Cargo Tank Cleaning and Slops Disposal

Two tanker operations that have the greatest impact on the safety of personnel and of the environment are Cargo tank cleaning for man-entry, and the disposal of slops.

On completing this chapter you will have an understanding of:

·        Why following a good plan of tank cleaning operations helps in the safety of personnel.

·        Why the location of the Ship, the condition of Oil in the bottom and oxygen in the atmosphere of tanks should be

·        Checked in preparing for tank cleaning apart from ensuring that the vessel is not in one of the designated MARPOL Special Areas.

·        When the overboard discharge line blank should be removed.

·        How to take in water safely for tank cleaning.

·        What is open cycle water washing and the advantages of closed cycle water washing?

·        Why purging with inert gas is necessary and when a tank is gas free enough for crew to enter.

·        All tank cleaning including cow and discharge or decanting of wear from slop tanks Is to he recorded in the Oil Record book part I.