Concept Risk Evaluation
95
Appendix F: Example Checklists
99
Appendix G: Incident Report Forms
113
Appendix H: Guidance in Respect of Non-Tandem Offtake Concepts
121
1.
Introduction
1.1
Purpose & Application
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to Operators of FPSOs and

FSUs, and Tanker Owners, with regard to best practice to be adopted for tandem
offtake by tanker. The document is aimed primarily at UK continental shelf
operations but may be adopted by other regimes where this guidance does not
contravene any local regulations.
1.2
Authority
This document is considered to be authoritative with regard to best practice to be

adopted in tandem offtake activities by bow loading tankers from turret moored
floating production and storage vessels. It is a code of best practice but not an
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) as this term is generally used by the
Regulator in the UK. Nevertheless, where a Duty Holders equipment and
procedures differ from these Guidelines, it may be expected that this will be
queried by the regulator and the Duty Holder will be requested to justify such a
departure.
For the activities covered by this document:
tandem (see Definitions) is considered to be where both vessels are on a
similar heading in line astern at all stages of the operation. Other offtake
concepts may have similar issues to those given in this document, but may
also have some differences which should be carefully considered.
Appendix H gives some non-specific guidance on other aspects that may
apply
this document may also be useful in providing guidance to tandem offtake
activities in other parts of the world
this document specifically concerns DP and taut hawser tanker operations,
and is not intended to cover operations by unmodified conventional trading
tankers.
1.3
Background
The first edition of these Guidelines was published by the then United Kingdom
Offshore Operators Association, (UKOOA) in March 2002.
The upgrade of these Guidelines is to keep pace with progress in the relevant
technologies, and to assimilate lessons learned and experience gathered during
the last decade.
The update involved reviewing current UK practices, the implications of UK
legislation, existing industry guidance and international initiatives. It was
undertaken with the active participation of operators, Duty Holders, the HSE,
tanker operators and marine consultants. Oil & Gas UK has noted from an
investigation of incidents during the last decade that the incident rate does not
appear to depend on the technical sophistication of the shuttle tanker, be it:
DP Class 2,
DP Class 1,
non-DP (but specially modified for bow loading),
DP Classed tankers operating in taut hawser (non-DP) mode.
Introduction
1
1.4
Objective
These Guidelines are intended to help reduce the incident rate and to reduce the
inherent risk of a major accident to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) in
accordance with UK goal setting legislation.
1.5
Summary of Principal Factors
These guidelines consider that operators and Duty Holders should concentrate
on the following principal factors to reduce the risks associated with tandem
offtake operations:
Undertaking an effective conceptual risk assessment of offtake
alternatives as part of the concept selection process for all future UK field
developments to ensure offtake risks are ALARP.
Ensuring that the installed hardware and software, as far as reasonably
practicable, reduces the ability of a single point failure to cause a
significant loss of station-keeping, or a significant loss of containment,
whilst the tanker is in close proximity.
Ensuring that failure mode effects on the tanker and the FPSO/FSU are
tested and understood by the crews, as well as being theoretically
analysed. This should apply to modifications as well as the original
system.
Providing appropriate guidance on the equipment failure, operational,
environmental and station keeping limits, beyond which the stationkeeping mode should be changed or connection abandoned.
Providing sufficient key personnel of appropriate competence on both the
FPSO/FSU and the offtake tanker.
Ensuring the management culture is such that the FPSO/FSUs OIM and
marine operators plus the tanker Master and senior DPOs are all
confident that any decision to disconnect on the grounds of safety or
environmental risk is fully supported by onshore management.
Encouraging the effective sharing of information on the causes of
incidents, or potential incidents, between operators and tanker managers
to speed up learning and reduce the risk of repeat events.
These guidelines deal mainly with the above areas, but only in so far as they
affect the risks when the two vessels are operating in close proximity to each
other during offtake. Where possible Oil & Gas UK have tried to adopt or
reinforce appropriate International or Industry guidance rather than develop a
new conflicting set of standards.
1.6
Standards
Generic standards are given in these guidelines for critical elements of the
offtake activity. These are elements on the FPSO/FSU and offtake tanker with a
potential impact on safety or pollution during preparatory or connected offtake
activities. Some of these elements may also be safety critical elements (SCE),
as defined in the Safety Case and supporting legislation, but only if they form
part of the FPSO/FSU fixed installation, and are found to be SCEs by a field
specific evaluation process. The standards largely adopt existing IMO, IMCA
and OCIMF guidelines.
Under UK goal setting legislation the generic guidance and standards described
in this document can be varied or replaced with standards more appropriate to a
Introduction
2
specific field by any Operator or Duty Holder provided they undertake field
specific risk assessments to justify ALARP within their safety case. These
Guidelines are intended to focus effort on critical areas and identify typical norms
to help manage UK tandem offtake operations in an acceptable manner. They
are not intended as a substitute for performing field specific risk assessments,
setting field specific standards, or managing on board tanker operations in a safe
manner.
The overall Oil & Gas UK scheme to manage tandem offtake risks is summarised
in Figure 1.1.
Introduction
3
Figure 1.1: Oil & Gas UK Tandem Offtake Risk Reduction Strategy
Introduction
4
2.
Definitions and Abbreviations

2.1
Preamble
The following abbreviations and terminology are commonly used in the offshore
industry and, in particular, the tanker loading and dynamic positioning fields. The
objective of this section is to clarify the meaning of these terms as they are used
in this document.
2.2
Definitions
Annual DP Trials
The Annual Trials is a set of system failure tests and operational tests of the DP
and ancillary systems in accordance with IMCA M139. These tests should be
carried out annually and witnessed by an independent 3rd party.
The
Classification Society is not normally defined as a 3rd party since they will have
their own requirements for maintenance of DP Class.
ASD 1
Automatic Shut Down Class 1. Automatic shut down of the FPSO/FSU export
pumps, and in some cases the export valve, followed by closing of the tanker
coupler valve and the first loading line valve, on loss of the Green Line". This
may be expanded to be related to a position loss which reaches the yellow sector
in the DP Operating Limits diagram. (See ESD 1)
ASD 2
Same as ASD 1 but will also include auto disconnection of the hose and hawser.
(See ESD 2). Should an ASD system be fitted, vessels should make suitable
provision for warning to be given locally, and crews to be trained to react
appropriately.
BLS FMEA
Bow Loading System Failure Mode & Effect Analysis. The FMEA covers all
loading related systems and should be focused on the consequences of a single
point failure in this system.
DP System
All relevant shipboard equipment used for automatic positioning of the vessel
including all propulsion units and their controls, both manual and automatic,
power generation equipment, computer systems and all vessel heading, motion,
wind and position reference systems.
DP Class 1
Describes a DP vessel where a single failure may cause loss of position, as per
IMO MSC 645 guideline definition.
DP Class 1 Enhanced
Describes a DP 1 Class vessel with several improvements which minimise the
risk from certain failures e.g. full pitch on a single main propeller. DP 1
Enhanced should have no more probability of Drive Off than DP Class 2, and
uses the ALARP principle with respect to the practicability of conversion to
address the more improbable causes of Drift Off. A Class 1 vessel which

5
complies with these guidelines can be considered to be Enhanced from a basic

Class 1.
DP Class 2
Describes a DP vessel where a single failure of an active component of the total
positioning system should not cause loss of position, as per IMO MSC 645
guideline definition.
DP FMEA
Dynamic Positioning Failure Mode & Effect Analysis. The FMEA is a document
which describes the system in terms of the effects of failures of DP related
components, and may also include operational limitations required to maintain
station-keeping capability after such failures. The FMEA should clearly describe
the theoretical worst case single failure. The FMEA is a Classification Society
requirement for all DP Class 2 vessels. In this context the FMEA should also be
made for any DP vessel.
ESD 1
Emergency Shut Down system level 1. Manual activation of a single button
which shuts down the pumps on the FPSO/FSU and in some cases the export
valve, followed by closing of the tanker coupler valve and the first loading line
valve.
ESD 2
In addition to the ESD 1 sequence, ESD 2 will also release the hose coupler
claws, followed by the hawser chain stopper. This should only be possible from
the tanker bridge (or other main control position) and at the cabinet in the BLS
area.
Note: The ESD1 and 2 as described above may also be carried out
automatically, as per the ASD descriptions. However, operators should be
aware that the terminology Auto ESD will more commonly be used on a
UK installation to describe this automatic function.
FSOG
Field Specific Operating Guidelines. Guidance on the level of status reporting
between FPSO/FSU and offtake tanker, in table format as per Section 6.
Green Line
This term is used to describe the permit to pump telemetry system installed on
virtually all North Sea offtake tankers. Sensors are fitted to various systems on
the tanker, and it is only when all of these sensors are in the correct position that
the permit to pump signal is given to the FPSO which allows the offloading pump
to be started.
These sensors typically comprise:
Chain Stopper
Closed
Hose
In Position
Bow Coupler
Closed
Cargo system
Ready
Crude Oil pressure
Normal

6
Hawser Tension
Normal
Accumulator pressure (bow hydraulics)

st
Normal
Crude Oil line valve (1 inboard)
Open
Coupler valve
Open
Tandem Operation
This describes the normal method of loading from a ship-shaped FPSO or FSU,
where the tanker keeps station astern of the FPSO/FSU on approximately the
same heading relative to the weather. Either one or both vessels will have some
means of propulsion, certainly the offtake tanker but potentially the FPSO/FSU
too. There are similar types of offtake operation that are undertaken, such as
from a spread moored ship shape or round FPSO/FSU, and while these have
similar elements to tandem operation, the differences should also be understood.
Some guidance is given in Appendix H.
2.3
Abbreviations
ALARP
As Low as Reasonably Practicable
AOGBO
Application Outside Great Britain Order
ATC
Automatic Thruster Control
BLS
Bow Loading System
CAPEX
Capital Expenditure
CCR
Central Control Room
CCTV
Close Circuit Television
CoA
Contract of Affreightment
COW
Crude Oil Washing
CPP
Controllable Pitch Propeller
DARPS
Differential Absolute & Relative Positioning System
DCR
Design & Construction Regulations - part of the body of Safety

Case regulations
DGPS
Differential Global Positioning System
DISPORT
Discharge Port
DP
Dynamic Positioning
DP CAP
Dynamic Positioning Competence Assurance Practice
DPO
Dynamic Positioning Operator
DSV
Diving Support Vessel
ERS
Emergency Release System. System which allows for the

operation of the ESD 2 sequence.
ERRV
Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel
ESD
Emergency Shut Down. Besides denoting the progressive

emergency shutdown of the FPSO/FSU production plant the term
ESD (or sometimes ESD 1) is also used to denote stop
pumping between the FPSO/FSU and tanker.
FMEA
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

7
FPSO/FSU
Floating Production, Storage & Offtake vessel / Floating Storage

Unit
FSOG
Field Specific Operating Guidelines
HiPAP
High Precision Acoustic Positioning
HPR
Hydro-acoustic Position Reference
HSE
Health & Safety Executive
Hs
Significant Wave Height. Equivalent to the average height of the

highest 1/3 of all waves in a sample
Hmax
Maximum wave height. The statistical height of the highest wave

of all the waves in a sample, typically taken as 1.86 x Hs in the
North Sea
HSWA
Health & Safety at Work Act (UK Legislation)
ICP/B
Independent Competent Person/Body
IG
Inert Gas
IMCA
International Marine Contractors Association
IMO
International Maritime Organisation
JOM
LV
Low Voltage
MAR
Management and Administration Regulations (UK HSE)
MARPOL
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from

Ships (as amended). The principal body of rules, framed by IMO,
to control pollution of the marine environment.
MBC
Marine Breakaway Coupling
MBL
Minimum Breaking Load
MODU
Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit
MSC
Maritime Safety Committee
MSS
Marine Services Superintendent
NDBS
New Dry Breaking Strength of a hawser. This is often listed as

the ropes MBL in equipment catalogues.
NMD
Norwegian Maritime Directorate
NVQ
National Vocational Qualification
OCIMF
Oil Companies International Marine Forum
Oil & Gas UK
Oil & Gas UK the association of offshore operators on the UK

Continental Shelf
OIM
Offshore Installation Manager
OLS
Offshore Loading System
OPEX
OPerating EXpenditure
OPITO
Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation The UK

National Training Organisation For Oil & Gas Extraction
PFEER
The Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire & Explosion, and

Emergency Response) Regulations 1995

8
PLC
Programmable Logic Controller
PMS
Planned Maintenance / Power Management / Position Monitoring

System depending on context.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
PSD
Process ShutDown
QCDC
Quick Connect Disconnect Coupling
ROV
Remotely Operated Vehicle
SAL
Single Anchor Loading system
SCE
Safety Critical Element
SCR
Safety Case Regulations
SIMOPS
SIMultaneous OPerationS
SIRE
OCIMFs Ship Inspection REport programme (tankers)
SMS
Safety Management System
SPM
Single Point Mooring system
ST
Shuttle Tanker
STCW 95
1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards

of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW).
STL
Submerged Turret Loading system
SVQ
Scottish Vocational Qualification
TAV
Towing Assist Vessel
TM
Transverse Mercator
UHF
Ultra High Frequency
UPS
Uninterruptable Power Supply
VHF
Very High Frequency
VOC
Volatile Organic Compound

9
Intentionally Blank

10
3.
UK Legislation & Oil & Gas UK Risk Reduction

Strategy
3.1
Legislation
Health & Safety at Work Act (HSWA)

The key piece of Safety Legislation governing the operation of UK sector
offshore oil installations is the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA).
HSWA applies to Great Britain. HSWA is applied offshore via a further statutory
instrument, The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application Outside
Great Britain) Order 2001, as amended. (AOGBO).
AOGBO applies HSWA to offshore installations by virtue of Article 4(1)(a).
AOGBO also applies HSWA to activities in connection with the offshore
installation by virtue of Article 4(1)(b). It is as follows:
The prescribed provisions of the Act 1974 shall apply within the territorial sea or
a designated area to and in relation to(b) any activity in connection with an offshore installation, or any activity which is
immediately preparatory thereto, whether carried on from the installation itself, in
or from a vessel or in any other manner, other than
(i) transporting, towing or navigating the installation; and
(ii) any activity in or from a vessel being used as a stand-by vessel;
All activities in connection with the activity of tandem off take are covered by
HSWA whether they be on the FPSO/FSU itself, on the tanker or on any
attendant vessel. AOGBO applies HSWA to an activity in connection with the
offtake, regardless of whether it is also a normal shipboard activity. HSWA
places general duties on employers. Section 2 of the HSWA requires the
provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are safe. It also
requires the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision for
those involved in the work activity. HSWA is also an enabling Act allowing
regulations specific to offshore to be made under it.
Safety Case Regulations

Two of the principal offshore regulations made under HSWA, that bear on the
major risks associated with tandem off take operations in the UK sector are the
Offshore Installation (Safety Case) Regulations 2005 (SCR05) and the Offshore
Installations and pipeline works (Management and Administrations) Regulations
1996 (MAR).
The safety case regulations are at the heart of the UK sectors offshore
legislation, originally brought into force in 1992, they have been updated and
SCR05 came into force in 2006. SCR05 brought in a number of changes, for
example:
Regulation 5, Duties of licensee
The licensee has to appoint the operator and he has to ensure that the appointed
operator is capable of carrying out his functions and discharges his duties under
the relevant statutory provisions.
UK Legislation & Oil & Gas UK Risk Reduction Strategy

11
Regulation 6, Design and relocation notification for production installation

The operator has to submit a design notification for the installation to HSE. This
notification shall be submitted at such time before the operator submits the field
development plan to the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC), as
will enable him to take account in the design of any matters relating to health and
safety, which may be raised by HSE.
Regulation 12, Management of health and safety and control of major
accident hazards.
The duty holder has to demonstrate in his safety case that his management
system is adequate to ensure that:
All hazards with the potential to cause a major accident have been identified; and
all major accident risks have been evaluated and controls put in place to ensure
that the relevant statutory provisions will be complied with.
He must also ensure the satisfactory management arrangements with
contractors, and has established adequate arrangements for audit and for the
making of reports thereof.
Note: Guidance on risk assessment for offshore installations can be found at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/sheet32006.pdf
Regulation 13, Review of safety case
This requires the duty holder to thoroughly review the safety case when directed
by HSE or otherwise every five years. This review should confirm that the
fundamentals of the safety case are sound. It should identify and implement any
reasonably practicable improvements to enhance safety.
Further guidance can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/sheet42006.pdf
Regulation 19, Verification scheme
The duty holder shall ensure a record of the Safety-Critical Elements (SCE) and
the specified plant is made. A verifications scheme shall be drawn up and put
into place. An Independent Competent Person (ICP) shall comment on record of
SCE and the verification scheme, a record of this comment should be kept at a
notified address in Great Britain.
Regulation 20, Review and revision of verification scheme
The duty holder shall ensure the verification scheme is reviewed and revised in
consultation with the ICP as often as may be appropriate. A note of any
reservation by the ICP should be drawn up.
MAR regulation 8 places a duty of co-operation on everyone who can contribute
to health and safety on the installation or activities connected with an installation.
This includes everyone doing business in connection with the installation; owners, operators, licensees, employers, managers, employees and people in
charge of visiting vessels and aircraft. Masters of other vessels must also cooperate with the installation manager, so long as this does not conflict with their
own statutory duties.
Taken together the legislation applying to offshore, requires duty holders to
identify all potential accident hazards, evaluate the risks, and ensure that the
risks have been reduced to ALARP.
The size, weight and close proximity of offtake tankers makes tandem offtake
operations a source of major accident hazards requiring ALARP demonstration

12
and risk management. The historical frequency of minor collisions and potential
incidents, published by IMCA, HSE and others, suggests that, while all
operations have been reviewed, assessed and accepted as ALARP further
efforts are required to ensure that the procedures on which these assessments
are based are being carried out in practice. This will require the co-operation of
all involved parties including Duty Holders and tanker managers. The following
hierarchy of risk reducing techniques can be applied throughout the entire field
life of any offshore project.
3.2
Concept and Design Phase

Risk Reduction Technique
Oil & Gas UK Proposal
1)
Eliminate the hazard by

selecting an inherently safe
export concept if such a
concept exists. If this is not
practicable then minimise the
hazard by selecting the most
appropriate ALARP concept
from all possible alternatives
during concept selection
It is recommended that concession

holders on all future UK developments
should risk assess alternative offtake
methods and make an ALARP
concept selection.
2)
If it is not practicable to select

an inherently safe concept,
then continue to reduce the
residual risk during the design
phase by ongoing risk
assessment, adding
safeguards and introducing
risk control measures until the
risks are ALARP.
Duty holders on both new and future

installations should ensure that
appropriate safeguards and risk
reduction strategies are both selected
and implemented. This document
provides guidance criteria for
controlling risks on current tandem
offtake systems.
3.3
Operating Phase
Risk Reduction Technique
Oil & Gas UK Proposal
3)
Ensure that personnel are

adequately trained and have
adequate experience levels.
A method for Oil & Gas UK members

to specify and audit both training and
experience levels is proposed in
Section 5.
4)
Ensure that equipment

remains fit for purpose and
risk reduction safeguards
remain adequate.
The Standards in the Appendices

include ongoing assurance as well as
initial verification.
5)
Ensure that personnel are

adequately briefed on
operational limits, procedures
and that there is adequate
feedback.
The Standards in the Appendices

include guidance on limits and
procedures. Section 7

13
Intentionally Blank

14
4.
Safe Operations
4.1
Use of the Guidelines
These guidelines use best practice targets in a performance standard type of

format to supply guidance on how Duty Holders can verify that their tandem
systems fulfil their intended duty. These are intended to focus effort on critical
areas and identify typical norms to help manage UK tandem offtake operations in
an acceptable manner. They are not intended as a substitute for performing field
specific risk assessments, setting field specific standards, or managing on board
operations in a safe manner.
Tandem offtake operations are by definition joint operations involving not only the
installation Duty Holder but also the offtake tanker management company. These
guidelines identify major elements of the joint operation, upon which the close
proximity phase of the operation depends, and provide standards for these
elements in order to avoid adverse impacts on safety and pollution. These
elements fall naturally into three main groupings:
Those which are entirely under the Duty Holders control on the
FPSO/FSU, but which should be controlled in such a manner that they
cannot jeopardise the offtake tankers safety, or cause a joint pollution
incident.
Those on board the offtake tanker which should be controlled by the
tanker management company, to satisfy not only maritime legislation and
their own standards, but also in a manner to assure the Duty Holder that
the operation is satisfactory in terms of safety, and pollution risk.
Those which are common to both the FPSO/FSU and the offtake tanker
and there is a joint responsibility for compatibility.
4.2
Safety Critical Elements
As described in the Introduction, there are some elements of the offtake activity
which could rightly be described as Safety Critical Elements as the term is used
in the SCR and supporting regulations such as PFEER. The following list is
intended as a guide to Duty Holders as to what elements may be considered in
this regard. This list is not exhaustive, neither is it definitive in terms of any
particular installation.
General
Weather Limitations
Communications
Tanker Approach
SIMOPS
Approach Speed
Position Reference Systems
Power Generation
Propulsion / Thrusters
Tanker Connection
Messenger Transfer & Handling

Hose Transfer
Hose Connection
Tanker Offloading
Station Keeping
Power Consumption / Limits
Hose
Offloading ESD Telemetry
Safe Operations
15
The preparation of and compliance with SCE Performance Standards is entirely

the responsibility of the FPSO/FSU Duty Holder. The main tools for providing
assurance are based on maritime industry standards and offshore industry best
practice such as:
DP FMEA and FMEA proving trials. The DP FMEA should be a dynamic
document which is evaluated after every change to the DP system, and in
any event at a maximum interval of 5 years.
FMEA of tanker BLS.
FMEA of the FPSO/FSU export system as it interfaces with the offtake
tanker.
Annual DP trials as an ongoing confirmation of the FMEA and/or
Operators criteria.
Normal design analysis, backed up by commissioning tests / periodic
proving tests.
Control and, where appropriate, tests, of modifications.
Inspection and planned maintenance routines.
Audits.
Provision of suitable and comprehensive operating procedures.
Personnel competence assurance.
All of the above, except where stated otherwise, apply to both the tanker and the
FPSO/FSU.
4.3
Safe Operations
This section describes some of the most important points gained from a review of
various Operators SCEs and checklists. It is not exhaustive but provides
information on the practical aspects of the FPSO/FSU and tanker hardware and
operations.
Weather Limitations
The offtake tanker should normally only approach within 3nm provided the
maximum wind speed, Hs, Hmax, visibility, and FPSO/FSU motions and yaw rate
are within safe limits.
Typical values for DP and taut hawser tankers are described in Appendix A. It
should be noted that these are typical maximums and it should not be construed
that these values are targets which should be achieved on all occasions. Both
the OIM and the tanker Master have authority to cease or suspend operations at
any time on the basis of safety.
Communications
The expected level for close approach should be a minimum of two different
systems providing clear and uninterrupted voice communications e.g. VHF and
UHF. Any loss of communications should be seen as being potentially serious
and operations should not take place where any systems required for this
minimum level are not operating correctly. Further guidance is provided in the
Appendix.
Safe Operations
16
Crew Competence
This is discussed at length in Section 5.
Simultaneous Vessel Operations (SIMOPS)
The FPSO/FSU procedures should contain guidance as to any precautions
necessary where one or more additional vessels are operating in the vicinity of
the installation, but it is appreciated that, due to the multitude of potential
scenarios, this may not be practicable other than for routine operations such as
supply vessels and ERRVs. Other SIMOPS are usually addressed by specific
HIRA taking account of the locations and workscopes of all vessels.
Approach Speed
The speed of approach of the tanker to the FPSO/FSU forms one aspect of the
joint operations and should be specific to each installation. Typical values are as
follows:
3 nautical miles from the FPSO//FSU -
< 5 knots
1 nautical mile from the FPSO/FSU -
< 2 knots
1000 metres from the FPSO/FSU -
< 0.5 knot
At a safe distance, and in any event before reaching 500 metres, the tanker must
be stopped to engage DP approach mode, followed by a suitable settling time for
the DP model.
Speed of approach from 500m to line shooting position should not exceed 0.5
knots.
In order to be in line with all other critical DP operations, this guidance
recommends the use of three independent position reference systems, operating
on different principles. For tandem offtake use, these may include:
Artemis
Relative GPS
Radius/RadaScan or similar radar based system
Hydro acoustic systems (Not normally used for tandem operations but is
necessary for other types of offtake facilities such as SAL)
Laser based systems (where meteorological conditions are suitable)
Absolute DGPS*
* The absolute DGPS is typically only used for the purpose of selecting the reaction box (FSU
Position function Kongsberg only)
In selecting the position references to be used the following should be

considered:
The total reference package should provide for the activation and use of
the reaction box while maintaining a minimum of three independent
systems on-line.
Absolute and relative references should not be used simultaneously for
tanker positioning except in the context of the reaction box setting.
The use of an additional reference (total 4) is not necessarily adding to the
safety of the system unless it operates on a different principle from the
other three.
Safe Operations
17
Operators of first generation DARPS systems should be aware that they

can be affected by interference from similar systems in use elsewhere.
Some early radar based systems may be affected by, or affect, other high
frequency radio systems.
Laser based systems can, and have been known to, follow retro reflective
targets e.g. tape on boiler suits, and can affect installation fire detection
systems.
Radar based systems are commonly used by PSVs, and their use for
tanker offtake requires careful positioning, selection, and segregation.
Calibration and Recalibration of references (position drop out) requires careful
consideration of the location relative to the FPSO, such that the enhanced
accuracy which can be achieved close in, is balanced with the consequences of
a potential drive-off.
Gyros
Gyros are important for position keeping. The heading sensor on the FPSO has
a direct impact on the accuracy of the relative position reference systems. Any
gyro fitted to a new FPSO should be a high accuracy gyro, defined as having an
accuracy of 0.7deg/cos lat or better.
Power Generation
Both DP 2 and DP 1 Enhanced vessels should have redundancy in power
generation such that a single generator failure will not rob the vessel of all
electrical power. This principle should also be applied when assessing the use
of a tanker which may have one generator out of action for maintenance.
Propulsion and Thrusters
Both DP 2 and DP 1 Enhanced vessels should have redundancy in transverse
thrust capability at the bow and stern. A main propeller and high lift rudder is
acceptable as one of the means of providing this capability. DP 1 Enhanced
vessels are acceptable with one main propeller only because it is a requirement
that a means of preventing full pitch reaction to a single failure of control and/or
feedback systems is fitted and operational.
Messenger Transfer & Handling
The messenger should be assessed in detail in order to calculate the optimum
length. This should include a consideration of the maximum distance off which
will be used for line shooting. The assessment should also include a review of
modern rope materials which may make a graded increase in cross section
unnecessary, and generally improve the ease of handling and hence reduce the
time. Consideration should also be given to the winch design on the tanker when
selecting the rope type.
Consideration should also be given to the point in the operation at which the
messenger is detached from the hawser chafe chain, in order to ensure that the
capability for disconnection is available prior to the ESD system becoming
available.
Safe Operations
18
Cargo Transfer
The major safeguard against pollution incidents caused by high pressure hose
failure is the Green Line system. It should be ascertained at the start of each
loading that the FPSO/FSU export pump stop is operating correctly and in a
suitable time which is compatible with the tankers inlet valve closure time.
Station Keeping
The shuttle tanker should maintain position within the limits defined by the
operating limits diagram. However, in addition to out of position reports as
required by this diagram, the tanker should inform the FPSO/FSU of any
condition on board which may reduce the station keeping capability. This is
further discussed under Field Specific Operating Guidelines in Section 6. In any
event, the shuttle tanker Master or duty officer has a duty to stop the operation
should he feel that the station keeping is deteriorating. This will also be the case
where the overall power consumption and/or a single thruster power level have
reached their defined limit, in terms of continuous average power usage.
There should also be an instruction on the FPSO/FSU to relate any degradation
on the installation, that can affect the shuttle tanker, with reference to the FSOG.
Checklists
Properly designed and easy to operate check-lists can go a long way towards
ensuring that the tanker and FPSO/FSU systems are correctly checked and
mutually acceptable prior to the connection taking place.
Generally three systems of check-lists should be in place:
1.
FPSO/FSU Internal Check-lists
2.
Offtake Tanker Internal Check-lists
3.
Common Check-list
The internal check-lists (1. and 2.) should be designed to ensure that all system
parameters for the offtake are within limits; this will generally mean that these
systems are all in working order and to expectations of performance. There will
be times where this is not the case and it is important that the vessel
understands the criticality of any outages and has suitable plans in place which
clearly define whether operations can proceed or not.
The check-lists should reflect and reference the appropriate system manuals and
procedures, and there should be no items in the check-list which cannot be
verified and further information found elsewhere.
Checklists should be
completed in hard copy or electronic means which can be filed for future auditing
if necessary.
The Common check-list (3.) should be designed to pass relevant information
between the two vessels, and should ensure a phased review of readiness such
that this checklist is completed for each step of the operation, and with clear hold
points such that the operation can be aborted if the checklist parameters cannot
be met.
Examples of suitable checklists are given in Appendix F. These are examples
only and not necessarily suitable for all FPSOs/FSUs and Tankers. However,
the layout of the columns may be considered as a template.
Safe Operations
19
4.4
Background to Station Keeping Assurance
IMO Circ 645

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has issued extensive DP
guidelines in the form of Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning
Systems - IMO MSC / Circ 645 1994
MSC Circ 645 sets good standards for equipping, checking and testing DP
vessels. However UK Duty Holders should be aware that MSC / Circ 645 only
applies to DP vessels having keels laid after 01/07/1994. Moreover Circ 645
does not have universal Flag State adoption and some Flag States which have
adopted it, do not apply it to all types of DP ships even if their keels have been
laid after 01/07/1994. IMCA have developed further DP guidance (M 103) for
offtake tankers based on MSC 645 but the development and adoption of IMCA
standards is also voluntary on a case by case basis. Similarly there is no
obligation for an FPSO/FSU to be either Flagged or Classed and the application
of equipment standards and assurance testing to heading control is not
necessarily linked to any DP specific legislation or guidance.
Recommendation
It is recommended that IMO 645 is applied to any offtake tankers operating in the
UK sector irrespective of the age of the vessel, and, where appropriate, to the
heading control systems on FPSOs/FSUs.
4.5
IMO Equipment Class
DP Classification
MSC Circ 645 states; 1) that the equipment class of a vessel required for a
particular operation should be agreed between the owner of the vessel and the
customer based on a risk analysis of the consequence of a loss of position. 2)
Alternatively, the administration or coastal state may decide the equipment class
for the particular operation. For UK FPSOs, UK FSUs or tankers performing DP
offtakes in UK fields and where there are no more rigorous administration or
coastal state prescriptive definitions of equipment class for UK then:
These guidelines consider that IMO MSC Circ 645 Equipment Class 2
standard should be adopted, as far as reasonably practicable, for
FPSOs/FSUs intended for tandem offtake with active heading control, and
for offtake tankers intended for DP offtake in the UK sector.
These guidelines recognise that there are existing active heading
controlled FPSOs, FSUs and also DP offtake tankers in service, which are
exceptionally difficult to upgrade to fully comply with IMO Equipment Class
2 requirements. Oil & Gas UK consider that the bare minimum Class 1
requirements are insufficient for either FPSO/FSU active heading control
or tankers performing DP offtake. However under the UK goal setting
regime it is possible to risk assess such vessels and upgrade many of the
less difficult, but more critical, systems to reduce collision risks to ALARP
levels. Some such installations and tankers already have equipment levels
nearer to Class 2 standards than Class 1 in many safety critical areas.
These Guidelines recommend that such existing units should demonstrate
their adequacy by:
A) risk assessment,
B) making enhancements where practicable towards Class 2 levels,
Safe Operations
20
C) appropriate FMEA analysis with proving trials which use the

ALARP principle as reference to identify any improvements. In the
case of the enhanced Class 1 tankers, some residual short falls in
best practice redundancy may be compensated by reverting to taut
hawser operation in certain failure scenarios where this is
compatible with FPSO/FSU systems. Section 4.3 of this guidance,
and the notes in Appendix C, indicate acceptance levels for DP
Class 1 Enhanced systems.
Class 1 for Taut Hawser
Oil & Gas UK consider that basic DP Class 1 or non-DP tankers are suitable for
use in manual taut hawser mode provided that they have adequate safeguards to
prevent CPP drive off ahead following single point failure.
4.6
Historical Incident Data
The guidelines governing station-keeping hardware are based on the following

premises which appear to be supported by the analysis of past incidents.
Tanker failures which could cause drive off are the most critical, and hence
should be mitigated by failsafe mechanisms or automatically implemented
redundancy. However, the most common causes of drive off, i.e. position
reference malfunction and/or mis-management, will by-pass the
redundancy by the nature of the fault, and can only be mitigated by good
DP operator practices and vigilance.
FPSO/FSU failures which could cause FPSO/FSU major heading change,
and hence the possibility of a DP drive off on the tanker, are the most
critical, and hence should be mitigated by failsafe mechanisms or
redundancy.
The recorded incidents for the past 10 years have been collated and assessed
as part of the preparation of this revision. The results and recommendations
from the major incidents are reflected in the guidance throughout this document.
4.7
DP FMEA and Annual DP Trials
These Guidelines consider that the standards of FMEA analysis and subsequent
FMEA trials and periodic testing outlined in MSC Circ 645 and further detailed in
IMCA M112 Part 2, M166, and M178, should be applied both to FPSO/FSU
active heading control systems and to tanker DP systems to ensure ongoing
assurance, e.g.
In the absence of a Flag State Verification and Acceptance Document; a
FMEA, including a complete FMEA proving trial, should be conducted by
an independent company. The trial should cover all systems and
components and assess the ability to maintain station after a single
component failure. The minimum Oil & Gas UK acceptance standard for
DP offtake or active heading control is DP Class 1 Enhanced, and there
should be an ability to maintain station for as many single failure modes as
is reasonably practicable. Hence the FMEA proving and other DP trials
should be based on the Class 2 rather than the Class 1 philosophy to
ensure that failure modes are identified.
Conduct annual surveys and trials. The extent and level of survey and
trials should be in accordance with IMCA M139 and may be embedded in
the vessel maintenance programme to the satisfaction of an ICP. The
Safe Operations
21
annual trials should be performed by, and may be documented by, ships
staff but in any event should be witnessed by a competent 3rd Party. The
trials should be performed as a single exercise.
Resurvey against the FMEA, every 5th year, and in any event after either a
DP system failure or modification. This should be timed to coincide with
the Annual DP trials for that year.
Whenever a fault is discovered and repaired or the system modified in
even a minor way, full tests of the effect of the changes should be
performed and logged. The changes and type of tests performed and
results achieved should be recorded. A note of the tests and results
should be made in the onboard FMEA report.
These guidelines consider the FMEA, including proving trials and the above tests
and checks, to be the primary means of providing initial and ongoing assurance
of station keeping hardware integrity.
Safe Operations
22
5.
Crewing Levels Training & Competency

5.1
Introduction
Crew competency in station keeping tasks is a key factor in reducing offtake risks
to ALARP levels. Oil & Gas UK recommend the use of goal setting matrices for
evaluating whether tanker crews have sufficient competence to undertake
offloading operations in UK waters. The first is a training matrix; the second is an
experience matrix. The standards set out in the matrices are in addition to the
existing flag state competency requirements for tanker masters, deck and
engineering officers and crews as required by IMOs STCW 95.
The training elements for DP shuttle tankers concentrate on issues related to
dynamic positioning and offshore loading and are inclusive of training
requirements for relevant auxiliary equipment and systems. The experience
elements are concerned principally with tanker experience, experience at the
specific type of loading facility and DP CAP to hone ship-handling skills. Training
and experience gained, including DP CAP hours, should be logged in the
officers individual DP logbook.
The concepts of goal setting and competence requirements are well established
in the UK offshore sector and should be used for FPSO/FSU marine personnel.
5.2
FPSO/FSU Competence
These Guidelines recognise that operators have competence programmes set to

National Vocational Qualifications, or equivalent, for marine roles. OPITO have
developed minimum training and competency standards for personnel serving on
FPSOs/FSUs.
This should recognise that the following critical operations will inevitably need to
be performed in quick succession or in some cases in parallel within the 20 to 30
hour period:
The tanker has to be moored and the hose deployed.
Regular FPSO/FSU communication must be maintained with the tanker
master to ensure the tanker is still able to maintain position within safe
limits and it is safe to continue cargo transfer operations. FPSO/FSU
position references, sensors and telemetry systems have to be monitored.
The cargo has to be completely discharged and the FPSO/FSU reballasted without exceeding the hulls structural shear force or bending
moment limits.
The FPSO/FSU must be cycled through her complete discharge envelope
without exceeding stability or allowable centre of gravity limits at any step.
The cargo tanks all have to be inerted to ensure the atmosphere is kept
within safe non-explosive limits.
Some tanks may have to be crude oil washed to limit wax and sediment
build up.
On FPSOs/FSUs with active heading control the FPSO/FSU heading must
be maintained within agreed limits and adjusted in tandem with the tanker.
The tanker must be un-moored and all running rigging and hoses
inspected for wear or damage as they are recovered.
The crude quality must be analysed and commercial documentation
prepared and sent onshore.

23
In addition, the standards should include requirements for competency in the

following:
risk assessment of critical marine activities.
evaluation of departures from standard procedures.
recognition of, and response to, developing marine related emergency
situations.
Individual Duty Holders should develop competency assurance schemes to
ensure that all personnel performing tandem offtake functions are qualified and
remain competent to fulfil their role.
The principles on which the competence assurance should be based are as
follows:
1.
The OIM must have an understanding of the risks involved in the joint
operation. This can be based on prior knowledge and experience or a
combination of formal training and experience.
2.
The OIMs understanding of the joint operation must be such that he is

capable of the decision making required to ensure that the operation is
managed and carried out safely.
3.
The Duty Holder must have a Competence Assurance management

program in place which ensures that personnel engaged in the tandem
loading operations have achieved a minimum standard of competency for
those parts of the operation that they are directly involved in. This should
include an appreciation of the FSOG table and the importance of advice
given under the FSOG. Guidance with regard to minimum levels of
competence can be found in the OPITO National Occupational Standards
for FPSO/FSUs.
4.
In addition, for active heading FPSOs/FSUs, a minimum level of

competence in the operation of heading / position control systems and an
appreciation of the importance of these to tandem loading operations, is
required. Guidance with regard to this minimum level of competence can
be found in IMCA M117.
5.
Management arrangements must be in place to ensure that an adequate

number of personnel having the above competencies are available
throughout the tandem loading operation, with due consideration being
given to simultaneous activities and provision of adequate cover for meal
breaks, toilet breaks etc
In addition the FPSO/FSU should have competence in maintenance and fault

finding of the position reference, telemetry and station keeping control systems.
Guidelines for designing effective assurance processes for FPSOs/FSUs are
available from several sources, including HSE, OCIMF and Oil & Gas UK.

24
5.3
Matrices
Purpose
It is proposed that the Tanker Owner/Manager should complete the blank training
and experience matrices for each tanker crew. The Duty Holder should maintain
competence records for each FPSO/FSU crew. For each tanker and FPSO/FSU
crew the responsible party should ensure that there is the best match of training
and experience within each watch.
The matrices for tanker personnel are configured to cover all known types of
offshore loading facility, so that the tanker managers only have to complete one
pair of forms, rather than a different set of forms for each Duty Holder or field.
Completed matrices should be updated and forwarded to the FPSPO/FSU prior
to every offtake. Matrices should be supplied to the field Duty Holder before a
new tanker is introduced. Additional updates may also be requested for audit,
for spot check purposes, or during the nomination process of approving the
vessel for next offtake. Alternatively, Tanker Managers who have their own
system for tracking and controlling experience may transfer equivalent data from
their system to the Duty Holder for comparison to the Oil & Gas UK standards.
The matrices and minimum acceptable experience levels are described in the
following sections.
5.4
DP Tanker Training and Experience Matrices 1 & 2
All DP operators should maintain a DP logbook as per IMCA M117 and be

certified in accordance with the Nautical Institute or NMD.
Matrix 1 contains the Oil & Gas UK training standard for DP tankers
The required training courses are listed in the left-hand column of the matrix.
Key DP personnel are listed along the top row.
At least one person on board the tanker is required to have undergone
appropriate training for equipment maintenance. Typically, this is likely to be the
onboard electrician, however the matrix gives tanker operators flexibility to
allocate the training to some other position on board. However, in the case of
telemetry and DP maintenance the tanker operators are expected to provide the
electrician with the appropriate training.
Matrix 2 contains the Oil & Gas UK experience standard for DP tankers. The
experience matrix has been developed on the same basis as the training matrix.
The key DP personnel are listed along the top row with the experience elements
listed in the left-hand column.
The experience matrix is broken down into two categories, i.e. professional
(including DP offtake tanker) experience and facility type specific experience.
The first category, professional experience, is concerned with years in rank, total
tanker and also DP offtake tanker experience, regardless of the offtake facility
type.
The second category is concerned with experience associated with specific types
of facility. Three types of offloading have been considered. The first is offloading
in DP mode at STL, OLS, SPM or SAL facilities. Second is tandem offloading in
DP mode at heading controlled FPSOs/FSUs. Third is tandem offloading in DP
mode at passive weathervaning FPSOs/FSUs. Recommended numbers of
offloading operations are given against each type.

25
Minimum navigating officer levels on a DP tanker performing a tandem offtake

should be set at a Master plus four navigating officers/DPOs, with qualifications
and experience as per Matrices 1 and 2, including the comments in the
footnotes. At least two of these will be on the bridge at any one time and DP
positioning and control changes must be repeated and verified by the 2nd person.
For this reason the two on-duty DP watch keepers should not be involved in
critical cargo loading operations. The DP watch keeper should be rotated from
the console every hour to minimise the risk of concentration lapses. The DP
experience should be apportioned as evenly as possible between the watches.
(i.e. a senior and junior DPO on each watch).
Minimum engineering manning levels on a DP tanker performing a tandem
offtake should be set to permit 24 hour per day manning of the engine room
during offtake, plus an electrician competent to trace and repair position
reference, telemetry and control system faults. The chief engineer, the 1st
engineer and the electrician should all be familiar with the vessel and its
equipment with the experience levels set in Matrices 1 and 2. In addition to DP
qualifications and experience, all the above officers should be qualified to the
appropriate level under STCW 95 code.

26

OGUK Matrix 1: - Training of personnel o/b DP shuttle Tanker_________________
Voy.________ Date
/
/
Electrician
1st Engineer
Chief Engineer
Junior DPO2
Junior DPO1
Senior DPO2
Master
Please turn form sideways and print

name below rank in this row.
Senior DPO1
Senior DPO1 on watch with Junior DPO 1 / 2 (delete as appropriate)

Senior DPO2 on watch with Junior DPO 1 / 2 (delete as appropriate)
DP Basic 1 (Induction)
DP Advanced1 (Simulator)
Maritime Crew Resource Management
Offshore Loading Phase 1 (Basic)2
Offshore Loading Phase 2 (Advanced)2
Offshore Loading Phase 3 (Refresher)2
Date of Last DP Training or Refresher

Course
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
Restricted NMD / Nautical Institute DP

certificate
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
<2Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Date of Last Facility

FPSO
Specific DP Training
course, Please specify type SAL
in blank row if other than
FPSO or SAL
Position Reference
Operating courses
specif y other
Artemis
DGPS
DARPS
HPR
BLOM
RADIUS
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
specif y other
Position Reference
Maintenance courses
DP
Telemetry
Artemis
DGPS
DARPS
HPR
HiPAP
BLOM
1 PERSON ONBOARD
TANKER TRAINED FOR
EACH INSTALLED
SYSTEM
specif y other
Notes
1) Various NI Approved training institutions provide DP basic and Advanced courses. The basic and advanced DP training courses
should include theory and practice of shuttle tanker operations and be carried out on the type of DP control system fitted to the tanker.
2) At the time of w riting Off shore Loading Courses Phases 1, 2 and 3 are only available at the SMS facility in Trondheim.
The form contains training f or systems that may not be applicable on some tankers or off take facilities. Please respond w ith N w here no
training has been undertaken. Oil Companies should disregard inf ormation provided on systems that are not fitted nor required for
of ftake from their particular installations. KEY: -Y=Training Complete, N=No Training, otherw ise f ill in date of last training etc as denoted in
the table headings.
Senior DPO to have minimum certificate of Deck officer Class 2 licence

27

OGUK Matrix 2: - Experience of personnel o/b DP shuttle
Tanker_________________ Voy.________ Date
/
/
Master :- Months
since last offtake at
Facility Type
Electrician
1st Engineer
Chief Engineer
Junior DPO2
Junior DPO1
Senior DPO2
Master
Please turn form sidew ays and print

nam e below rank in this row .
Senior DPO1
Senior DPO1 is on watch with Junior DPO 1 / 2 (delete as appropriate)

Senior DPO2 is on watch with Junior DPO 1 / 2 (delete as appropriate)
General Professional Experience

Ref
flow
chart 1
Ref
flow
chart 1
Number of offloadings performed in DP- Ref

mode at any offshore installation: - flow
STL-, OLS-, SPM-,SAL- or FPSO
chart 1
Years of experience at present rank

Total years experience
Total years shuttle tanker experience
Time o/b present vessel
Facility Specific Experience

STL
OLS
SPM
SAL
Number of Tandem DP offloadings

performed at heading controlled
FPSO's
Number of Tandem DP offloadings

performed at passive weather vaning
FPSO's
Number of Tandem2 offloadings

performed in Taut Hawser mode
without DP
Hours of DP CAP in last 12 months.
12
12
12
12
12
Number of offloadings
performed in DP-mode
at, each type of single
point offshore
installations
Notes
1) The form contains experience w hich may not be applicable for some tankers or offtake facilities. Please respond w ith none w here
no experience has been undertaken.
I.e. Any individual may be below the ideal experience provided there are arrangements in place to compensate for this. E.g. His
counterpart is more experienced than the minimum or additional qualif ied DPO on w atch / compensation by master. The Chief Officer
experience in rank could include experience gained as Chief Officer jr position.
KEY: - N = no experience, N/A = not applicable, otherw ise fill in numbers to denote no. of offtakes, month since last of ftake or years
experience as denoted in the table headings.
2) The prime mode of operation being assessed on this sheet is as a DP tanker. How ever there are circumstances at passive
w eather vaning FPSO's w here DP tankers may operate in taut haw ser mode and hence experience in this area is appropriate. If the
of ficers lack experience of taut haw ser operation, the operation requires to be risk assessed and everyone to be comfortable to
carry on in this mode prior to comencement.

28
5.5
Masters Experience Flowchart (Refer to Flowchart 1)
There are specific experience requirements for the tanker Master, which are in
addition to the above training and experience matrices, and competence
requirements for the FPSO/FSU heading control operator. The experience
requirements in Matrices 1 and 2 do not differentiate between offloading
operations carried out in a particular rank, e.g. the required number of offloads
may have been carried out at a lower rank. However, the Masters experience
flow chart does address the issue of the Masters actual experience in command
of shuttle tanker operations.
In order for a Master to be allowed to carry out an unsupervised offload operation
at the facility in question, he must be able to comply with the requirements of the
flowchart as well as the training and experience matrices. The exception is a
newly promoted Master, who must comply with the provisions of Note 2.
The flowchart is self-explanatory. If the serving Master does not comply with the
provisions of the flow chart then the vessel manager should transfer an
appropriately qualified and experienced master to the FPSO/FSU or tanker. The
additional Master will remain on board the tanker in an advisory capacity for the
duration of the offloading operation. The additional Master will not take
command of the vessel. A column is included on Matrix 1 for the Master to
indicate how long since he last performed an offtake from each type of loading
facility.
5.6
DP Training & Competence Assurance
DPCAP
DP CAP is a training tool, developed by Navion (now TK) in close cooperation
with Global Maritime and the Ship Manoeuvring Simulation Centre in Trondheim,
which has been in service since 2003. A row is included in Matrix 2 to permit
Duty Holders to monitor that DP CAP is actually being carried out. Oil & Gas UK
members should actively encourage tanker Masters to use lay time for DP CAP
whenever it can be accommodated without jeopardising other infield operations.
Presently (2010) the programme is confined to vessels equipped with the
Kongsberg DP control system.
Other Systems
Other systems may be available both for training and confirming the competence
of personnel. These should be taken into consideration and assessed if new
tools for this enter the market.

29
Flowchart 1: Masters Recent Experience Flowchart (of Tandem Loading Operations)

Has the master performed 6
or more unsupervised
loading operations as
master regardless of the
type of facility?
NO
YES
loading operations as
master from the type of
facility in question?
NO
YES
unsupervised loading
operations from the type of
facility in question and has
it been less than 6 months
since the last loading of this
type?
NO

loading operations from the
type of facility in question
and has it been less than
12 months since the last
loading of this type?
NO
Has the master performed

30 or more unsupervised
loading operations from the
type of facility in question
and has it been less than
24 months since the last
loading of this type?
NO
YES
YES
Master can carry out
loading operation
unsupervised
YES
Loading operation must be
supervised by a master that
complies with
recommended standards
and with this flowchart
NOTE:
1.
A Master who requires supervision under the terms of this flowchart will be permitted to perform a loading operation unsupervised at the type of facility in question
following one supervised loading.
2.
A newly promoted Master who has served as chief officer on an offtake tanker for a minimum of 2 years, and carried out a minimum of 2 supervised loading
operations at the type of facility, is exempt from the requirements of this flowchart.
Safe Operations Crewing Levels Training & Competency

30
6.
Management System
6.1
Objective
The object of the Field Operator and Duty Holders management systems should
be to ensure that:
All new offtake systems have been selected to reduce inherent risk to
ALARP at the field concept selection stage.
All critical elements on both the FPSO/FSU and all associated offtake
tankers have been adequately designed, installed, assured and verified as
per the standards in these Guidelines including the Appendices.
Key personnel on both the FPSO/FSU and associated offtake tankers
have been trained and have adequate experience in accordance with the
requirements of Section 5.
Duty Holders, offtake tanker managers and key personnel on the
FPSO/FSU and associated offtake tankers all learn from previous
experience by being open about problems experienced and sharing
incident data as described in Section 7.
Key personnel on both the FPSO/FSU and all associated tankers have
clear guidance on the special features, Duty Holder requirements and
operational limits for each field by issuing a Joint Operations Loading
Manual.
There are adequate management controls and audit checks all the way
down the supply chains for both FPSO/FSU and offtake tanker services to
ensure that risk reducing measures are applied effectively on both vessels
participating in any tandem offtake (FPSO/FSU and Tanker).
6.2
Management Audits
Contractual Aspects for Provision of FPSO/FSU

The contractual arrangements in relation to FPSOs/FSUs and offtake tankers,
and their supply chain, can become very complicated.
For example a field operator could have subcontracted the FPSO/FSU by leasing
the unit from a third party company who may or may not be the installation Duty
Holder. The Duty Holder could have subcontracted the specification, design
procurement and installation of critical offtake equipment. Further sub-contracts
may be in place for the maintenance of each system and provision of competent
personnel on the FPSO/FSU.
Contractual Aspects for Provision of Offtake Tanker(s)
On the tanker supply side, the offtake tanker supply contractor could have a
contract with any of the field operator partners rather than the Duty Holder. The
tanker supply contractor could be supplying several tankers to the one FPSO
from his supply pool but the tankers supplied are likely to come from several
different partners, vessel management companies or owners.
Management System
31
Joint Responsibility
The FPSO operator (in co-operation with the Duty Holder if separate) shall
maintain and act on a management audit plan covering the audit of all levels
down the supply chain. This will include both direct audits of main contractors
organisations, review of each main contractors own audit plan for relevant
subcontractors or vessels, and sample observation / participation in the main
contractors audits of their sub contractors and vessels to ensure that the overall
system is consistent and that risk reducing strategies are not diluted as they pass
down the supply chain.
6.3
Vessel Acceptance and Auditing
Preamble
The FPSO/FSU and shuttle tankers should be audited against field specific
performance standards and Oil & Gas UK training and experience requirements.
Any findings should be actively closed out and documented closed. The tanker
audit programme should cover both initial acceptance and ongoing maintenance
in a condition acceptable for offtake. This is the management tool to ensure that
equipment and personnel are initially checked as fit for purpose and continue to
be maintained in that condition.
FPSO/FSU
The general safety condition of the FPSO/FSU to perform production and / or
storage should be covered by the Duty Holders existing SMS and ICP inspection
under UK regulations. However, offtake systems and tandem offtake station
keeping aids do not fall readily within the experience of many of the specialist
companies or personnel who routinely deal with these issues on production
platforms, and suitable expertise must be sourced for these systems.
Offtake Tanker
The general safety condition of a tanker to perform crude oil transport and
discharge at inshore terminals is covered by Duty Holder and Operator vetting
systems, generally using the OCIMF SIRE system. The SIRE system, however,
does not cover bow loading systems or close proximity station keeping
arrangements. The Duty Holder should ensure that suitable expertise for these
aspects is sourced, and suitable audits are carried out.
6.4
The field specific joint operations manual is the main procedure controlling
discharge operations on any field. It should contain the following information:
Summary field position and field layout and FPSO/FSU information
including plans of the stern offtake arrangements, and appropriate
photographs.
Contact numbers, call signs and communications channels for both
Operational and Emergency use.
Description of the offloading equipment on board the FPSO/FSU.
Description of standard and occasional joint operations including cargo
transfer rates, line flushing etc.
Data sheets on all tankers nominated for regular offtake at that field.
Management System
32
Tendering and accepting Notice of Readiness (NOR), and any special

requirements for cargo quality, Bills of Lading and Cargo calculations.
Speed reduction sequence and limits on approaching Facility.
Operational limits and executive actions on exceeding limits.
ESD systems and executive actions at each ESD level. (Both for the
FPSO/FSU ESD system and the joint Offtake ESD system).
Detailed check lists for the FPSO/FSU covering each stage of pre offtake
checking, approach, offtake, disconnection and post offtake checking of
hardware.
Detailed check lists for each type of tanker covering field specific actions
and requirements not covered by the tankers own detailed checklists.
Duties and requirements for the towing assist vessel if required.
Emergency responsibilities and procedures. Note this section of the joint
operations manual should be prepared jointly between the Duty Holders
management team responsible for running the installation, and the tanker
management company to ensure that there are no gaps or overlaps in
cover. (Some Duty Holders prefer to cover this topic by a separate
bridging document or emergency response manual for this reason).
A short synopsis describing key requirements and where to find more
detailed information on each topic within the manual. (i.e. an overview that
the Tanker Master can quickly use to get the key facts without having to
wade indiscriminately through the full manual).
A station-keeping sector limits diagram giving key operational and station
keeping limits and key communications channels (i.e. key information that
can be posted on one sheet on the bridge for immediate use). An
example of this diagram is included on the following page.
A Field Specific Operations Guideline (FSOG) which lists the reporting
requirements for that field in a format as per Figure 6.2.
Joint Operations Manual Layout
This guidance recommends that a standard layout for the joint operations
manual, at least for the order of the main sections and sub sections, should be
adopted by all UK FPSO/FSU operators. This is to simplify the task of the tanker
personnel when offloading from different operators installations, and in particular
for familiarising a new vessel. It is not intended to standardise the content of
these sections. The recommended sections list is as follows:
Introduction
JOM Objective
JOM Administration
Definitions
Abbreviations
Roles & Responsibilities
Personnel Competence
Offshore Terminal & Field Information
Field Location and Description
Management System
33
FPSO Overview (including including plans of the stern offtake

arrangements, and appropriate photographs)
ERRV
FPSO Facilities
Communication facilities
Contact Details
Navigation Aids
Mooring facilities
Hawser tension and angle criteria
Cargo transfer facilities
Emergency Shutdown Facilities
Nomination, Notification and Pre-arrival
Nomination procedure
Offtake tanker acceptance Criteria
Initial acceptance
Pre-lifting acceptance
ETA notification
Pre-arrival checks
Notice of Readiness
Tanker Approach
Environmental limitations
Decision to Berth
Direction of Approach
Approach Speeds
Simultaneous Operations
Helicopter operations
Supply Vessels
MODUs
Subsea Operations
Emergency Towing Trials
Mooring & Hose Connection
Initial line connection
Hawser and hose transfer and connection
ESD telemetry test
Station Keeping Sector Limits Diagram
Field Specific Operating Guidelines (FSOG)
Cargo Transfer
Start-up
Management System
34
Routine checks
Record keeping
Completion of discharge
Hose flushing
Disconnection & Departure
Hose and hawser disconnection and transfer
Departure
Cargo documentation
Emergency Response
Incident Response Procedures
Emergency Notification Flowchart
Offtake Tanker Specifications
FPSO Checklists
Joint Operations Procedure Checklist
Documentation Templates (timesheets, sailing advice, cargo reports etc)
Field Specific Operating Guidelines (FSOG)
These Oil & Gas UK guidelines support the concept of a FSOG to assist the
FPSO/FSU and Offtake Tanker interaction. The diagram in Figure 6.2 provides a
typical level of status reporting.
The principal point to note is that a column is introduced for reporting advisory
messages of any status less than full Green on either side, in an effort to warn
the FPSO/FSU or Tanker of a possible impending Yellow, to allow a discussion
of the offtake between senior personnel, from which it will be decided to either
adopt a Yellow alert status or revert to Green.
It is to be hoped that the advisory category will encourage communication
between the vessels such that safety is enhanced without jeopardising the
contractual obligations.
Figure 6.2 is an indication of principles to be included. The table should include
concerns regarding both the offtake tanker and FPSO/FSU related issues.
The development of the FSOG should be undertaken jointly by the FPSO/FSU
operator and the tanker operator. The ownership of the FSOG lies with the
installation and demonstrates the requirements for offtake from that field. The
FSOG should be included in the JOM. The offtake tanker should carry its own
vessel specific operation standard, and, where this differs from a particular
FSOG, the more stringent standard should be followed.
During the approach, the operational status should be confirmed to be as per the
FSOG green level, and should be periodically confirmed at agreed intervals,
throughout the offtake operation e.g. 1 hour.
Management System
35
Remote Position Monitoring System

For some FPSOs/FSUs, it may be beneficial to have the means for the marine
operator to monitor various parameters of the tanker, such as position, heading,
power usage etc. This may be as simple as a Traffic Light system showing
Green, Yellow or Red status, or may include a full readout of the monitored
parameters.
The benefit of such a system to the individual FPSO/FSU depends on the crews
ability and competence to assimilate, understand and act appropriately in
response to a non-conformance. It also depends upon the increase in workload
of the FPSO/FSU offtake personnel, and whether this detracts from their
concentration on their core tasks.
Management System
36
TYPICAL DP OFFTAKE TANKER OPERATING LIMITS

FPSO Heading
Reaction box
+/- 7.5 m surge
+/- 6 m sway
60m ESD2 Disconnect
Bow position limits
DIMENSIONS IN THIS DIAGRAM ARE INDICATIVE ONLY

- FINAL VALUES FOR EACH FIELD TO BE DETERMINED
BY DESIGN and RISK ASSESSMENT
Figure 6.1: Typical Operating Limits
Management System
37
Vessel name/Installation name :

Date:
Figure 6.2: Example of Field Specific Operating Guidelines
Management System
38
7.
Incident Reporting
7.1
Objective
The objective of this guidance is to improve the safety and efficiency of tandem
loading operations through the sharing of information on related incidents.
7.2
Background
UK legislation places a duty of co-operation on everyone doing business in

connection with an installation, and who can contribute to health and safety on
the installation or activities connected with it.
In compliance with this, the crews and managers of FPSOs / FSUs and offtake
tankers have a duty to co-operate by supplying information, if such information
can reduce the level of risk to which others may be exposed.
In this context Oil and Gas UK strongly encourage the reporting of any incident
or potential incident, and sharing of this information with others, where this can
increase awareness and reduce or remove the potential for recurrence.
Voluntary systems for reporting of incidents relating to offtake operations are
available via the following bodies;
Oil & Gas UK (all incidents)
IMCA (Thruster Assist / DP station keeping incidents only)
Reporting of incidents via Oil & Gas UK and IMCA is in addition to the statutory
reporting requirements applicable to the installation / vessel involved.
7.3
Incident Reporting via Oil & Gas UK
Any incident should be reported which occurs onboard an installation or tanker

during an offtake operation (including activities prior to connection or following
disconnection), and which involves one of the following events;
Injury to personnel.
Hydrocarbon loss from pipework and / or offtake hose.
Loss of position and / or heading.
Failure / instability of a position reference, input sensor or machinery, with
the potential to result in a loss of position / heading control.
Collision or potential collision between any vessels / installations.
Failure of a hawser / hose or ancillary equipment.
High hawser tension loads beyond operational limits.
Damage to equipment.
Major impact on operational availability and / or efficiency.
Any other event with the possibility of escalation and potential for causing
any of the above.
Reporting of incidents via Oil & Gas UK should be carried out using the following
guidelines;
1.
Confirm responsibility for preparing and submitting the report. Note

where an incident involves both the FPSO/FSU and offtake tanker, both
parties should agree on the content of the report prior to submission.
Incident Reporting
39
2.
Using the appended pro-forma (electronic copies of which are available on

the Oil & Gas UK website), provide brief details of the incident, including
advice on the availability of further information if requested.
3.
Identify any additional documents which may be provided to assist in

describing the incident, including;
Sketches
Photographs
Full incident report
IMCA Station Keeping Incident Form
4.
Submit the Incident Reporting form together with any additional documents
to the following email address;
[email protected]
Submitted reports (including any attachments) will be made available to

members of the Oil & Gas UK FPSO Forum and may be discussed at regular
Forum meetings.
7.4
IMCA Station Keeping Incident Reporting
In addition to the voluntary reporting via Oil & Gas UK, FPSO/FSU and offtake
tanker operators are requested to report station keeping incidents involving
Thruster Assist / DP vessels using the IMCA reporting form appended to this
document.
This report should be completed and sent to IMCA on the following occasions:
For any unexpected loss of position and/or heading
For an unexpected loss of functionality or availability of equipment which
results in a reduced level of redundancy leading to a degraded operational
status
When the DP system performance differs from the operators expectations
7.5
Forms
Blank examples of both of the above reporting forms are given in Appendix G.
Incident Reporting
40
8.
References
1)
Guidelines For Vessels With Dynamic Positioning

Systems.
IMO -1994 MSC

Circular 645
IMCA M113
2)
Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel.
IMO 1996 MSC

Circular 738
IMCA M117
3)
Guidelines For The Purchasing and Testing of SPM OCIMF -2000

Hawsers.
4)
Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for

Offshore Moorings 5th Edition
OCIMF 2009
5)
Guidelines for the Handling, Storage, Inspection

and Testing of Hoses in the Field 2nd Edition
OCIMF - 1995
6)
Offshore Loading Safety Guidelines With Special

Reference To Harsh Weather Zones.
OCIMF - 1999
7)
Information Paper Marine Beakaway Couplings
OCIMF - 2008
8)
Guidelines For The Design And Operation Of

Dynamically Positioned Vessels
IMCA M103
9)
DP Training And The Experience Of Key Personnel
IMCA M117
10)
Standard Report For DP Vessels Annual Trials
IMCA M139
11)
Specification for DP Capability Plots
IMCA M140
12)
Quantified Frequency Analysis of Shuttle Tanker

Collision During Offtake Operations
IMCA - M150
13)
Guidelines for the Design and Operation of

Dynamically Positioned Vessels Two Vessels
Operations A Supplement to IMCA M103
IMCA M161
14)
Risk Minimisation Guidelines for Shuttle Tanker

Operations Worldwide at Offshore Locations
INTERTANKO
15)
FPSO/FSU Marine Occupational Standards

Various
OPITO
References
41
Intentionally Blank
References
42
Appendix A
Standards Common to both
FPSO/FSU & Tanker
CONTENTS
Page
A1 Hardware Compatibility
45
A2 Safe Tanker Approach Limits
47
A3 Safe Tanker Offtake Limits
51
Appendix A
43
Appendix A: Standards Common to Both FPSO/FSU & Tanker

The following generic standards have been derived for elements which are
common to both the FPSO/FSU and the Offtake Tanker. These are defined as
major elements of the offtake operation which are critical for safety or the
avoidance of pollution during the close proximity phase of the offtake.
The standards consider two types of FPSO/ FSU, those which have active
heading control, and those which passively weather vane around the turret.
There are two ways of operating the shuttle tanker during offtake; either in DP
with a slack hawser or slow astern in manual control with a taut hawser. The
equipment requirements on the FPSO/FSU vary not only with whether they use
active or passive heading control but also with which type of tanker is attached.
Hence each description identifies which combinations of heading control and
tanker control method they apply to using the following abbreviations.
FPSO/FSU with active heading control
= active
FPSO/FSU with no heading control
= passive
Tanker operating in manual mode on taut hawser
= tauthaw
Tanker operating on DP
= dptank
All FPSOs/FSUs and Tankers, irrespective of type
= all
Hence the term Applies active, dptank means the performance requirement
indicated applies only if the FPSO/FSU uses active heading control or the offtake
tanker is on DP.
The standards in Appendix A relate to areas where the Duty Holder and Tanker
Manager have to ensure compatibility between their units, and work together to
ensure the operation is performed within pre-agreed safe limits.
A range of typical values or guidance information is included in {italic text}. This
typically applies to an offtake tanker in the Aframax to Suezmax size range and
is intended as preliminary information to Duty Holders unfamiliar with the subject
rather than as a substitute for correct design.
Appendix A
44
Ref.
A1
Function / {Description} /
Applicability
Requirements / Survivability
Initial Assurance / Ongoing Assurance

/ Verification
Hardware Compatibility
Applies to all
To ensure connection integrity
with minimum offshore remedial
action.
1) Verbal Communications
2) Telemetry System
3) Position references
4) Hawser Interface
Duty Holder and Tanker Manager to agree all interfaces during the FPSO/FSU 1) to 6) Initial Assurance: Interface
design and build / conversion phases for any new field. The following areas
review and information exchange
represent the principal interfaces between the two vessels.
during design and procurement.
Check of layouts on FPSO/FSU
1) Agree telephone, fax and / or e-mail details plus VHF channels for initial
tanker. {It is particularly important that
long range contact and exchanging notices and reports. Each FPSO/FSU
all antennae transmitting to the tanker
should have 2 x Simplex UHF channels {primary and backup in case of
have the correct position, separation
external interference} dedicated for offtake operations. There should be
and height on the aft end of the
UHF radios fitted for both agreed channels in the FPSO/FSU CCR, Tanker
FPSO/FSU to avoid interference but
Bridge, ERRV bridge, TAV bridge and minimum 2 x hand-helds on each of
assure alignment with corresponding
the tanker focsle and FPSO/FSU aft deck. {the deck hand-helds should
tanker antennae. Normally they
have headsets to leave hands free and offset surrounding noise. Common
should have clear line of sight astern
send and receive frequency should be used so that hand-helds can
+/- 70 degrees to cater for relative
monitor both sides of conversations between tanker bridge and FPSO/FSU
yaw between the FPSO/FSU and
CCR. The frequencies should be chosen to avoid clashing with other
tanker.}
frequencies used on the FPSO/FSU or adjacent fields}
Factory acceptance tests or contractor
acceptance test when fitted to
2) Agree telemetry frequencies, ID and, if necessary, time slots, with a view to
FPSO/FSU / Tanker to ensure that
minimising interference from surrounding fields.
frequencies, channel ids, address
3) Agree address code and frequency pair for each Artemis beacon. Agree
codes etc are as agreed.
telemetry channel for each DARPS system and notify other fields in UK
st
Verification: Trial of position
and Norway which use the same channel. (Applicable only to 1
references and telemetry by passing
generation DARPS systems)
tankers when FPSO/FSU first
Agree requirements for other systems e.g. RADIUS/RADASCAN, HPR
installed or tanker first proposed
beacons, Fanbeam etc
followed by trial connection for
physical interfaces.
4) Agree size and length of hawser chafe chain to match tanker stoppers.
Agree make-up, diameter, and lengths of hawser messengers to a)match
tanker traction winch, b)fit on tanker storage drum, c)provide sufficient
length for transfer to tanker at a safe distance & d) avoid excess length that
may foul tanker bow thrusters or slow the operation. Agree hawser
transfer mechanism {Normally pneumatic rocket for DP tankers, but
possibly longer messengers and end float run out by TAV for taut hawser
tankers}
Appendix A
45
Appendix A
46
5) Hose Interface
5) Agree the interface requirements to match the FPSO/FSUs dry break

coupling flange to the tankers bow loading system. {Normally dry break
flange thickness and diameter plus the length and diameter of the dry
break couplers body (behind the flange) have to be matched to the
tankers flange, tankers latch settings and the space required to engage
the tankers latching dogs behind the dry break flange. The pitch between
the two eyes on the dry break couplings lifting ring need to be wide
enough for the hose bridle to pass around the bow loading systems
latching mechanism without fouling. Bridle and suspension line size,
materials, and lengths have to be agreed.}
6) Operating procedures, limits

and disconnect criteria.
6) It is vital to agree a safe system of work and communication details before

the first trial connection on the field.
Ref.
A2
Applicability
Initial Assurance / Ongoing Assurance /

Verification
Safe tanker approach limits

Applies to all. Note differences
in guidance limits for different
types of vessel are noted in the
text.
To ensure tanker only comes
within close proximity of the
FPSO/FSU if it is a) safe to do
so and b) can offtake oil.
1) Limiting Weather for
approach & Connection
2) Communications, Position
References & Telemetry
systems (common to both
FPSO/FSU and Tanker)
1) The offtake tanker should normally only approach within 3nm provided the
wind speed, Hs, visibility, and FPSO/FSU motions and yaw rate are within
safe limits, as per the FSOG. {Typical values for DP tankers are
measured 10 min mean wind < 40 knots, Hs < 4.5 m, Visibility > 500 m,
FPSO/FSU heading stable +/- 5 degrees}. {Typical values for taut hawser
tankers are measured 10 min mean wind < 35 knots, Hs < 3.5 m, Visibility
> 1000 m, FPSO/FSU heading stable +/- 5 degrees}. {Note if the
FPSO/FSU heading changes more than 15 degrees during approach then
DP tankers may have to pause and realign whereas taut hawser tankers
may have to abort and recommence approach on the new heading if they
dont have transverse thruster capability. Where taut hawser tankers
have a primary and secondary relative position reference system to the
FPSO/FSU stern and know the FPSO/FSU heading then it can make an
approach when visibility is >500m. If either FPSO/FSU or tanker roll or
pitch excessively on the approach heading then the offtake may have to
be postponed to avoid excessive hawser loads on connection}
2) VHF communications should be established at or before 10 nm. All
possible position references and telemetry systems should be tested and
confirmed operational prior to the tanker approaching within 10 nm with
the remaining short range relative position references tested and
confirmed operational as soon as possible thereafter. UHF
communications should be established and tested for interference at 3nm.
The approach should be aborted if the minimum levels of
communications, position references or telemetry are not available at
each test.
1) to 6) Initial Assurance: System design

limits, appropriate FMEA / trial results,
and previous experiences from the Duty
Holder, tanker operators and incident
lessons incorporated into useable
check lists and understandable limits
within the offtake terminal manual.
Verification: Review of manual by
offtake tankers, tanker managers and
an independent competent person from
within Duty Holders organisation (or
external). Checklists tested by use
during trial connection.
Ongoing Assurance: All checks and
information exchanges performed
during approach, at the correct
approach distance, for each offtake.
FPSO/FSU OIM / Marine Operator and
tanker Master to discuss the actual
conditions and equipment versus the
advisory limits and take a joint decision
on it being safe to proceed with mooring
approach. Both parties must be fully
aware that either has the right to abort
or postpone the offtake if they are not
fully happy that it is safe to approach.
Appendix A
47
Appendix A
48
3) FPSO/FSU equipment
3) FPSO/FSU Gyros should be checked against each other before the

tanker approaches within 10nm to ensure that they all agree. FPSO/FSU
cargo & ballast pumps, IG plant, load computer, valve controls, stern
discharge system and necessary power supplies should all be tested and
functioning. (For active heading controlled FPSOs/FSUs the DP controls,
all thrusters and redundant power supplies should have been tested and
be functioning adequately to ensure heading control. The thrusters and
generators should be holding the FPSO/FSU on the required approach
heading within agreed thrust / power limits {<50% Capability} and with any
load shedding system giving thrusters priority. All FPSO/FSU on board
plant adjustments, maintenance, equipment / fuel changeovers and other
activities which may trip generators to an extent where the FPSO/FSU
could lose heading control should have been completed or put on hold
until the offtake tanker has finished and departed). The FPSO/FSU
should complete all checks prior to the tanker approaching within 3nm.
4) Tanker Equipment
4) Tanker Bow Loading System (BLS), cargo lines & all equipment in
machinery space required for close proximity operations should be tested
and functioning, sufficient generators should be on line and available; all
pitch controls including fail safes, all thrusters and steering motors,
redundant power sources should be tested and confirmed functioning {at
10nm range}. Tanker gyros & repeaters should be checked against each
other {before the shuttle tanker approaches within 10nm} to ensure that
they agree {check no gyro is drifting}. The thrusters and generators
should be tested for holding the tanker on the required approach heading
within agreed thrust / power limits {<50% Capability for approach to
continue}. The machinery space should be manned up {at 10nm} and all
electrical and mechanical maintenance that could inadvertently lead to
critical systems tripping should be brought to a close, until after the tanker
has completed the offtake and departed. For DP tankers, the tankers DP
systems should be tested before approaching within 500m of the
FPSO/FSU. The tanker should have both computers and three
independent relative position references working and on line.
5) Tanker Approach Speed
5) The tanker should reduce speed to agreed limits as it approaches the

FPSO/FSU and confirm having done so to the FPSO/FSU at each stage.
{Typical speed limits are, <5knts @ 3nm; <2knts@1nm; <0.5knts @
1000m and < 0.5 knots within 500m.} NB - Tanker to be stopped before
500m to select DP control and stabilise the mathematical model.

6) Helicopter & 3rd party ship
Operations
6) Helicopter Operations
Helicopter Operations to the tanker should be suspended whilst the tanker
is approaching or departing, and helicopter operations to the FPSO/FSU
should be suspended during tanker connection and disconnection.
Helicopter operations to the FPSO/FSU during tanker approach must be
advised to the tanker beforehand, in order that any potential impact on
position reference signals may be foreseen and reacted to appropriately.
Heliops may be permitted during actual offtake provided the tankers IG
vent plumes are prevented from interfering with the helicopter approach
and departure tracks
Simultaneous Field Operations
Field operations involving other vessels / installations within 3nm of the
FPSO/FPU should be advised by the FPSO/FPU to the tanker in advance
of arrival. This advice should comprise a summary of the
vessel/installation position, planned movements, workscope, restrictions
on movement, and any foreseeable impact on the offtake operation.
Exclusion and restricted zones/sectors may be pre-agreed and
incorporated into the Field Joint Operations Manual to provide generic
guidance on tanker movement restrictions, and to assist with specific risk
assessment where appropriate.
Planned operations involving other vessels/installations within 500m of
the FPSO/FSU during tanker approach and whilst connected, should
either be covered by generic procedural restrictions, including that the
tanker should be downweather, (for routine operations such as supply
vessel operations), or be subject to specific risk assessment (for nonroutine operations). All planned simultaneous operations must be agreed
between all vessels/installations prior to tanker approach.
Where the risk of collision exists between a tanker and other
vessel/installation operating within the field (e.g. within 3nm of the
FPSO/FPU), the field operator may provide a Towing Assist Vessel (TAV)
to further reduce the risk to the tanker and other installation/vessel.
Assurance of equipment compatibility between the tanker and TAV, and
capability of the TAV to provide effective assistance may be provided by
emergency towing trials. A typical tanker operator standard for towing
trials is as follows:
Appendix A
49
Regular trials to maintain the effectiveness of the Emergency Towing

Procedures and Systems should be carried out between the TAV and the
ST. The frequency of these trials should be based on the results
achieved, but should in general be as follows;
Appendix A
50
DP Class I vessels: Emergency towing should be conducted

minimum every 3 months;
DP Class II vessels: Emergency towing should be conducted

minimum every 6 months.
Ref.
A3
Applicability

/ Verification
Safe Tanker Offtake Limits

Applies to all. Note differences
in guidance limits for different
types of vessel are noted in the
text.
To ensure tanker departs from
close proximity to the FPSO/FSU
prior to it becoming dangerous to
remain.
To ensure tanker only comes
within close proximity of the
FPSO/FSU if it is a) safe to do
so and b) can offtake oil.
1) Limiting Weather for
Approach & Connection
1) The tanker should normally only continue offtake provided the wind speed,
Hs, visibility, and FPSO/FSU motions are within safe limits, as per the
FSOG. {Typical values for DP tankers are measured 10 min mean wind <
50 knots, Hs < 5.5 m, , Visibility > 100 m, FPSO/FSU. {Typical values for
taut hawser tankers are measured 10 min mean wind < 45 knots, Hs < 4.0
m, , Visibility > 100 m FPSO/FSU / tanker roll and pitch not leading to
snatch loads on hawser}.
2) Limiting Hawser Tensions
2) The offtake should normally only continue offtake provided the hawser
tension remains within acceptable limits. {The hawser in a DP offtake is
normally slack with tensions < 3%NDBS, so any significant hawser tension
is indicative of a problem. {The hawser in a taut hawser offtake is
obviously used in tension, so it is particularly important that all tension
cycles are recorded and added to keep track of fatigue life remaining.
Typical tension alarm values for DP tankers are as follows. Tanker Master
and OIM consider disconnect if one pull > 19% of the hawser NDBS and
particularly if two pulls exceed 19% in any 30 minute period. Immediate
disconnect if any pull exceeds 27% of the hawser NDBS}.
1) to 7) Initial Assurance: System

design limits, appropriate FMEA / trial
results, and previous experiences
from the Duty Holder, tanker operators
and incident lessons incorporated into
useable check lists and
understandable limits within the
offtake terminal manual.
an independent competent person
from within Duty Holders organisation
(or external). Checklists tested by
use during trial connection.
Appendix A
51
Appendix A
52
3) Position and Relative

Heading Limits
3) The offtake should normally only continue if the tanker bow is within
agreed separation limits from the FPSO/FSU stern and if the Tanker
Heading aligns with the FPSO/FSU heading within agreed limits. These
limits together with appropriate actions should be shown on a drawing
within the manual. {Typical values of separation depend on the hawser
and hose length both for DP and taut hawser operations. A typical manual
drawing is shown in section 6. The inner yellow (stop export) and red
(disconnect) tanker limit are placed relatively close to the tankers normal
operating box, to ensure that remedial action is taken before the tanker
builds up forward momentum. The outer yellow and red separations are
intended to release hose and hawser before the equipment is damaged.
The relative heading limit is a measure both of fishtailing and of one vessel
being wind rode whilst the other is current rode. Red should normally take
place by the time the relative misalignment exceeds 40 to 45 degrees.}
4) Communications, Position
References & Telemetry
systems (common to both
FPSO/FSU and Tanker)
4) In the event of failures resulting in fewer than 3 references being on line,

DP tankers should suspend cargo transfer and risk assess the situation.
The assessment should take into account the overall risk including the
risks involved in disconnection and reconnection. or revert to manual taut
hawser operation if all parties agree and are happy with this course of
action. The offtake should only continue if there are adequate
communication links between the tanker and the FPSO/FSU. In all cases
the change of status will be discussed between FPSO/FSU and Tanker as
soon as practicable but this will not inhibit the tanker crew taking safe
action first.
5) FPSO/FSU equipment
5) FPSO/FSU should inform Tanker immediately if there is any reduced

functionality or in any critical equipment e.g. gyros, FPSO/FSU cargo &
ballast pumps, IG plant, load computer, valve controls, stern discharge
system and necessary power supplies which may either cause the tanker
to lose station (e.g. gyro error) or inhibit transfer. (For active heading
controlled FPSOs/FSUs this would also include the DP controls, all
thrusters and redundant power supplies required to ensure FPSO/FSU
heading control. The FPSO/FSU marine operator and Tanker Master
should agree a new heading if the thrusters and available power supply
have difficulty holding the FPSO/FSU on the required heading within
agreed thrust / power limits {>50% Capability}. Reference should be made
to the FSOG as appropriate. The FPSO/FSU should inform the tanker
master of any process instabilities which may affect their ability to continue
discharge (FPSO/FSU plant and generation ESDs) and request him to
disconnect immediately if the situation could jeopardise the FPSO/FSUs
ability to maintain heading.

information exchanges performed
during approach, at the correct
approach distance, for each offtake.
FPSO/FSU OIM / Marine Operator
and tanker Master to discuss the
actual conditions and equipment
versus the advisory limits and take a
joint decision on it being safe to
proceed with mooring approach.
Both parties must be fully aware that
either has the right to abort or
postpone the offtake if they are not
fully happy that it is safe to approach.
5, 6 & 7) Initial Assurance: System

design limits, appropriate FMEA / trial
results, and previous experiences
from the Duty Holder, tanker operators
and incident lessons incorporated into
useable check lists and
understandable limits within the
offtake terminal manual.
an independent competent person
from within Duty Holders organisation
(or external). Checklists tested by
use during trial connection.
6) Tanker Equipment
6) Tanker Master should inform FPSO/FSU immediately if there is any

reduced functionality in any critical equipment e.g. BLS, all equipment in
machinery space required for close proximity operations, generators, all
pitch controls including fail safes, all thrusters and steering motors,
redundant power sources, tanker gyros. Reference should be made to the
FSOG as appropriate. The Tanker master and FPSO/FSU marine
operator should agree a new heading if the thrusters and available power
supply have difficulty holding the tanker on the required heading within
agreed thrust / power limits {>50% Capability}.
7) Helicopter & 3rd party ship

Operations
7) Helicopter Operations
Helicopter operations to the Tanker or FPSO/FSU may be permitted during
actual offtake provided the tankers IG vent plumes are prevented from
interfering with the helicopter approach and departure tracks. Any
helicopter operations should be advised to the other vessel beforehand, in
order that any potential impact on position reference signals may be
foreseen and reacted to appropriately.

information exchanges performed at
the agreed frequency during each
offtake. FPSO/FSU OIM / Marine
Supervisor and tanker Master to
discuss any change in actual
conditions or equipment status /
availability on either vessel compared
to the advisory limits. They must take
a joint decision on it being safe to
continue but either may decide it is
prudent to stop loading or disconnect.
Both parties must be fully aware that
either has the right to abort or
postpone the offtake if they are not
fully happy that it is safe to continue.
Simultaneous Field Operations

Field operations involving other vessels / installations within 3nm of the
FPSO/FPU should be advised by the FPSO/FPU to the tanker in advance
of arrival. This advice should comprise a summary of the vessel/installation
position, planned movements, workscope, restrictions on movement, and
any foreseeable impact on the offtake operation.
Exclusion and restricted zones/sectors may be pre-agreed and
incorporated into the Field Joint Operations Manual to provide generic
guidance on tanker movement restrictions, and to assist with specific risk
assessment where appropriate.
Planned operations involving other vessels/installations within 500m of the
FPSO/FSU during tanker approach and whilst connected, should either be
covered by generic procedural restrictions (for routine operations such as
supply vessel operations), or be subject to specific risk assessment (for
non-routine operations). All planned simultaneous operations must be
agreed between all vessels/installations prior to tanker approach.
Where the risk of collision exists between a tanker and other
vessel/installation operating within the field (e.g. within 3nm of the
FPSO/FPU), the field operator may provide a Towing Assist Vessel to
further reduce the risk to the tanker and other installation/vessel.
Appendix A
53
Assurance of equipment compatibility between the tanker and TAV, and

capability of the TAV to provide effective assistance, may be provided by
emergency towing trials. A typical tanker operator standard for towing
trials is as follows:
Regular trials to maintain the effectiveness of the Emergency Towing
Procedures and Systems should be carried out between the TAV and the
ST. The frequency of these trials should be based on the results achieved,
but should in general be as follows;
- DP Class I vessels: Emergency towing should be conducted minimum
every 3 month;
- DP Class II vessels: Emergency towing should be conducted minimum
every 6 month.
Appendix A
54
Appendix B
Standards for FPSO/FSU
CONTENTS
Page
B1 FPSO / FSU General
57
B2 Stern Discharge System
59
B3 Hawser System
62
B4 Export Hose System
64
B5 Power Generation/Distribution
67
B6 Thruster & Steering Gear
69
B7 DP Heading Control System, Position References &

Sensors
71
Appendix B
55
Appendix B: Standards for FPSO/FSU

The following generic standards have been derived for elements on the
FPSO/FSU. These are defined as major elements of the offtake operation which
are critical for safety or the avoidance of pollution during the close proximity
phase of the offtake.
The standards consider two types of FPSO/FSU, those which have active
heading control , and those which just passively weather vane around their turret.
FPSO/FSU with active heading control
= active
FPSO/FSU with no heading control
= passive
= tauthaw
= dptank
Hence the term Applies active means the performance requirement applies
only if the FPSO/FSU uses active heading control.
A range of typical values or guidance information is included in {italic text}. This
typically applies to a FPSO/FSU in the Aframax to Suezmax size range and is
intended as preliminary information to Duty Holders who are unfamiliar with the
subject rather than as a substitute for correct design.
The Standards distinguish between new and existing FPSOs/FSUs.
An Existing FPSO/FSU means any floating vessel already installed on a UK
field before 1st July 2002 to export produced oil to an offtake tanker in a direct
tandem offtake operation.
A New FPSO/FSU means any floating vessel which is installed on a UK field
after 1st July 2002 to export produced oil to an offtake tanker in a direct tandem
offtake operation. {In this context New includes both newly built facilities and
existing facilities being relocated to a new field}.
Although the standards in this revision of the document differ from the original
document, this document retains the above definitions since the majority of
FPSOs/FSUs referred to are still operating.
Appendix B
56
Ref.
B1
Applicability
Initial Assurance / Ongoing

Assurance / Verification
FPSO/FSU General
Applies active & unless noted
otherwise as applying to
Passive.
1) To have accepted safety
case for intended duty
To limit pollution risk offshore
To be equipped for stern
discharge
To safely maintain heading
during offtake (if Active).
Else to freely weather vane
(if Passive)
1) Initial Assurance & Ongoing

1) FPSO/FSU to have fully functioning machinery, load computer, cargo
system, inert gas & venting systems, ballast system, COW systems, position
Assurance: ICP review and
reference / sensors, radio equipment and safety systems. The FPSO/FSU
inspection of FPSO/FSU build and
should be suitably manned {refer to section 5}, and be able to demonstrate
operation.
adequate inspection, maintenance and repair.
Verification: Auditing of FPSO/FSU
and independent survey of all
arrangements that could affect
offtake.
FPSO/FSUs may need to be

equipped for VOC recovery
(where future National
regulations or local company
policy requires).
2) Stern Discharge System
2) Covered by separate standard
2) Refer to B2 for details
3) Station Keeping Capability
3) For North Sea & Irish Sea: Passive freely weathervaning FPSOs/FSUs
may be acceptable.
3) Refer to B6 for details, including the

need to document that the systems
station keeping capabilities match the
expected duty and operating limits at
the field.
For Atlantic Frontier or other areas with very strong currents and
difficult metocean conditions: Active heading control should be employed
to assist the tanker provided the FPSO/FSU can demonstrate adequate
redundancy / integrity. New Active FPSOs should be built to IMO Class 2
equivalent redundancy standards.
4) FPSO/FSU Emergency Shut
Down (ESD) System
4) FPSO/FSUs typically have multi-level ESD systems Certain offtake

elements are also safety critical, {as per Section 4) }. These should only be
shutdown on the higher level of ESD or when there is a direct safety threat
from continued operation. (e.g. gas detected in vicinity of aerials / intakes).
{Hose and hawser reel power should also be available at higher ESD levels
on FPSOs/FSUs where trailing equipment poses a risk subsea.}
4) Initial and Ongoing Assurance:

Hazop, review of FPSO/FSU
shutdown logic versus tandem
offtake requirements for safe
approach both by those skilled in
process control and those skilled in
offtake tanker collision risks.
Appendix B
57
Verification: Testing shutdown logic

cause and effects on CEs.
5) Plant layout versus collision
zone.
Appendix B
58
5) New FPSOs/FSUs should be laid out to minimise the escalation potential 5) Concept Risk Assessment for New
FPSOs/FSUs or cost / benefit
from shuttle tanker collision {e.g. Gas flaring and high risk process plant
ALARP analysis for existing
located away from the stern collision zones}. Existing FPSOs/FSUs should
FPSOsFSUs.
evaluate the cost benefit of external structure and fendering to reduce the
shuttle tanker collision risk to such process plant.
Consideration should be given to ensuring that equipment which must be
placed close to the stern e.g. for hose and hawser handling, can resist
foreseeable impacts.
Ref.
B2
Applicability

/ Verification
Stern Discharge System

Applies to Active & Passive
1) To deploy FPSO/FSU hawser 1) Hawser winch to be
manner {10 minutes}.
the correct rope size.
single man from the
hawser.
able to deploy or recover the hawser in a timely 1) Initial Assurance: Design check
winches & foundations versus
Winch to be fitted with automatic spooling gear for
guaranteed hawser weak link load.
Hawser winch and hose winch to be controlled by a
{Load to be applied from all feasible
same point if hose deployed and recovered with
directions due to potential FPSO/FSU
& shuttle tanker position losses}.
Acceptance test on speed and
spooling.
Ongoing Assurance: Planned
maintenance of winch and spooling
mechanism.
Refer to B1 for details of interface to
FPSO/FSU ESD system.
2) To deploy FPSO/FSU hose
2) The hose storage and recovery system must be appropriate for the field
water-depth and FPSO/FSU deck space.
A) Chute systems should be covered in Teflon or similar to reduce friction
and prevent damage to the hose. There must be adequate recovery
and deployment winches to overcome friction in the chute both ways.
The mechanism for connecting the inboard hose end to the export pipe
should require minimal manual intervention from aft deck crew.
B) Powered reels should be capable of deploying and recovering the
entire hose length {within 10 minutes} and storing the entire length on
the drum. The reel should incorporate fluid swivels to allow export
crude to be pumped from the export system into the hose without the
need to connect the hose to the export pipe work following deployment.
The reel should incorporate a spooling mechanism or hose guide on
the drum surface. These should be suitably lined or coated to minimise
damage to the hose. The hawser winch and hose winch should be
controlled by a single man from the same point if hose deployed and
recovered with hawser.
2) Initial Assurance: Design check reels

or other offtake hose support systems
including foundations to withstand a
load well in excess of the dry break /
marine breakaway coupling pull off
load. {Load to be applied from all
feasible directions due to potential
FPSO/FSU & tanker position losses}.
Acceptance test on speed and
spooling.
Ongoing Assurance: Planned
maintenance of all recovery
connection and spooling mechanisms.
Appendix B
59
C) Where the hose is suspended from the stern there should be adequate
water depth to prevent the lower end striking the seabed in storm
conditions. A retrieval line should be permanently connected to the
outboard end dry break coupling for recovery. {The hose recovery
system should be powerful enough to recover a 100% full hose without
any need to drain the hose down. All systems should either have
redundant power and recovery motors or an alternative means of
recovering the hose to a safe configuration should the reel motor fail.
All systems including hawser winch should be operated from a safe
position, {i.e. a location clear of the hawser} with good vision of the
hawser and hose going over the stern and preferably protected from
the elements. All systems should have provisions onboard the
FPSO/FSU to flush oil out of the export hose and back to slops tank}.
3) Export Pipework
3) The export pipework must be fitted with a FPSO export shutdown valve
inboard of the hose reel / or other hose coupling. This valve should be
located inboard away from potential collision damage zones}. The valve
should shut {tripping export pumps} on export shut down being initiated
from either the FPSO/FSU or the Shuttle Tanker via a 2-way telemetry
system between the two.
3) Initial Assurance: Test and record

PSV leak integrity and closure time
from issuing FPSO/FSU and tanker
ESD signals.
Ongoing assurance: Annual repeat
of leak integrity and closure time tests.
Verification: ICP reviews records.
4) Telemetry, emergency export

stop and disconnect.
5) To control the effects of oil

ignition
6) To monitor aft deck

operations
Appendix B
60
4) The telemetry system should provide a greenline permit for the

FPSO/FSU to start export pumps. Export should automatically cease if the
Green Line permit to pump signal is lost during export. The export pump
and export valve shut down times should be as short as possible
commensurate with the surge pressure study of the FPSO/FSU pipework,
and in any event shorter than the tanker bow loading valve closing time.
4) Initial Assurance: Commissioning

tests, trial tanker connection on field.
5) The stern discharge area should be protected by either a deluge system at

the PSD valve the hose coupler and any fluid swivels or by foam monitors
which can be trained on these areas from a safe location.
5 & 6) Initial Assurance: Design review

and acceptance tests.
Ongoing Assurance: test telemetry

based ESD systems functioning
before start of each loading.
Ongoing Assurance : Periodic tests
6) The Stern Discharge Area should be monitored by CCTV with a display

adjacent to the cargo control console during offtake. Lighting on the aft
end of the FPSO/FSU shall be configured so as not to blind its own CCTV
system or indeed the CCTV used to view the Hawser and Hose catenary
from the shuttle tanker.
7) To limit risk to aft deck

personnel
7) The deck in way of stern discharge equipment should be non-slip coated

and fitted with save alls to prevent hydrocarbon overspill to main deck. All
machinery should be guarded as far as practicable given the duty. Access
platforms and guard-rails should be fitted to ensure messengers can be
connected {e.g. between the hose and hawser end} without personnel
having to hang overboard outside the guarded areas. All machinery and
aft deck work should only be performed by FPSO/FSU crew having being
briefed on the operation, hazards, and machinery and issued with
adequate PPE. Control stations and personnel standby locations should
be protected from the effects of breaking ropes by location or physical
protection. {All non- inducted personnel should be kept clear during
connected operations. Occasional chaperoned access for inspection}.
7) Initial & Ongoing Assurance:

Design review plus onboard
housekeeping and training routines.
Appendix B
61
Ref.
B3
Applicability

/ Verification
Hawser system
Where applicable
1 & 2) To provide mooring link
between FPSO/FSU and
tanker
To be suitable to connect to
tanker BLS system
1) Long enough to maintain adequate tanker to FPSO/FSU clearance when

connected. {> 80m though short separation of 40m and occasionally bridle
arrangements are used for some taut hawser offtakes, particularly where
different FPSO/FSU and tanker size makes the arrangement prone to
fishtailing on longer hawsers}
To be easily deployable and

recoverable with easy rigging
connections and fast enough
winches to minimise the time
the tanker is in close
proximity.
2) NDBS & Load extension properties matched to permit tanker to sit back
slow astern on hawser and still absorb relative vessel motions within low
tension range. {Typical range 80m x 650 tonne NDBS Nylon Superline for
mixed DP / taut hawser operation to 40m double grommet made from 540
tonne NDBS Nylon Braidline for some taut hawser operations with no DP
option.
To be equipped with sensors

to alert operators when
tension too high
3) To have enough residual strength on retirement to safely survive the

maximum disconnect tensions permitted operationally before immediate
disconnection. This should allow for fatigue damage and non-inspectable
internal yarn degradation, e.g. under high tension or compressive cycling.
For operations requiring regular taut hawser connections as well as DP,
higher loads are normal and a more sophisticated retirement criteria may
be required.
{Typically comprises a chafe

chain at each end, where it
passes through fairleads or
into stoppers, with a nylon
braidline or superline in
between}. This is the main
station keeping mechanism
for taut hawser tankers. It
also forms a backup station
keeping mechanism for DP
tankers in the event of any
single failure occurring. Its
slack catenary shape
provides a visual back up
position check for DP tankers
which also can revert to taut
hawser mode in the event of
a single failure.
Appendix B
62
1, 2 & 3) Initial Assurance: Hawser

sized by operator / tanker owners
previous successful practice and
checked / verified by tandem mooring
computations and / or model tests for
operational metocean conditions.
Hawser is specified, manufactured,
spliced inspected and tested in
accordance with OCIMF Guideline
(Ref 3)
Specify a retirement criteria based on
OCIMF prototype test fatigue load
data (wet service) and OCIMF load
range vs load cycle relationship.
{Note that a safety factor of 10 on load
range should be applied to ensure a
factor of at least 2 on fatigue
endurance and take account of the
inability to inspect internal condition}.
Specify operating tensions where
crew should disconnect immediately.
{Typically 1 pull @ 19% NDBS for
pure DP operation. Typically 1 pull @
27% or 2 pulls > 19% NDBS in any
hour period for taut hawser
operations.)
Fit and calibrate a load cell to monitor
tension loads.
Ongoing Assurance: Crew inspect

hawser for external damage as it is
recovered. FPSO/FSU & tanker crew
disconnect if tensions exceed
specified limits. Crew log hawser
history and significant tension peaks
during each offtake. (Note if the
hawser is ever used for taut hawser
operations then the crew must
calculate cumulative fatigue damage
versus retirement criteria for all
operations). Regular calibration of
load cell in PM system. Verify by
auditing operations and records.
Verification of the specified
retirement criteria can be by
destructive testing of used hawsers
(yarn realisation techniques may be
used).
All of the requirements should point to
a decision which restricts taut hawser
use of normally DP hawsers.
Retirement of taut hawsers should be
based on a tension monitoring and
recording device which advises on a
combined number and level of peak
loads to provide a good indication of
probable fatigue.
4) Consider incorporation of
weak link.
4) Weak link to break at a predictable load {< 66% of hawser NDBS} which is
greater than the maximum hawser disconnect tension but less than the
load which can damage the hawser winch mechanism, stoppers or
foundations at either end. The weak link is to ensure that the hawser parts
rather than cause structural damage
The decision as to whether a weak link should be incorporated in a hawser
system must take account of the inherent risks involved in activation /
failure of the link. This should include consideration of the potential energy
present in a stretched hawser and the destructive potential of components
catapulted at high velocity following activation / failure of the link.
4) Initial Assurance: Design check

winch & foundations versus weak link
load. Weak link concept based on
predictable reliable failure {e.g.
Notched well supported section in
pure shear}.
Verify: Test break of new prototype.
Ongoing assurance: Inspect weak
link during hawser change out &
verify by test breaking 1st retired
weak link.
Appendix B
63
Ref.
B4
Applicability

/ Verification
Export Hose System

Applies all
1) to 8) To provide flexible oil
flow path between
FPSO/FSU and Tanker.
To be electrically
discontinuous
To maintain high standards of
integrity under all design
conditions, including
emergency disconnect, to
minimise the risk of pollution.
To be easily deployed and
recovered back to the
FPSO/FSU.
To be suitable for connection
to ST BLS system.
{Typically comprises bolted
sections of reinforced bonded
construction offshore loading
hose.}
1 & 2) Initial Assurance / Verification:

1) Long enough to provide enough slack for the hawser system to stretch to
breaking point, but short enough to minimise the risk of the hose catenary
Hose length and hawser length
chafing against the tankers bulbous bow, and to also minimise the risk of
demonstrated by catenary calculations
interference with the bow thrusters. {Typical lengths in use, range between
and plots taking into account hawser
1.5 and 2.0 times hawser length}.
stretch characteristics and FPSO/FSU
/ tanker geometry.
2) When considering the hose diameter the following factors should be
among those considered:
- the duration of pumping. The larger the hose the less flowing friction
and the shorter the offtake duration with a potential impact on the overall
risk. However tankers have a maximum bulk loading rate that they are
designed to accept, sometimes limited by their venting capability, and
this should not be exceeded;
- the faster the flow rate the higher the potential surge pressures in the
event of a valve failure on the tanker. The surge pressures should be
analysed as to whether they can be accepted not just by the hose (refer
to paragraph 4) below), but by the FPSO piping systems;
- the volume of oil that may enter the sea in the event of a hose failure or
MBC activation;
- the volume of oil that is stored in the hose when on the FPSO reel or
other arrangement, and the safety risk that this inventory may represent;
- the larger the hose diameter the larger the necessary reel to ensure the
hose minimum bend radius is not exceeded and hence the loss of
available deck space;
- the mass of each hose section which may have to be handled from the
reel during any hose section repairs or hose string replacement
3) Hose sections to be designed and fitted with bend restrictors at the flanged
connections as required to match the local bending and torsion loads to
which they may be subjected during construction service and offshore
replacement. {Typical reinforcements may be to protect the flanges and
hose whilst on a storage reel or chute and to withstand extra local bending
or torsion at the outboard dry break coupling, the inboard FPSO/FSU
coupling, or any intermediate breakaway coupling. The hose design must
Appendix B
64
3) Initial Assurance: Hose

manufacturer design calculations
checked as reflecting the correct
FPSO/FSU storage and retrieval
system plus end / ancillary fittings.
take account of the degrees of freedom in the attachment systems on both

the FPSO/FSU and Tanker versus operational movement, and also of
tension/bending on the FPSO/FSU storage and retrieval system.}
4) Hose system to resist maximum working pressure under all possible
operating conditions throughout the life. This includes loads when full of oil
or seawater and dynamic pressure surges possible under valve failure,
emergency disconnect or pull off scenarios. Guidance on the capability of
the hose to accept surge pressures can be found in Reference 4 Section
5.5
5) Dry break hose end valve should fail closed under all flow conditions if the
hose is released from or pulled off the tanker bow fitting to minimise
pollution. {The hose end disk valve should typically close over a duration of
25 to 35 seconds. Manufacturers of 20dry-break couplers include
Pusnes, Hitec, Speedseal & MIB}
6) Reference 4 provides general guidance on the standard for electrically
discontinuous hoses, and on their use within its Section 5.3. This guidance
is also given in the International Oil Tanker and Terminal Safety
Guide Section 18.2.6.4, that only one discontinuous hose should be used
in a string. For a reeled system the discontinuous section is typically
placed at the tanker end of the string so that any accumulated static
charge would be earthed back to the FPSO during operation, and avoid the
risk of arcing during either disconnection at the tanker bow manifold or
during reeling back to the FPSO.
4 & 5) Initial Assurance: System

pressure surge calculations performed
and checked in accordance with
process design codes taking due
account of actual valve closing
sequence and times during all
emergency disconnect and shut down
scenarios.
Such calculations should take into
account:
- valve type (disc valves may
decrease flow linearly with
displacement; butterfly valves
constrict the flow very little in the
first 85% of closure and then very
rapidly in the last 15%);
- closing sequence and times; valve
closing times should be verified to
be no less than used in the design
assumptions;
- the possibility of pressure surge
waves reflected from diameter step
changes or from severe bends, and
the combining of these at the same
time and location at an interval after
the initial pressure surge.
3, 4 & 6) Initial Assurance: Hose
system specified, manufactured and
tested in accordance with OCIMF
guidelines (ref 4) & ISGOTT.
7) Where offloading hoses are purged to remove fluids prior to disconnection,

the following considerations should be taken into account:
The purging medium must comprise an inert gas. Use of compressed
air for hose purging, with the resultant introduction of air to the
hydrocarbon-rich ullage space in loaded cargo tanks, must be
avoided.
Appendix B
65
During connection and disconnection a floating hose may form a bight

in the vicinity of the tanker bow and thus require greater care in the coordination of the hose transfer in order to avoid contact between the
hose end coupling and the tanker hull.
The effect of surface current on the floating section of the hose. If the
hose is deployed and recovered using a reel, then this may cause the
angle of the hose approach to the reel to be outwith that required for
correct stowage on the drum.
Where an MBC is incorporated into the hose string, the introduction of
bending loads on the MBC due to its weight in relation to the adjacent
buoyant hose sections, together with the bending loads on the
adjacent hose sections. Consideration may be given to reducing
these loads by the installation of MBC flotation collars.
The wave induced loads and consequent bending moments imposed
on a floating hose (and MBC where appropriate) in the most severe
weather conditions in which connection and disconnection are carried
out.
8) Marine Breakaway Coupling.
(MBC) This typically
comprises a link designed to
fail at a known load. Spring
loaded petals close the
upstream hose end
automatically on failure
8) MBC used if the bow fitting on any of the offtake tankers is not designed to
automatically release the dry break coupling under loads before the hose
ruptures or the FPSO/FSU hose / reel connection is damaged. {If fitted the
position should be near the outboard hose end, the design failure load
must be > max working tension/bending & below the hose burst pressure.
Refer to Ref. 7) OCIMF information paper
8) Initial Assurance: Design

calculations demonstrate break load in
correct range. Verified Prototype
component testing. Ongoing
Assurance Inspection for bolt stretch
/ displacement on retrieval after every
offtake. Dismantle, check times /
components & remake annually.
Ongoing Assurance: Inspect MBC
for bolt stretch or carcass movement
on every recovery. Dismantle , check
closure times and remake every third
year.
Appendix B
66
Ref.
B5
Applicability

/ Verification
Power Generation /
Distribution
Applies Active FPSO/FSU
1 & 2) To reliably power
thrusters, control systems,
references and all normal
hull, production and stern
discharge functions.
To fail to safe condition as a
far as can reasonably be
achieved.
To alert operators on system
malfunction.
1) Existing active heading control FPSOs/FSUs should have their power

generation and distribution systems enhanced as far as reasonably
practicable to achieve the ability to maintain heading following a failure of
any single active component including a main generator. {It is important
that where thruster and control system power comes from generators &
boards also powering main production loads that the overall load shedding
logic assigns a top priority to maintaining active heading control during
tandem offtake operations. Thruster failure under active heading control
could result in a sudden FPSO/FSU change in heading and a resulting
over correction from the tankers DP system as it tries to follow}
2) FPSOs/FSUs which were built or substantially converted after 2000, where
they require active heading control should have all power generation and
distribution {which is used to actively control heading} to IMO DP Class 2
standards in all areas where power loss could affect its ability to maintain
station in close proximity FPSO/FSU operations. {Load shedding logic and
priorities versus other production supplies should consider the adequacy of
redundancy to resist single failures to IMO DP 2 standards}
3 & 4) Power generation and

main switch board
3) Single HV switchboards are acceptable for existing FPSOs/FSUs where it

is no longer reasonably practicable to provide redundant supplies to the
thrusters. {However all reasonably practicable enhancement and
operational control steps must be taken to ensure integrity so that they
dont fail or trip during close proximity operations. This may include limiting
large production motor starts / changeovers during offtake and any
maintenance activities which could induce load shedding / generator
tripping or any other instability in the system. Retaining thrusters should be
a top priority during offtake in any load shedding scheme on an active
FPSO/FSU}
1) to 7) Initial Assurance: FMEA

including proving trials of FPSO/FSU
power, thrusters and controls in
accordance with IMO and IMCA
standards (Ref section 4.4). System
capabilities should be calculated and
documented both with everything
working and with each significant
single failure. {This to illustrate the
power balance between duplicate
systems is understood, and that crew
understand operating limits to cater for
the effects of a single failure}.
Ongoing Assurance: Annual trials to
confirm functioning of equipment and
alarms plus retrial following repair or
modification (ref. Section 4.4). {All
trials should be carried out by proper
simulation of failures (e.g. by
removing terminals, disconnecting
24V distribution circuits, tripping
machinery etc) and investigating
unexpected results and recording
results}.
Verification: On board independent
audit of FMEA, trials reports and
annual tests. {All such reports should
be on-board, up to date, and
understood by CCR DP / ATC
operators and maintenance
supervisors / technicians with respect
to actions which need to be taken a)
to maintain high levels of integrity and
b) to diagnose and overcome failures}
Appendix B
67
4) Where thrusters are powered from a single switchboard, the cells should
be separated so that a local fire or fault in one thruster cell will not
immediately affect the other thrusters cell. GF
5) DP Heading Control
5) The DP heading control system must monitor the generator outputs versus
thruster and additional load consumers and excessive power levels should
alarm to alert the operators. Where thrusters are powered by the main bus
an alarm should activate at {50%} power level. Good planning of standby
and on-line generators should be arranged to ensure that sufficient power
is always available, to include for a single generator failure.
6) Power Management
6) For vessels with power management systems, such systems are to be

UPS powered. The UPS must have alarms for low voltage and charger
failure. Loss of the power management system should result in the boards
failing as set. Generator control systems and charging units must be
alarmed for low voltage and charger failure.
7) LV Power / Control system

power
7) Special attention shall be given to the 220V & 24V distribution for DP,
references, sensors, controls, & thrusters, such that failure of a single fuse
will not disable any non redundant system.

On vessels with a single 220 V main board, consumers where single fuse
failure could lead to loss of a critical control function, resulting in potential
loss of vessel position, should have backup supplies from either the 220 V
emergency board or a 24 V system.
Systems where single fuse failure could lead to loss of a critical control
function, resulting in potential loss of vessel position, should have duplicate
power from an independent source. All battery-backed systems should be
fitted with status monitoring such that charger failure or low voltage alerts
the operators.
Appendix B
68
Ref.
B6
Applicability
Thrusters & Steering Gear
Applies to Active FPSO/FSU
1 & 2) To provide adequate
FPSO/FSU heading control to
assist tanker connection,
offtake & disconnection
achieved.
malfunction
3) Thrusters & Steering gear
4, 5 & 6) Controls and Alarms
1) Existing active heading control FPSOs/FSUs should have

minimum two operational thrusters at a significant lever arm
from the turret. {The minimum is 2 transverse stern
thrusters if the turret is near the bow whereas more
transverse bow thrusters may be required if the turret is
nearer amidships. Number and size of thrusters to match
required moment to maintain heading control after worst
single failure}.
2) FPSOs/FSUs which were built or substantially converted
after 2000, where they require active heading control
should have thrust arrangements to IMO DP class 2
requirements and thrusters should be sized with due regard
to residual capability following worst case single failure
matching the required metocean operating limits for offtake
at the most severe operating location.
3) Thrusters should be arranged so that they do not fail to full
pitch in either direction and that azimuthing gear (if fitted)
fails to set. {Thrusters should sound an audible alarm, if
there is a large discrepancy between desired and actual
pitch or between desired and actual azimuth. DP / ATA
operators should stop the relevant thruster immediately on
alarm}. Thrusters should as far as reasonably practicable
be powered from separate sources to reduce the risk that
more than one thruster / rudder fails in the same event.
4) Thrusters should take control signals from both DP
computers and from separate manual control consoles
close to the DP console in the CCR and also from a backup
location within the engine room. Even on DP class 1
heading control system

Verification
1) to 6) Initial Assurance: FMEA including proving

trials of vessel power, thrusters and controls in
accordance with IMO and IMCA standards (Ref
section 4.4). System capabilities should be
calculated and documented both with everything
working and with each significant single failure.
{This to illustrate the power balance between
duplicate systems is understood, and that crew
understand operating limits to cater for the
effects of a single failure}.
Ongoing Assurance: Annual trials to confirm
functioning of equipment and alarms plus retrial
following repair or modification (ref. Section 4.4).
{All trials should be carried out by proper
simulation of failures (e.g. by removing terminals,
disconnecting 24V distribution circuits, tripping
machinery etc) and investigating unexpected
results and recording results}.
Verification: On board independent audits of
FMEA, trials reports and annual tests. {All such
reports should be on-board, up to date, and
understood by CCR DP / ATC operators and
maintenance supervisors / technicians with
respect to actions which need to be taken a) to
maintain high levels of integrity and b) to
diagnose and overcome failures}
Refer to B1 for details of interface to FPSO/FSU
ESD system.
5) FPSO/FSU thruster controls should be powered from

separate sources with the use of UPS so that no single
power failure could result in the loss of sufficient thrusters
to cause a loss of FPSO/FSU position or heading.
Appendix B
69
6) Independent thrust & azimuth indicators should be installed

close to the DP console, fed from a separate circuit than
the DP thruster pitch angle / azimuth signals. Any thruster
power failures or thruster failures should sound alarm to
alert operators.
Appendix B
70
Ref.
B7
Applicability

/ Verification
Heading Control System,

Position References &
Sensors
Applies to active and where
noted also to passive FPSO/
FSUs accepting DP tankers.
1) to 4) To provide accurate
heading control
To provide accurate
FPSO/FSU stern position
and heading information to
DP tanker.
achieved.
To have enhancements that
provide adequate
redundancy to prevent minor
or common single point
failures compromising
station-keeping integrity.
malfunction.
1) The FPSO/FSU heading control system should always be a duplex

system with bumpless changeover from one to the other. The system
should be UPS supplied and alarmed.
2) Existing Active FPSOs/FSUs having heading control systems equivalent
to IMO DP Class 1, should be enhanced so that there are 2 computers
configured so that common facilities, interfaces, data check or data
transfer routines are incapable of crashing both. Controls must be
designed and operated so that no single inadvertent act can cause loss of
heading. DP Class 1 FPSOs/FSUs may alternatively revert to passive
weather-vaning mode without thruster assist during tandem offtake
operations if their turret type permits. {Duty holders should be aware that,
for FPSO/FSU heading control in close proximity operations the Simplex
levels of equipment and redundancy specified in IMO guidelines for Class
1 DP are not adequate to provide ALARP if the FPSO/FSU could
dramatically alter heading on failure. This is achievable by providing
industry standard duplex DP heading control systems, whereby the
second system monitors the performance of the on-line system and
assumes control in the event of a malfunction of the on line system
without affecting the vessel position. }
3) Hawser tension monitoring systems must have an output to the heading
control DP system which alarms when the tension is excessive. The DP
heading control system should be equipped with an events printer which
should be switched on during close proximity operations.
4) New Active heading control FPSOs/FSUs must have on line capability
plots and warnings if capability being exceeded.

including proving trials of vessel
standards (Ref section 4.4).
modification (ref. Section 4.4). {All
results}.
annual tests. {All such reports
should be on-board, up to date, and
understood by bridge officers and
engineers with respect to actions
which need to be taken a) to maintain
high levels of integrity and b) to
diagnose and overcome.
Appendix B
71
5) Position References &

Sensors
Applies to active and also to
passive FPSO/FSUs
accepting DP tankers.
5) All FPSOs/FSUs should provide three completely independent relative

position references. All new position fixing antennae should be located
as close to the offtake point (normally stern) as possible, without causing
signal loss, to minimise the gyro error in position data.
Note: if a Passive
FPSO/FSU is only accepting
taut hawser tankers which do
not use DP even for
approach or departure then it
needs to provide no position
references other than an
approximate heading (+/5deg). This is only to enable
the tanker to make its initial
run to pick up the
messengers. In this case the
FPSO/FSU may only have a
single gyro and the stated
heading should be
corroborated by ERRV, or
tanker visual during
approach.
6) All FPSOs/FSUs should consider the use of a remote Position Monitoring
System showing data on the offtake tanker position and heading, and
thrusters power consumption, by telemetry, for use by the Marine
Operator / CCR in assessing reference quality and tanker station keeping
versus ESD1 and ESD2 limits.
6) The assessment should include the

ability of the FPSO/FSU crew to
assimilate the data in a meaningful
way, and the effect of the workload
increase on the crew. It should also
consider what actions would be
appropriate.
In assessing the necessity for this
equipment, FPSO/FSU operators
should take into account the
enhanced reporting regime
recommended in Section 7.
7) All FPSOs/FSUs should be equipped with three gyros powered from

separate UPS, actively monitored to alarm if one gyro differs. The tanker
is to be informed immediately on alarm.
Appendix B
72
7) One potential exception is having 1

DGPS antenna far enough forward to
derive heading checks.
8) The position reference systems and sensors should be UPS supplied and
alarmed to provide DP Class 2 level redundancy under IMO MSC 645 and
alert the DP / ATA operator of any position reference or sensor dropping
out.
Appendix B
73
Intentionally Blank
Appendix B
74
Appendix C
Standards for Offtake Tankers (Offloading FPSO/FSUs)
CONTENTS
Page
C1 Offtake Tanker General
77
C2 Bow Loading Systems BLS
79
C3 Main Propulsion 1
81
C4 Main Propulsion 2
82
C5 Power Generation/Distribution
83
C6 Thruster & Steering Gear
85
C7 DP Control System, Position References & Sensors
86
Appendix C
75
Appendix C: Standards for Offtake Tankers

(Offloading FPSO / FSU)
The following generic standards have been derived for elements on offtake
tankers performing tandem offtakes from a FPSO or FSU. These are defined as
major elements of the offtake operation which are critical for safety or the
avoidance of either pollution or production loss during the close proximity phase
of the offtake.
The standards consider two types of FPSO / FSU, those which have active
heading control, and those which just passively weather vane around their turret.
FPSO or FSU with active heading control
= active
FPSO or FSU with no heading control
= passive
= tauthaw
= dptank
Hence the term Applies dptank means the performance requirement applies
only if the offtake tanker is on DP.
The Standards distinguish between new and existing tankers.
An Existing Tanker means any offtake tanker that either has had its keel laid
before 1st July 2002 or has commenced upgrade to accommodate bow loading
or close proximity station keeping capability before 1st July 2002, and which is
seeking tandem offtake work on the UK sector.
A New Tanker means any offtake tanker that either has had its keel laid after 1st
July 2002 or has commenced upgrade to accommodate bow loading or close
proximity station keeping capability after 1st July 2002, and which is seeking
tandem offtake work on the UK sector. {In this context New includes both newly
built tankers and existing tankers being newly converted to permit offshore
offtake}.
Although the standards in this revision of the document differ from the original
document, this document retains the above definitions since some of the
existing tanker as defined above, are still in operation.
Appendix C
76
Ref.
C1
Applicability

/ Verification
Offtake Tanker General

Applies Tauthaw & dptank
To be certified as trading
tanker for intended use
To limit pollution risk both
offshore and on port entry
1) The vessel should be fully certified, have no significant limitations of Class

and be capable of unrestricted trading. DP tankers should have DP Class
notation. The vessel should be suitably manned for offtake service, and be
able to demonstrate adequate inspection, maintenance and repair.
Verification: Auditing of ships vetting

records and frequency else
independent survey if frequency by oil
majors not adequate.
To be equipped for bow

loading and manifold
discharge
To be equipped to safely
maintain station at the
proposed offshore location
Tankers may need to be
equipped for VOC recovery
(where National regulations
or local company policy
requires).
1) Initial Assurance & Ongoing

Assurance: Vetting under OCIMF
SIRE scheme and against DISPORT
specific requirements.
2) Offtake tankers can suffer a higher rate of fatigue damage particularly

when they are operating on the Atlantic Margin. The owner operator
should be able to demonstrate negligible risk of pollution through fatigue or
corrosion failure of the hull. {Stress monitoring should be provided on new
tankers if the ships are intended for Atlantic margin. It should be
considered as a retrofit on older tankers performing these duties}
2) Initial and Ongoing Assurance:

Vessel built to an IACS Class,
surveyed and maintained in
accordance with Class requirements.
For vessels over 10 years old or
operating on the Atlantic Margin the
tanker Owner / operator should be
able to demonstrate knowledge of
and inspection of critical fatigue
locations in excess of normal Class
requirements. E.g. Through analysis
of Stress monitoring and or increased
inspection.
Verification: Review of owner
operators inspection.
3) Overfill avoidance systems
3) Cargo tanks should be equipped with a suitable remote level monitoring

system with independent alarms {High & High High Level}. { }.

Review of equipment layouts and
description. Verification: Auditing of
ships.
4) The Bow Loading System
4) Covered by separate standard.
4) Refer to C2 for details
Appendix C
77
5 & 6) Station keeping capability

as follows:
5) For North Sea & Irish Sea: Enhanced DP Class 1 tankers may be
acceptable for DP offtake after suitable risk assessment. Non DP or basic
DP Class 1 Tankers working on taut hawser are acceptable.
6) For environmentally sensitive areas and harsh weather conditions:
Class 2 DP tankers should be utilised where possible, though Enhanced
DP 1 may be acceptable if demonstrated to have an equivalent risk level
as DP2.
7) Emergency towing capability
Appendix C
78
7) Tanker will be fitted with standard IMO/OCIMF pattern emergency towing

gear for sea-going duty. If it is intended to use towing assist vessels to
reduce the risk of collision by the tanker then Duty Holders should liaise
with the tanker operator so that the correct equipment is provided. Testing
of the towing procedure, to keep both the tanker and TAV personnel
familiar with this operation, should take place at appropriate intervals.
(See Appendix A, Section A2 6)
5 & 6) Refer to C6 for details including the

need to document that the system's
station keeping capabilities match the
expected duty and operating limits at
the worst anticipated operating
location.

Review of equipment layouts, design
check calculations and procedure.
Applicability
Ref.
C2

Verification
Bow Loading System BLS

Applies to Tauthaw & dptank
To recover & latch FPSO/FSU
hawser
1) BLS should be of standard offshore design with bow roller /

fairlead, traction winch for the main hawser, remotely
operated chain stopper for hawser chafe chain and
powered storage reel for messengers.
2, 3 & 4) To recover & latch

FPSO/FSU hose
2) The hose recovery system should be of standard offshore

design.
3) The hose latching mechanism should accommodate a
standard 20dry break coupling flange with remotely and
locally controlled latching mechanism and downstream ball
valve.
4) The hose & hawser should be capable of remote release
from the offtake control station as well as local operation.
{There should be a remote CCTV system with views of the
upper focsle, hawser winch, hose winch, coupler and
hydraulic systems.}
5) To permit emergency
disconnection
5) There should be hydraulic accumulators in the system to

allow the system to operate in the event of hydraulic failure.
{The accumulators should also allow emergency shut down
and disconnection with no main system hydraulic pressure
available. Coupler claws should have dedicated
accumulator}. The controls should have two sources of
power supply.
6) To limit the effects of an oil leak

from connection by dual
channel telemetry and
establishment of green line
permit to pump
6) The BLS controls should be of the green line principle

based on 2 way telemetry with FPSO/FSU and with
automatic closure of FPSO/FSU PSD valve (pump trip) and
closure of BLS valves in the event of high crude oil
pressure, low hydraulic pressure, coupler not open, end
valve not open or inboard valve non open. {Note either
FPSO/FSU or Tanker should be able to initiate ESD 1 but
normally only tanker should initiate disconnect}
1) to 8) Initial and Ongoing Assurance: The bow

loading, telemetry and control systems are not
covered by a standard OCIMF vetting nor fully
covered by class requirement. Hence tanker
owner / operators should be able to demonstrate
that they have an adequate in house standard
and procedure including BLS FMEA, functional
requirements, operation inspection and testing.
This should include testing of ESD functions,
telemetry, pressure related trips, and hose
connection integrity prior to pumping.
The BLS FMEA should be to a level and depth
which includes the effects of failure of any
component including the effects of failure of each
individual hydraulic hose.
Verification: Auditing the existence of such a
standard /procedure and completion records of
testing against it. Verification of working
practices.
Appendix C
79
Appendix C
80
7) To control the effects of oil

ignition
7) The BLS area should be protected by a deluge system

covering the chain stopper, bow fairlead, traction winch, and
cargo hose coupler area with an additional remotely
operated foam monitor for the bow loading area. The
deluge systems should be arranged to automatically
operate on ERS or by manual initiation. Vessels should
consider the means of evacuation from the BLS area.
8) To limit risk to foredeck

personnel
8) The deck in way of BLS should be non-slip coated and fitted

with save alls to prevent hydrocarbon overspill to main
deck. All machinery should be guarded as far as
practicable given the duty. All machinery and foredeck
operations should only be performed by ships crew having
being briefed on the operation, hazards, and machinery and
issued with adequate PPE. Control stations and personnel
standby locations should be protected from the effects of
breaking ropes by location or physical protection.
Applicability
Ref.
C3

Verification
Main Propulsion 1
Applies tauthaw with no DP used
during approach, offtake or
disconnection.
To provide adequate
manoeuvrability for
connection disconnection.
1) A single main engine is acceptable provided measures

have been taken to reduce the risk and consequences of
engine failure to ALARP.
To provide finely controlled

low power astern thrust for
prolonged offtake periods.
2) Main engine(s) should be suitable for prolonged lower

power operations. { i.e. by using auxiliary scavenge air
supply fan, trace heating on fuel lines, cooling water recirculation and governor booster pumps as required.
Isolating individual cylinders from fuel injection is
acceptable.}
To fail to safe conditions.

To alert operator on
malfunctions.
3) Propeller(s)
3) A single CPP main propeller is acceptable on existing

tankers provided it fails safe and in particular cannot drift or
fail ahead in taut hawser mode.
4) Main Engine / CPP Auxiliaries
4) Essential pumps (lube oil, camshaft oil, governor booster,

gearbox oil, fuel, and especially CPP hydraulic pumps,
should be duplicated and arranged for automatic change
over (without engine trip) powered from separate cells of
the switchboard. {The changeover system should be such
that failure of a fuse in the changeover relays should not
trip all the pumps. An alarm should activate to alert watchkeepers on changeover}.
5 & 6) Main Engine / CPP

Controls
5) Main engine / CPP should take control signals from

separate manual control consoles on bridge and within
engine room. The control units should have a backup
(non-follow up) control unit.

trials of vessel main engine, CPP and controls in
section 4.4). System capabilities should be
calculated and documented both with everything
working and with each significant single failure.
following repair or modification (ref Section 4.4).
simulation of failures (e.g. by removing terminals,
disconnecting 24V distribution circuits, tripping
machinery etc) and investigating unexpected
results and recording results}.
Verification: On board independent audit of
understood by bridge officers and engineers with
respect to actions which need to be taken a) to
maintain high levels of integrity and b) to
6) Main engine and CPP controls should have dual supplies,

one of which is UPS or battery back up so that equipment
continues to function after a single failure. An alarm should
sound to alert operators of failure on either power supply or
changeover. The back-up non-follow up controls should be
powered from a separate third source.
Appendix C
81
Ref.
C4
Applicability

/ Verification
Main Propulsion 2
Applies dptank
To provide adequate
manoeuvrability for DP
connection, offtake &
disconnection.
To provide finely controlled
low power thrust for
prolonged periods.
To fail to safe conditions.
To alarm on malfunctions.
5 & 6) Propeller(s)
1) A single main engine is acceptable on existing tankers provided measures

have been taken to reduce the risk and consequences of engine failure to
ALARP.
2) New tankers entering service should have redundant fore and aft
propulsion.
3) Conventional large slow-speed main engine(s) should be suitable for
prolonged lower power operations. { i.e. by using auxiliary scavenge air
supply fan, trace heating on fuel lines, cooling water re-circulation and
governor booster pumps as required.}
5) A single CPP main propeller is acceptable on existing DP tankers provided
it fails safe and in particular cannot drift or fail full ahead in DP mode.
6) New DP tankers entering service should have redundant fore and aft
propulsion to IMO Class 2 standards.
7) Main Engine / CPP

Auxiliaries
7) Essential pumps e.g. lube oil, camshaft oil, governor booster, gearbox oil,
fuel, and especially CPP hydraulic pumps should be duplicated and
arranged for automatic change over (without engine trip) powered from
separate cells of the switchboard. {The changeover system should be
such that failure of a fuse in the changeover relays should not trip all the
pumps. An alarm should activate to alert watch-keepers on changeover}.
8 & 9) Main Engine / CPP

Controls
8) Main engine / CPP should take control signals from both DP computers
and from separate manual control consoles on bridge and within engine
room. The control units should have a backup (non-follow up) control unit.

including proving trials of vessel main
engine, CPP and controls in
standards (Ref. section 4.4).
modification (ref Section 4.4). {All
results}.
understood by bridge officers and
engineers with respect to actions
9) Main engine and especially CPP controls should have dual supplies, one
of which is UPS or battery back up so that equipment continues to function
after a single failure. An alarm should sound to alert operators of failure on
either power supply or changeover. The back-up non-follow up controls
should be powered from a separate third source.
10) Networks
Appendix C
82
10) Distributed control systems should have 2 networks, duplex control

computers and separate UPS supply.
Ref.
C5
Applicability
Requirements / Survivability / {Typical Values / Guidance @ April 01}

/ Verification
Power Generation /
Distribution
Applies dptank
To reliably power thrusters,
engine / steering auxiliaries,
control systems, references
and all normal ships and
BLS functions.
achieved.
1) All DP tankers should have power generation and distribution systems to

achieve the ability to maintain station following a failure of any single
active component. Tankers being brought into shuttle tanker service
should have power generation and distribution to IMO DP Class 2
standards in all areas where power loss could affect its ability to maintain
station in close proximity FPSO/FSU operations.
To alert operators on
system malfunction.
2) to 6) Power generation and
main switch board
2) For existing vessels single switchboards are acceptable but two or more
generators must be on line during close proximity operations.
3) Where thrusters are powered from the main switchboard, the cells should
be separated so that a local fire or fault in one thruster cell will not
immediately affect the other thrusters cell. A bus tie breaker should be
installed, and, where operated in the closed position, it should be
designed to open before generator breakers for both directional and nondirectional faults.
4) The DP control system must monitor the generator outputs versus
thruster and additional load consumers and excessive power levels
should alarm to alert the operators.
5) Shaft alternators should not be used to power thrusters on ships with a
single main engine. Thrusters should in this case be supplied from main
board with at least two auxiliary generators on-line. Shaft alternators can
be used to power thrusters on twin engine ships provided both shaft
generators are functioning and each shaft generator only supplies one
thruster at each end of the vessel. If the main board is also supplied from
the two shaft generators then the board should be split. Alternatively if
the main board is being supplied by auxiliary generators then at least two
shall be on line during close proximity operations.

including proving trials of vessel power,
thrusters and controls in accordance with
IMO and IMCA standards (Ref section
4.4). System capabilities should be
calculated and documented both with
everything working and with each
significant single failure. {This is to
ensure the power balance between
duplicate systems is understood, and
that crew understand operating limits to
cater for the effects of a single failure}.
modification (ref Section 4.4). {All trials
should be carried out by proper
simulation of failures (e.g. by removing
terminals, disconnecting 24V distribution
circuits, tripping machinery etc) and
investigating unexpected results and
recording results}.
audit of FMEA, trials reports and annual
tests. {All such reports should be onboard, up to date, and understood by
DPO / bridge officers and engineers with
respect to actions which need to be
taken a) to maintain high levels of
integrity and b) to diagnose and
overcome failures}
Appendix C
83
6) For vessels with power management systems, such systems should be

UPS powered. The UPS must have alarms for low voltage and charger
failure. Loss of the power management system should result in the
boards failing as set.
7) LV Power / Control system
power
7) Special attention shall be given to the 220V & 24V distribution for DP,
references, sensors, controls thrusters, such that failure of a single fuse
will not disable any non redundant system.
See Previous Sheet for Assurance and

Verification.
On vessels with a single 220 V main board, consumers where single fuse
failure could lead to loss of a critical control function, resulting in potential
loss of vessel position, should have backup supplies from either the 220 V
emergency board or a 24 V system.
The 24V distribution should preferable by split into 2 sections Systems
where single fuse failure could lead to loss of a critical control function,
resulting in potential loss of vessel position, should have duplicate power
from an independent source. All battery-backed systems should be fitted
with status monitoring such that charger failure or low voltage alerts the
DP operators.
Appendix C
84
Ref.
C6
Applicability

/ Verification
Thrusters & Steering Gear

Applies dptank & where noted to
tauthaw
To provide adequate
manoeuvrability for DP
connection, offtake &
disconnection
achieved.
malfunction
1) Existing DP vessels should have minimum two bow thrusters with a

combined transverse thrust capability as required for the design weather
conditions.
2) Single screw DP tankers should have at least one stern thruster, which
works in combination with a high lift rudder to give a total transverse thrust
capability as required for the design weather conditions .
3) Where DP class 2 vessels have two main propellers then twin high lift
rudders should be located to take advantage of the propeller wash unless
stern transverse thrust is to be supplied solely by stern thrusters for close
proximity station keeping.
4) DP offtake tankers should have thrust arrangements to IMO DP class 2
requirements.
5, 6 & 7) Thrusters & Steering

gear
5) Thrusters should be arranged so that they do not fail to full pitch in either
direction and that azimuthing gear (if fitted fails to set).
6) Thrusters and individual steering gear motors should as far as reasonably
practicable be powered from separate sources with the use of UPS so that
no single power failure could result in the loss of sufficient thrusters or
rudders to cause a loss of tanker position or heading.
7 & 8) Controls and Alarms
7) Thrusters & Rudders should take control signals from both DP computers
and from separate manual control consoles near the DP console on bridge
and within engine room. Even on DP Class 1 vessels thruster controls
should be powered from two sources, one of which is UPS or battery back
up so that a single failure will not result in loss of more than one thrusters.
8) Independent rudder angle, thrust & azimuth indicators should be installed
close to the DP console, fed from a separate circuit than the DP rudder /
thruster pitch angle / azimuth signals. Any thrusters power failures or
thruster failures should sound alarm to alert operators.

including proving trials of vessel
standards (Ref section 4.4). System
capabilities should be calculated and
documented both with everything
working and with each significant
single failure. {This is to ensure that
the power balance between duplicate
systems is understood, and that crew
understand the operating limits to
cater for the effects of a single failure}.
modification (ref Section 4.4). {All
results}.
understood by DPO / bridge officers
and engineers with respect to actions
Appendix C
85
Ref.
C7
Applicability

Verification
DP Control System, Position

References & Sensors
Applies dptank
To provide accurate station
keeping for DP connection,
offtake & disconnection.
achieved.
Appendix C
86
1) The DP controls system should always be a duplex

system with bumpless changeover from one to the other.
The DP control system should be UPS supplied and
alarmed. DP Class 1 Enhanced should be equivalent to
DP Class 2 with regard to DP control systems and
reference systems and sensors.
To have enhancements that

provide adequate
redundancy to prevent minor
or common single point
failures compromising
station-keeping integrity.
2) Loading terminal software must specify limits for ESD 1

and ESD 2 actions. Warning alarms should sound at ESD
limits. DP software should have a reaction box facility to
be used for tandem offtake. {The FPSO/FSU DP
reference point has to move outside the box before the
tanker follows}.

malfunction.
3) Hawser and hose tension monitoring systems must have

an output to the DP control system which alarms when the
tension reaches the agreed set limit. The DP control
system should be equipped with an events printer which
should be switched on during close proximity operations.
4) Position References &

Sensors
4) All DP tankers should be equipped with three independent

relative position references, operating on different
principles, which should be tested, operational and on-line
at all times during offtake. In addition, there should be one
absolute position reference system. The total reference
package should provide for the activation and use of the
reaction box while maintaining triple redundancy (ref
Operating Limits diagram).
5) Displays
5) Displays on the tanker bridge relating to position keeping

should be clearly marked to indicate the source of the
information being provided. Display of raw PRS data
should be clearly indicated as such to avoid confusion
between raw data (e.g. between antennae) and corrected
data (i.e. adjusted to provide data relating to reference
points on FPSO/FPU stern and tanker bow).

trials of vessel power, thrusters and controls in
section 4.4).
following repair or modification (ref Section 4.4).
simulation of failures (e.g. by removing
terminals, disconnecting 24V distribution circuits,
tripping machinery etc) and investigating
unexpected results and recording results}.
Verification: On board independent audit of
understood by DPO / bridge officers and
engineers with respect to actions which need to
be taken a) to maintain high levels of integrity
and b) to diagnose and overcome
6) Visual References
6) There should be CCTV screens adjacent to the DP

operating station. As well as permitting the bridge crew to
monitor and check all areas of the BLS by selection, there
should be a CCTV monitor permanently showing the
hawser and hose catenary during offtake. {This is to give
the DP operator a visual reference on separation from the
FPSO/FSU stern}
Appendix C
87
Intentionally Blank
Appendix C
88
Appendix D
Oil & Gas UK Model FPSO/FSU & Tanker
Acceptance System
1. Introduction
The following acceptance process is aimed at enabling Duty Holders to
ensure that they can demonstrate taking adequate management actions to
ensure that offtake risks are ALARP.
2. Acceptance of New Vessels Intended to be Regularly Used in the Field
(Primary / Secondary Pool Tankers)
New FPSOs/FSUs or tankers should be assessed and accepted by the
following process
Review design, verification and operational documents as listed in table
D1 for FPSOs/FSUs and, if required, table D2 for offtake tankers.
Where a third party supplies the tanker or FPSO/FSU a vessel
information folder should be prepared by the third party and submitted
to the Duty Holder.
Review the FMEA study, the FMEA trials report, the Annual DP Trials
report, the FSOG, and follow up and close out of any
recommendations.
Send the field Joint Operations Manual to the new FPSO/FSU or tanker
to give the crew time to familiarise themselves with the field particulars
and procedures. This also gives the new vessel an opportunity to
review and comment on any field procedures or equipment that could
lead to complications with their vessels.
Assess the new FPSO/FSU or tanker by an on-board audit to check
that equipment, crew training and experience comply with the required
performance standards / assessment matrices (either from this
document or field specific requirements or Safety Case or Written
Scheme). If any serious shortfalls are found they have to be rectified
against an agreed schedule, e.g. by hardware rectification or by adding
a supplementary mooring master or other supplementary crew whilst
experience is built up.
Check annual DP trials, close out and the recent audit / inspection
record on board, together with the crews understanding of their DP
system and failure modes. The assessment of crew competence
should be carried out in the field, offloading from a particular
FPSO/FSU to a particular tanker, so that it is not purely paper based.
Ensure that the ATC / DP control software and all telemetry and
position reference frequencies are adapted to reflect the field
requirements.
Carry out a field test confirming that all communications, telemetry links
and relative position references actual communicate, that all ATC / DP
software functions correctly and that the FPSO/FSU and tanker(s) are
compatible for offtake. Usually the field test is carried out at the start
and during an offloading trial or at the start of the first offloading.
Appendix D
89
3. Ongoing Acceptance of Regularly used Vessels (Primary or Secondary

Pool Tankers)
Once installed, the same FPSO / FSU will probably be used for the bulk of
field life. The majority of the tankers visiting the field will probably be
regularly used primary or secondary tankers that have been accepted as a
new vessel as per item 1 above. These regularly used FPSOs/FSUs and
Tankers shall be audited and reassessed occasionally by the Duty Holder.
As a guidance an interval of two to three years between inspections to
assess the tanker and crew as follows:
Tanker & hardware assessed against the field specific performance
standards for the areas indicated in these guidelines.
Latest generic OCIMF SIRE inspection reports and close out of actions
reviewed on board.
Crew logged experience and training compared to the levels defined in
the matrices included in these guidelines for the type of offloading
facility concerned. There should be evidence of increasing experience
levels and suitable refresher training.
Latest FMEA and Annual trials documented onboard with evidence that
the crew understand the findings and evidence of action close out.
Confirmation that the FSOG is in use and evidence that the hierarchy of
advisory, yellow and red alerts is understood and being used correctly.
Evidence that, where an alert has taken place, the correct action was
taken.
It is further proposed that the tanker operators should update the vessel
dossiers described in table D2 for Duty Holders every second year to reflect
updated information e.g. inspections, FMEA / annual trials and new
equipment. The Duty Holder should also update the FPSO/FSU dossier
described in table D1 on the same frequency.
The assessment of the crew's increased competence in offloading from the
particular FPSO/FSU to the particular tanker should be carried out in the field
by witnessing an offloading.
4. One off Acceptance of Previously Unapproved Alternative Tankers at
Short Notice
Even when quite a large pool of primary or secondary tankers have been
approved for a particular field, there may be odd occasions when operational
circumstances dictate that none of them are available when the Duty Holder
requires. In such circumstances the tanker owner and Duty Holder may wish
to substitute another tanker which should normal be of equivalent equipment
level and standard to those normally used on that field.
In such
circumstances it may be possible to accept a tanker for a one off operation
on a quicker acceptance procedure than that described in item 1 above.
A shortened acceptance procedure would be as follows.
Tanker operator / manager informs Duty Holder of the intended
substitution as soon as possible to initiate the acceptance as quickly as
possible.
Tanker operator issues the following to Duty Holder in advance of
acceptance.
justification for using an alternative tanker
Appendix D
90
capacities
propulsion spec.
thruster spec.
DP system
position reference systems
bow valve closing times
confirmation shuttle tanker was subject to FMEA & FMEA
revisions, findings and recommendations
confirmation that vessel is free of outstanding Conditions of Class
and OCIMF SIRE non-conformances.
Confirmation that Annual DP Trials were performed less than 1
year ago
crew training and experience matrices, particularly numbers of
offloadings performed from the particular type of FPSOs/FSUs
(active or passive)
remedial measures to increase experience on the day in order to
meet the minimum training & experience requirements for the
type of facility concerned (e.g. passive FPSO/FSU).
Tanker operator places field specific offtake joint operations manual
and other operational documentation on board the tanker.
If tanker is to operate on DP then the DP software must be adapted for
the specific field (e.g. install field specific files).
If the tanker and crew is acceptable based on the above then proceed
to field but Duty Holder should be given the opportunity of putting a
representative onboard.
Field test position references, telemetry and DP if fitted before final
close approach and connection.
Complete field test procedures.
Appendix D
91
Table D1: Offtake Information of FPSO/FSU

Item To Be Included In Information
Dossier
FPSO/FSU
Photograph of stern arrangement

Stern Discharge arrangement drawings
Stern discharge valve type and ESD
shut-in time
Pressure surge analysis of ESD & hose
disconnection scenarios on pumps,
hose and pipe work.
FMEA + FMEA revisions, to include
trials reports
Only equipment
critical to tanker
station keeping as
per the standards
Confirmation of close out statements on

FMEA / trials findings
as above
Annual trials & close outs
as above
FPSO/FSU incident record affecting

tandem ops
FPSOs/FSUs offtake related audit /
inspection record (last 3 years)
Crew Experience Matrix (Each shift) or
alternative Oil & Gas UK means of
demonstrating competence
Appendix D
92
Table D2: Offtake Information of Offtake Tanker

Item To Be Included In Information
Dossier
Offtake Tanker
Photograph
General arrangement plan
Tank capacity plan
Fire control and safety plan
Bow loading arrangement drawing
Bow valve type & shut-in time (ESD)
FMEA + FMEA revisions, to include
trials reports
Only equipment
critical to station
keeping as per the
standards
Confirmation of close out statements on

FMEA / trials findings
as above
Annual trials & close outs
as above
DP Capability Plots (all systems running

+ worst case single failure)
Vessels offloading incident record
Vessels audit / inspection record
Oil & Gas UK Crew Competence Matrix
Oil & Gas UK Crew Experience Matrix
Operating Procedures & Parameters
Appendix D
93
Intentionally Blank
Appendix D
94
Appendix E
Offtake Concept Risk Evaluation
The use of shuttle tankers to export crude oil from the field provides an extremely
valuable service and assists the exploitation of marginal or remote reserves.
However it is important to reduce the inherent risks of tanker export at all stages
of a development project. The maximum risk reduction impact can often be
achieved for least expense by designing out hazards at the concept design or
concept selection stage of a project. Concession holders and Duty Holders have
often applied only limited resource in a very limited time-scale to this stage of a
project. This can, and in some cases has, led to offtake risks being unexpectedly
higher than envisaged, resulting in accidents and high financial consequences.
It is recommended that concession holders and Duty Holders perform an
effective risk assessment of all practicable offtake options as part of their concept
selection process for all future field developments. Concept selection should be
based on the demonstration of ALARP risks for the development as a whole.
Particular care should be applied at this stage before selecting untried offtake
solutions or applying existing solutions in a new area having different metocean
parameters to those experienced before.
Duty holders should consider all of the offtake options that may be practicable for
the development and take life of field costs and risks into account in making the
ALARP selection. The risks evaluated should include: The hazards to each vessel arising from incidents occurring on the other
vessel or due to close proximity operation.
Environmental / pollution risks as well as safety.
Risks to life of field production uptime.
Even where the installation is likely to be a FPSO or FSU, consideration should
be given to pipeline export, remote loading buoys, submerged loading systems,
as well as stern offtake.
The offtake concept risk assessment should consider the following factors: Tandem loading versus pipeline or remote surface / submerged buoy
Exporting oil back through the turret and out to a remote loading system or
existing pipeline obviously removes the need to have a tanker in immediate
proximity to the manned FPSO/FSU. This reduces the risk of low energy tanker
collisions and may also reduce the major accident hazard potential of a highenergy tanker collision. However other factors need to be taken into account in
the ALARP assessment such as: Ullage availability, tariff structure, age and condition of any existing
pipeline; plus the life cycle cost and risks associated with installing an
export swivel, riser, pipeline spur, tapping into any existing pipeline and
decommissioning at the end of field life.
Tanker black out collision risks. When a tanker performs a tandem offtake
operation it is located close to and down weather from the manned
FPSO/FSU. Thus the inherent risk of a high consequence collision
following tanker loss of propulsion, during off-take, may be lower than if
Appendix E
95
the tanker has to offload from a remote loading point in the immediate
vicinity which will on occasions be upwind of the manned FPSO/FSU.
The life cycle costs and risks associated with installing, inspecting,
maintaining and decommissioning an export swivel, riser, seabed line and
remote loading system. Note that the environmental risks of a remote
system may be higher than from an FPSO/FSU even if the personnel
consequences may be lower.
The lost satellite development potential if swivel paths and riser space are
used for oil export.
Passive weathervaning versus active heading control on the FPSO / FSU
There are a series of passive weathervaning FPSOs/FSUs in the central North
Sea which currently have a good offtake safety record and have the merit of
being simple with very little opportunity for FPSO/FSU equipment failure or
operator error to cause a sudden loss of heading during offtake. FPSO/FSU
heading misalignment problems can normally be controlled by the offtake tanker
applying hawser tension in manual control should this become necessary. There
is relatively little loss in the useable weather window by using taut hawser in the
central North Sea.
Experience suggests, however, that the use of passive weathervaning
FPSOs/FSUs may be less attractive in other parts of the UK sector where the
wind, wave or current climate is significantly more severe. (E.g. the Atlantic
frontier, or areas with very high currents). Offtake tankers by nature of their
size, shape and thruster configuration have very limited ability to move sideways
to follow the stern movements of a passive weathervaning FPSO/FSU without
getting seriously out of alignment, in these more stringent metocean conditions.
It becomes more attractive to use active heading control on the FPSO/FSU to
help damp out fishtailing and permit the offtake tanker to adopt an optimum
heading to the prevailing conditions. Active heading control also has side
benefits in providing the ability to limit roll motions in certain sea conditions.
Whenever active heading control is selected it is important that the system is
designed with sufficient redundancy and fail safe features to prevent single point
failures causing major change in heading. This involves installing thrusters
having sufficient power and performance to cope with the expected metocean
conditions as well as just providing redundancy. Active heading control does
however come with a step increase in complexity, potential failure modes,
redundancy requirements and operator training, so would need careful
evaluation before implementing, at the concept stage or on existing vessels.
DP Offtake Tanker operation versus Taut Hawser operation
There is a long history of successful taut hawser tandem offtake operations in the
central North Sea and indeed world-wide. Taut hawser has the merits of having
few potential failure modes and relatively uncomplicated operator options should
something unexpected occur, once the hawser has been attached and the
propeller locked slow astern. There is relatively little loss in useable weather
window by using taut hawser in the central North Sea. The loss in useable
weather window increases in parts of the UK sector having more severe wind,
wave or current conditions and the use of taut hawser mode becomes less
attractive. DP tankers can connect and remain connected in slightly higher seastates. In extremely harsh operating areas (e.g. Atlantic Frontier) the tanker
must be equipped with thrusters having sufficient power and performance to
cope with the expected metocean conditions as well as having adequate
Appendix E
96
equipment redundancy. IMO equipment class 2 becomes more important as

falling back on the hawser, as a back up to DP equipment failure becomes less
practicable in harsh sea areas.
FPSO/FSU Pumping Rate and Hose Size
The standard offtake tanker bow connector and piping systems are sized to
accommodate loading rates of 8000 m3/hr. Many existing FPSO/FSU offtake
systems and low budget remote offloading systems are constrained to much
lower transfer rates because the installations pumps, transfer hose or pipeline
have been sized to minimise CAPEX.
The exposure to hose damage or
collision risk is lower, the quicker the tanker can offtake a cargo. For Contract of
Affreightment (CoA) users there is also an OPEX saving over the field life if
offtakes are quicker. Consideration should be given to the offtake rate at the
concept selection stage.
FPSO/FSU Layout, Subdivision and Damage Stability Criteria
Consideration of FPSO/FSU layout at the concept selection stage can eliminate
or reduce some of the most significant major accident potentials by design.
Placing the flare tower, gas compression, turbines, exhausts or other
process plant at the very stern of the FPSO/FSU increases the risk of a
minor offtake tanker collision escalating to a major accident scenario. The
inherent major accident potential of tandem loading is greatly reduced if
the likely stern collision zone is kept clear of process equipment. The
probability of being able to easily remove injured personnel from the
FPSO/FSU after a collision is greater if the helideck can be kept clear of
the likely collision zone.
Designing the FPSO/FSU to Marpol damage stability criteria, or otherwise
designing it to survive raking damage over a significant length at the stern,
dramatically reduces the inherent major accident potential from an offtake
tanker contact when compared to the minimum damage stability standards
which may be applied.
Designing the FPSO/FSU to have double sides in way of the aft fuel
bunker tanks reduces the inherent pollution potential of a tandem loading
collision, when compared to normal pre-2000 tanker construction
practices.
Specifying offtake tankers to have double hull reduces the inherent
pollution potential of tandem loading collision. If single hull tankers have to
be accommodated then requiring them to avoid or at least delay loading oil
into forward wing tanks also reduces the pollution potential of a tandem
loading collision.
The concept FPSO/FSU design should consider the positioning of
telemetry and position reference antennae at the concept / contractual
specification stage. The consequences of gyro error can be drastically
reduced if position reference antennae can be fitted at the optimum
heights and as near as possible to the stern offtake point. This is to
ensure adequate communication line of sight to the tankers operating
sectors and sufficient panoramic field of view to pick up satellites.
Appendix E
97
FPSO/FSU Storage Capacity versus Offtake Parcel Size

Consideration should be given to the storage volume requirements at the
concept design stage. The useable on-board storage volume should ideally be
sufficient to cover the desired export parcel size plus a buffer margin to allow for
weather down time or tanker arrival windows. If this ideal storage cannot be
achieved at the concept design stage, then other means will have to be found
later to manage the increased risk potentials. E.g. from taking the tanker in twice
for each parcel or from personnel having subconscious pressure to hook up and
discharge in excessive weather conditions. A holistic systems approach should
be adopted to match FPSO/FSU storage volume, parcel size, weather down time
and contractual limits to ensure that offshore personnel are not put under subconscious pressure to repeatedly accept tankers in unsuitable conditions for
offtake.
If the development has less inherently safe design features then it is placing a
greater stake on tanker and FPSO/FSU station keeping control and extra
safeguards may be necessary to demonstrate ALARP.
Appendix E
98
Appendix F
Example Checklists
These are examples only and not necessarily suitable for all FPSOs/FSUs and
Tankers. However, the layout of the columns should be considered as a
template.
Appendix F
99
Cargo No: _________

Date:
___/___/_____
Vessel: ____________
1. On nomination of tanker
n/a
[FPSO Name] to e-mail weather forecast at earliest

practicable time.
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
n/a
Tanker to inform [FPSO Name] of any operational issue

with tanker or Bow Loading Equipment which may require
additional pre-planning requirements. Inform [FPSO Name]
of any issue which takes the Tanker below its normal
operating parameters, not just outwith Oil & Gas UK
Tandem Loading Guidelines.
e-mail
Tanker
n/a
[FPSO Name] to carry out forward planning review to

establish offtake schedule has no conflicts with supply
boats, fuel or water, requirements elsewhere or other
operational requirements.
Time /Check
To
1-3
From
1-2
Comms
method
1-1
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Request / Information / Action
[FPSO
Name]
n/a
[FPSO Name] to advise Tanker of:

predicted berthing schedule;
any rig, DSV or similar operation on the field;
any operational limitations by other field ops;
any obstruction or other navigational hazard on the
field.
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
Tanker to request towing trial if one is considered

applicable.
e-mail
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
n/a
Tanker to advise [FPSO Name] when its ESD2 was last

tested. If more than 4 offloads previously, ESD2 test to be
included at Step 8-7.
e-mail
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
1-7
n/a
Update Tanker with latest MSDS if required.
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
1-8
n/a
Confirm Tanker has the correct revision of this Offtake

Manual xxx and DP software is the correct version.
email
Tanker
1-4
n/a
1-5
n/a
1-6
Tanker & [FPSO Name] confirm this section 1 is complete

(each to sign own copy)
Appendix F
100
[FPSO
Name]
Signature
d/t
2. [FPSO Name] Pre Offtake Checks
[FPSO Name] to advise expected offtake time to:

LMMT/Deck Foreman/CCR/Metering Tech/ Lab Tech.
n/a
2-2
n/a
Cargo Tank water dips taken and logged
n/a
2-3
n/a
Ensure pumproom/COPs snd IG plant are all available and

ready for offtake. Confirm pumproom fan(x 1) is running.
n/a
2-4
n/a
Confirm all scupper plugs are in place.
n/a
2-5
n/a
Offtake rigging checked for wear.
n/a
2-6
n/a
Advised to be ready for offtake operations. Em Towing

equipment to be rigged as in Task 4-4.
2-7
n/a
Offloading plan created and ready for use on [FPSO

Name].
VHF
Time /Check
n/a
To
2-1
From
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
[FPSO
Name]
n/a
[FPSO Name] to confirm this section 2 is complete

Signature
d/t
Appendix F
101
3. Previous port to 10 nm & NOR
e-mail
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
3-2
Tanker to report at 10nm and tender NOR if a/ within

laycan and b/ Tanker ready to carry out offloading
10 nm operations. NB: Provided the time of tanker readiness has
been clearly radioed to [FPSO Name] Control formal NOR
can be given retroactively.
VHF/
e-mail
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10 nm [FPSO Name] to acknowledge receipt of NOR.
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
Time /Check
From
To
Comms
method
Sail Tanker to email ETA at 10nm, crew list, OBQ and crew
Prev competency matrices. Tanker to identify if there are any
Port deficiencies against required experience or training levels.
3-3
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
3-1
d/t
d/t
[FPSO Name] to confirm:

when offloading is expected to commence;
when Tanker should be at rocket line position;
quantity of cargo to be loaded;
whether COW will be used;
expected duration of offload;
name of .
3-4
10 nm
3-5
10 nm
3-6
[FPSO Name] OIM to confirm with the Master of the

10 nm Tanker that he/she is familiar with this Offtake Manual and
the procedures within it.
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
3-7
Tanker to consider use of any waiting time for training with

DP CAP (Competence Assurance and Practice). Tanker to
10 nm
keep [FPSO Name] fully advised; permission to use [FPSO
Name] Pos Refs shall not be unreasonably with-held.
VHF
Tanker
[FPSO Name] to confirm no supply boat operations

expected during the offtake; of if supply boat operations are
considered essential, then to carry out Nopras procedure
fully involving the Tanker.

Appendix F
102
[FPSO
Name]
Signature
d/t
4. At or before readiness to commence approach

Time /Check
To
From
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Tanker and [FPSO Name] to agree daylight status and

present weather, plus forecast, is suitable for Offtake
Operations:
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
Confirm that oil export pipeline and hose are at ambient

10 nm pressure (ie. not pressurised) and in readiness for
connection.
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
4-3
[FPSO Name] to inform Tanker of any changes to offtake

10 nm equipment e.g. bridle replaced, MBC overhauled, etc.
Identify if any specific feedback is requested.
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
4-4
10 nm
VHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
4-5
Agree max loading rate and any restrictions at specific

10 nm stages. Agree whether Tanker or [FPSO Name] will
initiate end of loading.
VHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
4-6
10 nm [FPSO Name] to advise present heading.
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
4-7
10 nm
VHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
4-8
Tanker to confirm to [FPSO Name] that there are no

10 nm known deficiencies in any navigational, positioning, DP,
manoeuvring or any other system required for an offtake.
VHF
Tanker
4-9
Both the Tanker and [FPSO Name] should mutually

exchange that they are satisfied that all conditions for a
10 nm
successful offtake operation are in place, and agree to
commence the operation.
VHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name]/
Name] Tanker
VHF
Tanker
4-1
10 nm
4-2
wind speed and direction;

significant wave height and period;
maximum wave height and period;
visibility;
current.
Confirm emergency towing equipment is prepared on board

both the Tanker and TAV (if applicable).
[FPSO Name] to confirm to Tanker that there are no

known deficiencies in any offtake equipment.
4-10 10 nm Tanker to advise they are proceeding inwards.

[FPSO
Name]
[FPSO
Name]
Signature
d/t
NB: In the event that the approach is aborted during this phase, the new approach should resume
Checklist at Step 4-1 (i.e. at a range of 10 nm).
d/t
Appendix F
103
5. From 10 nm to 3 nm
Time /Check
To
From
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
[FPSO
Name]/
Tanker
5-1
10 nm to confirm 3cm radar is on Stand By for duration of offload.
UHF
5-2
3 nm
Back-up VHF channels (73 and 8) tested. Nominated and

back-up UHF channels tested.
UHF
Tanker
5-3
3 nm
Tanker to reduce vessel speed to no more than 5 knots and

notify [FPSO Name] when passing 3nm.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
5-4
3 nm
Request to position close to [FPSO Name] FPSO and to

prepare for mooring and connection of Tanker.
UHF
[FPSO
Name]
[FPSO
Name]
Tanker to prepare the following equipment and advise

ready to [FPSO Name] :
Forerunner on the traction winch with 2m lashing line
(to connect forerunner and pick-up line);
Forerunner with lashing line on the hose handling
winch;
Air gun with plastic and grapnel projectiles (in case
required);
Rope cutting equipment to be ready at forecastle deck.
5-5
3 nm
5-6
Tanker to confirm activation of Zero Pitch function, or

Main Engine De-clutch function, or Emergency Stop Main
3 nm
Engine function depending on the configuration of the
vessel.
UHF
Tanker
5-7
3 nm
Tanker to advise [FPSO Name] it is passing 3nm and

continuing inwards to 3000 metres.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]

[FPSO
Name]
Signature
Checklist at Step 4-1 but at a range of 3 nm.
Appendix F
104
d/t
d/t
6. From 3 nm to 500 m
3 nm Tanker to carry out internal Telemetry Checks.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
6-2
3000 Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing 3000 metre

m
and reduce vessel speed to maximum 3 knots.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Time /Check
From
To
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
6-1
d/t
Tanker to:
6-3
select [FPSO Name] on the DP Control System;

select Artemis first so becomes primary Position
Reference System;
when Artemis acquired, acquire 2 other independent
ref sys;
confirm that the Tankers own absolute DGPS is at
monitored status;
activate Zero Pitch function, or Main Engine Declutch function, or Emergency Stop Main Engine
function depending on the configuration of the vessel.
3000
m
Confirm all to [FPSO Name] .

6-4
3000
[FPSO Name] to initiate the Telemetry System.
m
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
6-5
1500 Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing the 1500

m
metre zone.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
6-6
1000
Tanker to activate the BLS operator panel.
m
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
6-7
1000
Select Approach mode on the DP system.
m
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
6-8
700 m Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing 700 m.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
6-9
Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing 600 m.

600 m Tanker to reduce speed to maximum 2 knots and proceed
to 500 m.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Stop the vessel and confirm to [FPSO Name] . Stop

6-10 500 m means maximum speed in any direction to be less than 0.2
knots.

Signature
d/t
Checklist at Step 4-1 but at a range of 3 nm.
d/t
Appendix F
105
7. From 500 m to rocket line
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Time /Check
From
To
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Tanker to:
7-1
500 m
activate the BLS operator panel;

start the hydraulic pump units;
open bow door/bow gate;
make winch systems and Bow Loading Equipment
ready for mooring and connection;
check the Tanker chain stopper load cell reading zero
tension;
confirm FSOG green level status
and confirm all to [FPSO Name] .
7-2
500 m
Tanker to request [FPSO Name] for permission to enter

the 500 metre safety zone.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
7-3
500 m
Tanker to proceed inwards to 300 metres. Reduce speed to

maximum 0.6 knots (0.3 m/sec).
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
7-4
300 m
[Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing 300 m.

Reduce speed to maximum 0.4 knots (0.2 m/sec).
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
7-5
200 m Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] when passing 200 m.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
7-6
Tanker to monitor the alignment of Tanker and [FPSO

Name] FPSO headings to be within maximum limitation of
200 m
15 degrees. If not, reposition the vessel or abort the
approach attempt.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
7-7
Tanker to commence DP trials and station keeping

verification trials according the DP guidelines including its
150 m additional checklists and the vessels own DP trial
procedures. Tanker to carry out a position drop out on the
DP system by deselecting all position reference systems.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Tanker to select Artemis as the Primary Position Reference

System.
7-8
150 m
7-9
100 m
[FPSO Name] to confirm permission to Tanker to proceed

to firing position. Tanker deck crew to establish comms via
UHF with [FPSO Name] Deck. [FPSO Name] Deck
operations are under the supervision of the Deck Foreman.
UHF
Tanker/
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
[FPSO
Name]
Deck /
Tanker
7-10
Tanker to arrive at firing position and stop; advise [FPSO

70 m Name] Deck that the Tanker is ready to receive the rocket
line.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
Tankers own absolute DGPS should not be mixed with the

relative system.
[FPSO
Name]
Deck /
Tanker
d/t
d/t
7-11
70 m Tanker to connect hawser/hose as per procedure.
UHF
Tanker/
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
7-12
Tanker to visually inspect messenger, hawser and hose

equipment as it comes into view. Inform [FPSO Name]
70 m
Deck of any damage or confirm if all equipment is in
satisfactory order.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
7-13
70 m Tanker to confirm time Hawser connected.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
d/t
7-14
70 m Tanker to confirm time Hose connected.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
d/t
Appendix F
106
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Signature
d/t
Checklist at Step 4-1 but at a range of not less than 2000 m.
Time /Check
UHF
To

From
70 m Tanker to select weathervane mode on the DP.
Comms
method
7-15
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Appendix F
107
8. Commence Offload
8-1
70 m
Tanker/[FPSO Name] agree again that weather conditions

are suitable to continue Offtake.
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name]/
Name] Tanker
8-2
70 m
Tanker to confirm they are ready to load by initiating the

telemetry Permit to Load signal.
UHF
Tanker
8-3
70 m
[FPSO Name] to inform the Tanker when ready to carry

out the shutdown test.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
8-4
70 m
[FPSO Name] to start the first Main Oil Export pump on

slow speed.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
8-5
Once running and green line is established [FPSO Name]

70 m will request the Tanker to initiate a stop of the pump. Both
parties to confirm trip was successful.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
[FPSO Name] to reset the trip on the Main Oil Export pump
and prepare for restart. Repeat the shut down test with
70 m
[FPSO Name] initiating the Export ESD1. Complete the
Record boxes below. Permit to Load to be re-established.
UHF
8-6
FPSO
Cargo pump(s)
tripped
Bow coupler
closed
secs
secs
secs
ESD1 initiated
from FPSO
secs
secs
secs
8-7
2 seconds
20 seconds
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
Remarks
25 seconds
If Tanker has not carried out an ESD2 test in the last four
bow loading cargoes, ESD2 test to also be done with a
70 m
cargo pump running, but without dropping of hose and
hawser.
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
Tanker and [FPSO Name] to agree all tanker safety

safeguards are in place, as per ISGOTT recommendations
including:
hotwork restrictions;
firefighting equipment in place and ready;
radios grounded;
VHF radios on reduced power ([FPSO Name] sets in
Admin, Radio Room and CCR);
all accommodation doors closed;
restricted access barriers in place ([FPSO Name] poop
deck, Tanker focsle).
8-8
70 m
8-9
70 m
Tanker and [FPSO Name] to both confirm their hawser

tension recorders working.
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name]/
Name] Tanker
8-10
70 m
[FPSO Name] to advise Tanker of any expected Helicopter

operations during offtake.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
Appendix F
108
d/t
d/t
ESD1 initiated
from Tanker
Max allowable
[FPSO
Name]
Tanker
Export ESDV
closed
Time /Check
To
From
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
8-11
[FPSO Name] to inform the Tanker that oil loading is about

70 m to commence. Tanker to verbally confirm she is lined up for
offtake.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
8-12
[FPSO Name] to start the first Main Oil Export pump. Deck
70 m watch to monitor Export Hose on poop deck. Metering
Technician to be informed. Print off Stability Data.
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
8-13
Tanker to visually control/inspect the BLS Coupler and all

70 m visible parts of the hose/line system for possible leaks. If
leaks, the Tanker to initiate Stop at once.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
8-14
70 m
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
8-15
Tanker to confirm cargo is being received and to request

increase to full rate.
70 m [FPSO Name] to ensure IG< 5% is being supplied to tanks.

d/t
Signature
d/t
d/t
NB: In the event that the offtake operation is aborted during this phase, once the Tanker is in a
safe location, [FPSO Name] and the Tanker are to fully review the reason and ensure this has
been recorded before any reconnection operation is commenced. A new approach should
resume at Checklist Step 4-1.
Time /Check
To
From
Comms
method
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Appendix F
109
9. During Offload
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
UHF
Tanker
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
Time /Check
To
From
Comms
method
9-1
If any deficiency of offtake related equipment on either

Tanker or [FPSO Name] arises, whether affecting the
70 m
present offtake or not, then Tanker/[FPSO Name] to
immediately discuss with the other.
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
Every hour during the loading operation, Tanker and [FPSO

Name] to exchange following information:
9-2
70 m
Tanker & [FPSO Name] headings;

wind speed and direction;
wave height and period;
hose (Tanker) and hawser ([FPSO Name] & Tanker)
tension;
status as per FSOG
cargo quantity last hour;
total cargo discharged/received;
expected/requested total cargo size;
estimated time to completion.
Data to be recorded on Form xx.
9-3
70 m
As a minimum Tanker/[FPSO Name] to give 1 hours notice

regarding Loading Completed.
[Tanker/[FPSO Name] 30 minutes notice regarding
Loading Completed.
9-4
70 m
9-5
Tanker is in charge of Topping Off at the end of the

operation; Tanker may ask [FPSO Name] to reduce the
70 m
flow rate at any time but should keep [FPSO Name] fully
advised before cargo loading is stopped.
9-6
[FPSO Name] to inform Metering Tech, Lab Tech, Plant

Op, Deck Crew and Pumpman.
Complete Offtake. [FPSO Name] to stop export pumps

when parcel is complete or by mutual consent Tanker to
activate Loading Off by telemetry when topping off tanks
70 m is complete.
[FPSO Name] to confirm that the export pumps are
stopped and the ESDV is closed.
[FPSO
Name]
[FPSO Name] to print off Stability data

d/t
Signature
NB: In the event that the offtake is aborted at any time during the loading, once the Tanker is in a
safe position, [FPSO Name] and the Tanker are to fully review the reason and ensure this has
been recorded before any reconnection operation is commenced. A new approach should
resume at Checklist Step 4-1.
Appendix F
110
d/t
10. Disconnection/Departure
UHF
[FPSO [FPSO
Name] / Name] /
Tanker Tanker
Tanker to inform [FPSO Name] and any other vessels of

the intended departure course.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10-3
70 m
Tanker to switch to Approach mode in readiness for moving

astern, max speed 0.6 knots.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10-4
70 m
Tanker to disconnect hawser/hose. Note any damage to

offload equipment and inform [FPSO Name] Deck.
UHF
Tanker/ [FPSO
[FPSO Name] /
Name] Tanker
10-5
70 m
Tanker to inform [FPSO Name] Deck when hose has been

released.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
10-6
70 m
[FPSO Name] to complete hawser/hose recovery. Note

any damage to Offload Equipment
UHF
[FPSO
Tanker
Name]
10-7
70 m
Tanker to inform [FPSO Name] Deck when hawser has

been released.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
Tanker to inform [FPSO Name] Deck when messenger line

is clear.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
Deck
10-9 350 m
Tanker to change to manual mode and proceed clear of

[FPSO Name] .
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10-10 500 m
Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] of the time when leaving the

500m safety zone and proceeding to 3 nm.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10-11 3 nm
Tanker to notify [FPSO Name] of the time when passing 3

nm and proceeding to 10 nm.
UHF
Tanker
[FPSO
Name]
10-8 100 m
10-12 3 nm [FPSO Name] to forward Lab Report to Tanker.
e-mail
[FPSO
Tanker
Name
e-mail
e-mail
[FPSO
Name]
e-mail
-
Tanker
VHF
Tanker
Time /Check
70 m
To
10-2
From
[FPSO Name] /Tanker: Agree that the Tanker is to

70 m disconnect. Tanker deck crew to establish comms (via
UHF) with [FPSO Name] Deck.
Comms
method
10-1
Manual
Reference
Dist
Step
d/t
d/t
d/t
[FPSO Name] to complete post offload checks:

IG/hawser recorders off & marked;
COP log completed;
Hawser Log completed;
Complete Offtake Observation Report fwd to Tanker;
turn off Reference system;
send sailing advice message to shore;
stop both stern discharge hydraulic pumps;
prepare PLT for next use.
10-13 3 nm
Tanker to:
10-14
complete the remaining items on the Port Log including

the ETA at the destination port;
send departure message;
de-rig emergency towing arrangement.
10-15 10 m Notify [FPSO Name] when leaving the 10 NMZ.

VHF
[FPSO
Name]
Signature
d/t
d/t
Appendix F
111
Intentionally Blank
Appendix F
112
Appendix G
Incident Report Forms
Oil & Gas UK - Tandem Loading Incident Reporting Form

IMCA Station Keeping Incident Form
Appendix G
113

Oil & Gas UK - Tandem Loading Incident Reporting
Reporting of Incidents via Oil & Gas UK is intended to provide opportunities for lateral learning and
increased awareness of potential risks relating to tandem offloading operations.
Reporting is voluntary, and submission of any incident report is subject to prior approval from
installation and tanker operators involved.
Submitted reports (including any attachments) will be made available to members of the Oil & Gas UK
FPSO Forum and may be discussed at regular Forum meetings.
Electronic Copies of this form are available on the Oil & Gas UK website: www.oilandgasuk.co.uk
Completed Incident Report forms should be submitted to the following email address:
[email protected]
1.
Incident Summary
(Single sentence description of what occurred)
2.
Date / Time
(when the incident happened)
3.
Location
(general location e.g. Central North Sea, WoS
etc)
4.
Installation Name
(voluntary leave blank if desired)
5.
Offtake Tanker
(voluntary leave blank if desired)
6.
Weather Conditions
(wind, sea, visibility)
7.
Description of Incident
(summary of what happened )
8.
TLG Reference
(which section(s) of the guidelines does the
incident relate to)
e.g. Ch.4.3.11 or App. A3 4) 4)
9.
Root causes identified
10. Attachments
(list any submitted attachments which help
describe the incident - e.g. sketches,
photographs, full incident report, IMCA report etc)
11. Further Information Available
(advise whether further information will be made
available if requested )
Yes / No
12. Contact details for further information

(telephone / email contact for any specific
questions or requests for further information )
Appendix G
114
IMCA
Station Keeping
Incident Form
for
Thruster-Assisted
Vessels/FPSOs/FSUs/DP
Tankers/EWTs/Semis/Flotels, etc.
Reportable Station Keeping Incident

This report should be completed and sent to IMCA on the following occasions:
For any unexpected loss of position and/or heading
For an unexpected loss of functionality or availability of equipment which results
in a reduced level of redundancy leading to a degraded operational status
When the DP system performance differs from the operators expectations
DOCUMENT DETAILS AND ISSUE RECORD

Vessel:
Date:
Place:
Reported By:
Client:
Position:
This section is confidential

Class Notation: (e.g. DYNPOS AUTR)
Please return completed form to:

Jane Bugler, Technical Director
IMCA, Carlyle House, 235 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ, United Kingdom
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 7931 8171 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7931 8935
Appendix G
115
This form is to be populated by the Thruster Assisted Vessel or the Non-DP Vessel. The
separate DP Vessels form should be returned by the DP Vessel involved.
1.) Description of work being carried out:
2.) Environment
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction:
Wave Height:
Visibility:
Current Speed:
Current Direction:
DP Current or
Real Current:
Water Depth:
3.) Thruster Assisted Vessel Equipment On-Line

Control System:
Thrusters On-Line:
(selected to DP)
Switchboard Status:
Thrusters on StandBy:
Open:
Closed:
Generators OnLine:
Generators on
Stand-By:
(available for
immediate start)
(selected to DP)
(available for
immediate start)
Position References: (populate fields with numbers)

Status:
HPR
Artemis
FanBeam
Taut
Wire
DGPS
DARPS
Other
Available
Stand-By
On-Line
Preferred
Sensors: (populate fields with numbers)
Status
GYRO
VRS
WIND
Other
Available
Stand-By
On-Line
Preferred
Appendix G
116
4.) Thruster Assisted Mooring Systems

Is the vessel Catenary Moored with Thruster Assist? (Y / N)
Spread
Turret
What type of primary mooring system is in place?

If a Turret Moored vessel, what type is the Turret?
Was the tanker operating on DP or Manual Taut Hawser (if applicable)?
Is the tanker Non DP classed, IMO Class I DP or IMO Class II DP?
Monitoring
What is the percentage utilisation of the Thruster
Assistance for the following operational modes?
Heading Control
Damping
Position Control
(100% for always enabled, 0% for never enabled)
Other
What percentage of the operating time is the

Thruster Assist system
b) Unmanned?
a) Manned?
Approaching
If offtake operations were in progress what was
the status?
Connected
Departing
Shuttle Tanker Equipment On-Line

Control System:
Thrusters On-Line:
(selected to DP)
Switchboard Status:
Thrusters on StandBy:
Open:
Closed:
Generators OnLine:
Generators on
Stand-By:
(available for
immediate start)
(selected to DP)
(available for
immediate start)
Position References: (populate fields with numbers)

Status
Artemis
DGPS
DARPS
Other
VRS
WIND
Other
Available
Stand-By
On-Line
Preferred
Sensors: (populate fields with numbers)
Status
GYRO
Available
Stand-By
On-Line
Preferred
Appendix G
117
5.) Sketch (Vessel outline, heading, location of pos. ref., relative positions, hawser
length, tracks of FPSO/FSU stern and Tanker, etc.)
(Screen grab from DP System if available)

6.) Sequence of Events: (attach DP, PMS/VMS alarm printouts, if available)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
7.) Narrative Description of Events: (if available attach internal incident reports)
Appendix G
118
8.) Incident Numerical Description:

Distance travelled to peak of Excursion (m):
Time to recover from Blackout i.e. DP back on-line (secs):
Time to recover to Green Watch Circle (seconds):
9.) Corrective Action Taken
Tick as Appropriate
Modify Procedures
Modify Standing Instructions
Report to Shore Management
Repair
Modify Maintenance Procedures
Report to Supplier
Additional Alarm Installed
Operator / Technician Training
Warning Label fitted
Other (specify)
Is there more work to do before close out is complete?

Has the incident been closed out with a satisfactory conclusion?
10.) Human Factors
Were too many tasks being performed, or were there too many people involved /
discussions taking place at the time of the incident?
Were the factors leading to the incident adequately covered by the circumstances within
the training and familiarisation sessions with the DP Operators?
Would another DP Operator react with a different set of actions?
Have changes been made to the training and familiarisation procedures?
Should changes be made to the Annual DP Trials in light of the incident?
Do you believe that the DP Operator, if faced with a similar situation now, would react in
a different way?
Appendix G
119
11.) Comments
Please add any comments or suggestions that have not been fully covered in the report.
Have you attached any alarm printouts (DP/VMS/PMS), internal reports and
correspondence that may assist in the analysis of the incident?
Both DP Vessel and Thruster Assist Vessel/Tanker should return separate forms.
Appendix G
120
Appendix H
Guidance in Respect of Non-Tandem
Offtake Concepts
Preamble
This Appendix recognises that some of the specific guidance in the main
document may not be applicable to non-tandem offtake operations, and just as
importantly there may be other aspects that the tandem operations guidelines do
not consider. This Appendix, based on the experience of non-tandem Operators,
lists some of the additional factors that Operators may use as a Checklist if they
intend to utilise a non-tandem DP offtake concept. This list should not be treated
as necessarily complete since each system will have unique features and an indepth review should be carried out to ensure all hazards have been captured.
Other offtake concepts already exist in the UK and elsewhere, that also use DP
tankers, but not in a tandem methodology. Notable existing systems are SAL
and round FPSOs/FSUs (such as the Sevan units), but other concepts may also
be viable.
Crew Training
The following are considered to be the main points to achieve a successful startup:
involve Tanker Operator shore personnel in the offtake regime concept
development;
involve Tanker crew personnel as early as practicable;
ensure Tanker onshore and offshore personnel are part of creating the
Offtake Operations Manual, so it is truly joint;
consider the less tangible features, such as if there is no FPSO there to
sight;
build a specific syllabus for crew training for offtake operations, making
these joint if possible;
control training of future personnel.
If the concept is new, then neither the FPSO nor the Tanker personnel will be
familiar with it. It is likely, and normally considered beneficial, that the FPSO
personnel will be involved with their unit during at least the commissioning
phase; they may even be part of the design of the offtake methodology.
However with a new concept, or a concept that is not in common use, the Tanker
personnel, specifically the bridge staff but also the deck crew to handle
equipment during the connection, would not have that automatic exposure to the
offtake methodology. Experience has shown that presenting a Tanker with an
Operations Manual, however clear and pretty the drawings and sketches may be,
is insufficient preparation to remove as much risk as is practicable. Early
involvement of the Tanker Operator is recommended, and to make at least the
onshore management a part of the development of the offtake regime.
Joint training sessions at suitable briefing meetings, and ideally also at a
simulator, i.e. FPSO and Tanker personnel together, can be a considerable
advantage, especially with a new offtake concept. This activity;
Appendix H
121
a)
allows all personnel to understand the issues as they are seen from the
other vessel, so that they can tailor their own actions to make it easier for
the other and to avoid misunderstandings; and
b)
acts as a validation of the offtake regime, since typically simulator

sessions are those that try to recreate incidents.
It is suggested that using training sessions in a simulator to develop all but the
final details of the offtake regime could be counter-productive as it can lead to
confusion with some participants as to the final regime and procedure.
Clearly the training requirements are reduced if only one or two Tankers are
involved. Nevertheless some care is required to ensure that sufficient personnel,
not just in each crew but on each watch/shift, have received the full intended
training program. If this is not the case, leave rotation may make a future offtake
operation less safe.
Some offtake concepts may not weathervane around the FPSO. A typical
tandem loading system has one advantage in that typically the FPSO appears as
a huge obstruction to the DPOs in the Tanker wheelhouse; it is an obvious visual
reminder and ready check that the Tanker is generally in the correct position.
However, if the point of rotation is just a nominal piece of seawater, especially if
the FPSO is out of the normal arc of vision or is too far away for an unconscious
worthwhile judgement of range, then the Tanker DPO is effectively relying on
instruments. This intangible missing feature of some offtake regimes may make
it prudent for additional simple instrumentation to clearly illustrate whether the
Tanker is correctly positioned or not.
Development of a specific written syllabus for training each DPO and Master,
and where necessary deck crew, that can be followed for all future new starts, is
recommended. Use of DP CAP and periodic simulator training should be
included on a regular basis, to recognise that while Tanker personnel generally
gain lots of experience with tandem offtakes, due to the small number of the new
offtake concepts installed there is less opportunity to gain experience.
DP Program
When considering the DP program for a new concept the Operator should:
ensure sufficient time is allocated to building a new DP program and
having it tested;
consider 3rd party testing of a new DP program, specifically a simulator;
ensure there is a control method for future versions of the DP program.
It is usual for each offtake location to have a field specific DP program, and the
Tanker switches to this program at the start of his approach for connection.
A new offtake concept at the very least is likely to require different ranges and
bearings from the weathervaning centre than previous programs, and may
require an entirely different DP application. In either case it should be borne in
mind that the programmers, however experienced they may be, could
inadvertently have missed a line or character of code, or not understood one of
the implications of changing a line of code when adjusting a previous program.
While DP equipment and program suppliers will most probably undertake their
own tests, it is strongly recommended from experience that a 3rd party
independently review all new DP programs, against all normal and abnormal
operational criteria and event sequences, in order to capture any anomalies.
Use of a simulator can be a very useful tool for this activity and it also provides
Appendix H
122
the simulator staff with the opportunity to become familiar with the offtake regime
in preparation for training sessions.
This process can take a few months and should be started in sufficient time to
ensure that a full review and test programme can be maintained, and that this
stage is developed in sufficient time for crew training to commence.
The DP program for a new offtake concept, once it has seen some operational
use, may also be tweaked to account for operational experience; it can then
become important to check that each visiting Tanker does have the correct
version of the program.
Orientation
The main point when considering orientation (of the Tanker) is to ensure that
drift-off safeguard generally exists.
One of the principles of a standard tandem offtake system is that the Tanker is in
a blow-off situation; if the Tanker blacks out, or the mooring connection (if any)
and the hose fail then the Tanker will naturally pass clear astern of the FPSO,
unless the Tanker personnel take contrary action. There are some exceptions,
rapid change of tide direction, or a flat calm and the hawser/hose weight pull the
two ships together; but generally tandem loading Tankers do not have to
consider drift on scenarios with a FPSO.
However a different offtake concept may not necessarily achieve this natural
drift-off capability. In considering drifting of Tankers it should be noted that
Tankers do not typically stay on a heading into the weather, but may well start to
change heading to be beam on, and thus have a wider drift path than their own
beam. Determining a safe drift off clearance should be made based on available
air drafts of both vessels taking into account all operating conditions including
heel, trim and motions in waves of the Tanker, and consideration of clearances
from risers and moorings in different FPSO draft, heel, trim and motion
conditions. Consider also the underwater features refer to subsection below.
Hose Angle
When considering the hose angle, the following main points should be
considered:
side loads from hose catenaries;
ensure operating limits of thrusters for station-keeping and for bow loading
systems are taken into account;
contact with the Tanker hull, consider dynamic analyses;
model emergency release scenarios;
consider hose tension in black-out scenario.
Tandem loading systems have the hose leading ahead from the tanker bow, and
due to a planned maximum heading difference, the hose does not often lead at a
high angle from the tanker bow. Some offtake concepts, however, may require
higher angles in order to obtain sufficient weathervaning arcs of operation, and
this will likely require some additional considerations, and likely some
compromise. These considerations may include:
station-keeping capability, noting that some of the thruster power may be
used to counter the sideways pull on the bow from the hose catenary.
This pull can be lessened by having a high declination leaving the bow
coupler, but this can lead to contact with a bulbous bow;
Appendix H
123
at the extreme the limits of the bow loading system may be reached for
example 35 to port or starboard. It is recommended that banging against
such stops is designed out of the offtake regime;
contact during dynamic motions, such as bad weather. Time domain finite
element simulation of hose systems, with each end being moved
according to the motion characteristics (RAOs = Response Amplitude
Operators) of each vessel, is quite feasible with a number of software
packages. Such analyses should follow normal good practice as regards
hose element length, hose axial and bending stiffness values (easily
obtainable from hose suppliers, even if not on their normal specification
sheets), damping, and wave profiles (period, height, steepness and type
including a number of random wave trains not just regular waves);
emergency hose release from the tanker bow coupler should also not be
ignored, as a hose end valve contacting in free fall to a bulbous bow can
conceivably puncture hull plating, and/or damage the hose integrity.
Dynamic analysis programs can also typically model emergency release
scenarios;
it is well understood that the weight of the hose can bring a Tanker into
contact with a FPSO, in calm weather and if the Tanker is blacked out. A
longer hose string will increase the pull on the tanker, and precautions that
may apply to a typical tandem arrangement may not be a sufficient
safeguard for an initially larger FPSO/Tanker separation distance. For
example if in a Tanker blackout situation a tandem operation allows the
separation to close to 50 m (from say a normal operating range of 75 to
80 m) before a ESD2 must be initiated, this can be sufficient distance to
stop the Tanker continuing forward to make contact with the FPSO; but if
the Tanker started at 200 m, by the time it reaches 50 m its forward
momentum would result in contact with the FPSO.
Underwater Features
The following points should be considered:
consider dropped object protection from the hose end valve, both for
integrity and hose recovery;
ensure sufficient vertical clearance from all underwater architecture;
review hose disconnection locations taking account of possible drive-off
speeds.
A typical tandem offtake operation results in the tanker bow being at an expected
fairly standard distance from the centre of rotation of the FPSO, and it is normal
practice to ensure that subsea features, such as pipelines, riser bases, manifolds
and well heads, have suitable protection from dropped objects. One specific
case of a dropped object is the consequences of an ESD2, or, with less control
on location, an ASD2.
If the offtake regime does not result in the Tanker also weathervaning around the
same centre as the FPSO, then the Tanker bow may be covering a much greater
area of potential hose end valve drop locations. This should be carefully
reviewed, not just for protection of the subsea asset and potential safety and
environmental consequences if their integrity is breached, but to ensure that
there is a means of recovery of the hose, and that snagging risks are eliminated.
The normal tanker bow operating zone, or the probable zones where a hose
disconnection may occur, taking account of possible drive off accelerations (up to
Appendix H
124
41m in the 40 seconds it takes to execute a disconnection during pumping),

should be considered when determining normal operating arcs. For example if a
hose disconnection takes place when the Tanker bow is beyond a riser or a
mooring line, then the export hose string may be draped across this asset,
damaging possibly the asset but also itself.
The potential drive off and drift off tracks of the Tanker should also be considered
in view of all the subsea architecture, and that mooring line vertical clearances
may determine the nearest safe distance that a drift or drive off path should be
permitted.
Appendix H
125

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Tandem Loading Guidelines

ISBN: 1 903 003 67 9