Bunkering preparation

Starter

Play game: “Fact or fiction?”

Ask everyone to write on a piece of paper THREE things about themselves which may
not be known to the others in the group. Two are true and one is not. Taking turns, they read out
the three ‘facts’ about themselves and the rest of the group votes which are true and false.

1 Discuss:

What is “bunkering”?
a) the logistics of loading and distributing of cargo
b) dealing in trade of bunker
c) the supplying of fuel for use by ships

Vocabulary

2 Study the sentences. Explain the meaning of the words in bold.

1. A checklist is a list of all the things that you need to do.

2. All scuppers are to be sealed off to prevent oil spill on deck going overboard.
3. All drip trays are to be plugged.
4. The air space between the oil surface and the top of the tank is known as ullage.
5. The innage is the actual depth of the liquid in the tank.

3 Match the words with their definitions.

1 ulla a distance from the bottom of the container to the surface of

ge the liquid
2 drip b a hole in a ship's side to carry water overboard from the
tray deck
3 scup c is the volume which is left empty in a tank so that there is
per space for the liquid in the tank to expand
4 chec d a tray designed to catch drips
klist
5 inna e a list of items required, things to be done
ge

1 2 3 4 5

Reading

4 Tick the true statements. Explain your choice.

Prior to bunkering the Chief Engineer should send to the company`s agent ashore a
radiogram indicating:
__ the name of the ship;
__ heat the fuel residue;
__ quantity and grade/type of fuel oil required;
__ open all valves;
__ sounding and record should be made;
__ ETA at the port;
 __ to empty some tanks and transfer the oil from one tank to other (to prevent mixing of
two oils old and new one).

5 Match the halves of the sentences. Answer the questions.

1. Why should a meeting be held?

2. What is SOPEP equipment needed for?
3. What is the main task of a person involved in BO?
4. What lighting is presented on the masthead?
5. Why is on board communication between the people made?
6. When should vessel draught and trim be recorded?
7. What should be done with deck scuppers or drip trays?
8. Is it possible to smoke during BO?

1 A meeting discussing the a tasks and should remain at

. bunkering plan should be held between the their workstations.
crewmembers
2 Personal involved in BO should b so that nothing is missed on.
. have no other
3 Planned final ullage or innage of c to be empty.
. tanks and the planned percent
4 A checklist is to be filled d should be positioned.
.
5 All deck scuppers or e the people involved in
. bunkering is made.
6 Overflow tank is checked f in case oil spill occurs.
.
7 Adequate lighting (red flag/light) g before bunkering
.
8 No smoking notice h is presented on masthead.
.
9 On board communication between i drip trays are plugged.
.
1 Vessel draught and trim is recorded g of each tank to be filled.
0.
1 All equipment in SOPEP locker is k and the tank filling sequence.
1. prepared
1 Check which bunker/fuel tanks are l and responsibilities of each
2. to be filled officer are explained.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1
0 1 2

6 Choose the correct option.

1. The first thing that has to be established before any bunkering procedure, is to
___________
a) identify the person in charge
b) clean all tanks with chemicals
c) separate the fuel

2. Prior to bunkering, usually a ____________________ with all crewmembers involved

is held.
a) barbeque party
 b) pre-bunkering meeting
c) housekeeping in the ER

3. A meeting should be in order to identify risks, _____________ and agree upon a fixed
set of operating procedure.
a) watch films
b) discuss plans
c) have coffee time

4. Crew members assigned to bunkering operations should not have

____________________
a) any phone talks.
b) any break time.
c) any other duties during operation.

5. All associated ___________________________________ should be sounded and

prepared.
a) pipes and tanks
b) cabins and galley
c) boxes and cans

6. Both the bunker station and its trays must ________, and the deck scupper must
__________.
a) bought / checked
b) be cleaned / be plugged
c) found / be discussed

7. All necessary overboard valves should be closed, and oil _____________ should be
placed at different locations.
a) buckets
b) absorbing material
c) pipes

7 Complete the statements.

1. The Chief Engineer should send

_______________________________________________.
2. A radiogram should indicate
__________________________________________________.
3. The meeting
_______________________________________________________________.
4. A checklist
________________________________________________________________.
5. ________________________________________________________ drip trays are
plugged.
6. ___________________________________________________________ empty some
tanks.
7. All equipment in SOPEP
_____________________________________________________.

Speaking

8 Make 2 true and 1 false sentences.

 9 Imagine that you are in charge of BO. Make a checklist “prior to bunkering”.

During bunkering procedures

Starter

Play “Taboo game”

1 Discuss the way to eliminate the spillage during bunkering.

Vocabulary

2 Match the words with the pictures.

1 verify - make sure or demonstrate a

that (something) is true, accurate, or
justified

2 commence – begin, start b

3 rate - a measure, quantity, or c

frequency

4 sounding - the action of d

measuring the depth (of a tank)
 5 topping up - make it full e

6 allowable - allowed, especially f

within a set of regulations; permissible

7 sample ['sɑːmpl] - take a small g

part of (something) for analysis

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

3 Match the words to get word combinations.

1 commence a up
2 pumping b soundings
3 topping c allowable
4 max d rate
5 the sample e verify
6 take f is taken
7 completed and g bunkering

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

4 Tick true statements.

___1. ChE is responsible for the safe and efficient loading of bunkers.
___2. Proper communication between the barge and the ship is to be established.
___3. Sign and signals are to be followed as discussed in case of communication during
an emergency.

5 Fill in the gaps with word combinations from 3.

1. Engineer in charge must be on bunker manifold station to open or close valves.

2. ______________________ at minimum pumping rate. This is done so as to check that
the oil is coming to the tank to which the valve is opened.
3. Examine hose connections for leakage.
4. _______________________________ regularly to verify true pumping rate.
5. After confirming the oil is coming to the proper tank the _______________________
is increased as agreed before.
6. Never close down against the incoming bunkers unless permission to do so is given by
facility staff.
7. Reduce pumping rate and/or open next tank before
_______________________________.
8. Close valves as each tank is _________________________ that finishing ullage is
maintained whilst others are in the process of being loaded.
9. The _________________ to which tank is filled is 85%.
10. With date __________________________ in presence of witnesses at the beginning
and during bunkering with the help of sampling cock at the manifold.

6 Mark the sentences as True, False or Doesn`t Say. Correct the false ones.

___1. Only after bunkering, the checklist must be filled up.

___2. A sample should be taken only before bunkering.
___3. Continuous monitoring of bunkering isn`t required till the bunkering operation is
complete.
___4. To check that the oil is coming to the tank is not required.
___5. During bunkering, sounding is taken only once.
___6. Because many vessels have no tank gauges, we should make sounding with the help of
measuring tape.
___7. Master is at the head of bunkering.

7 Complete the sentences.

1. Bunkering __________________________________________________________________
2. A sample ___________________________________________________________________
3. Take soundings ______________________________________________________________
4. Checklist must be ____________________________________________________________
5. _____________________ is responsible for _______________________________________
6. __________________ on bunker manifold station __________________________________

Speaking

8 Complete questions using the prompts:

- checklist must be filled up

- pumping rate is kept low
- sample is taken during bunkering
- sounding is taken regularly
- vessels have tank gauges
- temperature of bunker is also to be checked

9 Make a reminder “Actions during bunkering”.

After bunkering procedures

Starter

Play game “Crocodile”

1 Discuss the questions.

1. On completion of the bunkering operations, with the ship-barge co-ordination, what

should be done with the line/manifold and why?
2. What convention is BO directly related to? Name Annexes.
 Vocabulary

2 Study the words / word combinations in bold.

1. It is a general practice to air blow the bunkering supply line for discharging all the oil
trapped in the pipelines.
2. There are certain discrepancies between the two versions of the story
3. They are facing an expected $10 billion shortfall in revenue
4. A sounding cap can be used by opening and closing when the operator measures the
level of the fluid stored in the tank.
5. Act 1983 mandates that specific information must be contained on the bunker
delivery note.

3 Fill in the gaps with the words from 2.

1. Has ________ ___________ through the line been carried out very carefully
considering tank overloading?
2. A _________ _____________ that can be opened and closed is installed at the top of
the sounding pipe.
3. It is the responsibility of the fuel oil suppliers to provide the
________________________, which must remain on the vessel, for inspection purposes, for a
period of three years after the fuel has been delivered.
4. The current account of the balance of payments is in ____________________.
5. I recently noticed some financial ___________________ and discovered my signature
had been forged on documents.

Reading

4 Predict actions you should do “AFTER BUNKERING”.

_______
_____
_____
_____

5 Read the text and check your guesses.

1. Once the bunker is finished, it is a general practice to air blow the bunkering supply
line for discharging all the oil trapped in the pipelines. At this stage, ensure all sounding pipe
caps are closed and keep a watch on those storage tank vents which are at its maximum limit.
2. Avoid opening the bunkering supply line connecting between the bunker ship and
receiving manifold. In case of any discrepancy, the supplier may agree to compensate the
shortfall and may resume bunkering operation.
3. Draught and trim of the ship is checked.
4. Take sounding of all the tanks bunkered.
5. The volume bunkered should be corrected for trim, heel and temperature correction
6. Four samples are taken during bunkering. One is kept onboard, one for the bunker ship
or barge, one for laboratory analysis, one for port state or IMO.
7. The chief engineer will sign the bunker receipt (BDN*) and the amount of bunker
received.
8. If there is any shortfall of bunker received the chief engineer can issue a note of protest
against the barge/supplier (in case the deficit is not agreed by the bunker supplier).
9. After everything is settled, the hose connection is removed.
10. The chief engineer will make the entry of the operation in the oil record book.
 11. Unplug scuppers, remove tray. Clean the bunker station of oil and remove SOPEP
equipment.

*a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) is the standard document required by Annex VI of

MARPOL, which contains information on fuel oil delivery.

6 Mark the statements True, False or Doesn`t Say. Correct the false ones.

___1. Only two samples are taken during bunkering.

___2. Close the bunker valve before disconnecting the hose.
___3. Draught and trim of the ship is checked.
___4. Leave all scuppers at their places.
___5. Master should fill in the Oil Record Book.
___6. Water extinguisher is used during bunkering operations.
___7. When the tank overflows, it will be a sign that it is full.

7 Complete the sentences.

1. After bunkering operation
_____________________________________________________.
2. _________________ blown with
air_____________________________________________.
3. ________________ take
sounding_______________________________________________.
4. Drain
_____________________________________________________________________.
5. Clean
_____________________________________________________________________.
6. _______________________________ the hose connection
__________________________
7. ____________________________________________________________ Oil Record
Book.

Speaking

8 Write down questions. Interview your partner.

9 Make a poster “After Bunkering Procedure”

 Safety requirements, MARPOL regulations

Starter

Play the game:” Mary-go-round”.

1 Answer the questions.

1. What convention deals with oil pollution?

2. Name the Annex.

Vocabulary

2 Study the pictures and match the words with their definitions.

comply reduce allocate

 spill inspection residue

1 allocate a a quantity of liquid that has spilled or been spilt

2 reduce b act in accordance with a wish or command
3 spill c a substance that remains after a process such as
combustion or evaporation
4 comply d make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size
5 inspection e distribute (duties) for a particular purpose
6 residue f observation or examination

1 2 3 4 5 6

3 Fill in the gaps.

1. There was a sticky ________________ at the bottom of a test-tube.

2. He promised to ______________________ fully with my requests.
3. Please have your tickets ready for __________________________.
4. He was absolved from any blame for the oil __________________.
5. The dean didn`t __________________ the funds to several students.
6. ____________________ speed while turning.

Reading

4 Answer the questions.

1. Where is it strictly forbidden to discharge oil?

2. Where has the movement of cargo oil and its residues to be recorded?
3. How to reduce the possibility of a spill occurring?

5 Read the text and check your guesses.

All bunkering operations should be carefully planned and executed in accordance with
MARPOL regulations. Pollution caused when heavy fuel oil is split is particularly damaging and
difficult to clean-up.
Annex I covers the prevention and reduction of oil pollution from operational as well as from
accidental oceanic oil discharges. All ships are subject to surveys to guarantee that the structure,
equipment, materials and arrangements thoroughly comply with the Convention which regulates
the conditions when and where oil discharges from tankers are allowed. However, the amounts
of oil and oily mixtures which can be discharged as the cargo into the sea were reduced.
Furthermore, under MARPOL it is strictly forbidden to discharge in special areas including
the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Moreover, MARPOL provides an oil record book requirement, where the movement of cargo
oil and its residues has to be recorded. These book entries can be freely inspected by any
member states at any time.
To reduce the possibility of a spill occurring, or to minimize the effects of any spill, it is
important to:
• always ensure sufficient people familiar with the bunkering system and operation are allocated
to the ship’s team Personnel involved in the bunkering operation on board should have no other
tasks and should remain at their workstations during topping-off. This is particularly important
when bunkers are being loaded concurrent with cargo operations, in order to avoid conflicts of
interest for operational personnel. Spillages often occur when staff are distracted by another task;
• always start the bunkering operation at a low pumping rate. Once the system has been checked
for leaks and free-flow, the rate can be increased to the agreed pumping rate. When checking for
leaks always remember to include the opposite manifold that is not being used. Check all bunker
tanks to ensure that the fuel is only being received into the correct tanks, make regular
inspections of the manifold and hose. The operation must halt if any small drips are seen and the
leak be rectified immediately;
• make regular inspections of the bunker tank sounding pipes and relevant vents. Remember to
close and cap sounding pipes at all times, when not in use.

6 Match the words to get word combinations.

1 to comply a of any spill

2 to reduce b its residues
3 minimize c with the Convention
4 to allocate d inspections
5 make regular e the leakage
6 cargo oil and f sufficient people

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 Complete the statements with word combinations from 6.

1. They tried _________________________ while bunkering.

2. All ships are subject to guarantee that the structure, equipment, materials and arrangements
thoroughly ________________________________________.
3. Our task is _____________________________ to the ship’s team.
4. He should ___________________________________ of the manifold and hose.
5. MARPOL provides an oil record book requirement, where the movement of
________________________________ has to be recorded.
6. During bunkering we should ____________________ the effects _________________.

Speaking

8 Role-play the dialogue. Imagine that you are an inspector (Cadet A), who comes to the Chief
Engineer (Cadet B) for checking their safety during bunkering procedure.

Review 3

1 Discuss with your partner.

1. Where can these gestures be used? Why?

2 a) Work in groups. Make a plan of your actions:

- prior to bunkering;
- during bunkering procedure;
- after BO.

b) Take turns, add your recommendations to another group`s plan (mingle activity).

3 Write down “Safety requirements” prior / during / after BO.

Safety requirements
prior during after
DO

DON`T

4 Make questions, using question words why/ when/how/ what. Interview your partner.

1. / bunkering procedure?
2. / actions prior to/ during/ after bunkering?
3. / to reduce the possibility of a spill?
4. / Convention deal with oil pollution?
5. / SOPEP equipment needed?