Bunkering is the process of transferring fuel oil or other petroleum products from a bunker facility to a ship. The ISGOTT bunker checklist is a comprehensive and made-easy checklist for checks to be made before, during and after the bunkering process. Bunkering is a critical operation that requires careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure the safety and efficiency of both the ship and the bunker facility. Bunkering also involves various hazards and risks, such as fire, explosion, spillage, pollution, and human error, that need to be identified and mitigated.
To help the ship and the bunker facility to conduct bunkering operations safely and efficiently, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have jointly published the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT), which is the definitive reference for the safe operation and management of oil tankers and terminals. ISGOTT provides guidelines and recommendations for various aspects of oil tanker and terminal operations, including bunkering.
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ISGOTT Bunker Checklist
One of the key tools that ISGOTT provides for bunkering operations is the ISGOTT bunker checklist, which is a document that lists the items and actions that need to be checked and verified before, during, and after the bunkering operation. The purpose of the ISGOTT bunker checklist is to ensure that both the ship and the bunker facility have taken the necessary precautions to prevent accidents, spills, fires, or explosions during the bunkering operation. The ISGOTT bunker checklist also helps to establish a clear and consistent communication between the ship and the bunker facility, and to identify and resolve any potential issues or discrepancies before they escalate into serious problems.
You can download the ISGOTT Bunker Checklist by clicking here.
The ISGOTT bunker checklist covers topics such as permissions, requirements, personnel, bunker plan, mooring, fendering, access, communication, emergency procedures, fire-fighting equipment, cargo hoses, valves, pumps, gauges, alarms, ventilation, inert gas system, and tank cleaning. The ISGOTT bunker checklist is divided into four parts: Part A for checks at the planning stage for the receiving ship, Part B for checks at the planning stage for the bunker facility, Part C for checks after mooring for the receiving ship, Part D for checks after mooring for the bunker facility, and Part E for pre-transfer conference. The ISGOTT bunker checklist is filled out by the ship and the bunker facility representatives, who sign and exchange copies to confirm their agreement and compliance.
The ISGOTT bunker checklist has been revised and updated in the sixth edition of ISGOTT, which was published in 2020. The sixth edition of ISGOTT encompasses the latest changes in legislation, standards, and operational best practices. It also reflects the feedback and suggestions from the industry and the users of the previous editions. The main changes to the ISGOTT bunker checklist in the sixth edition of ISGOTT are as follows:
- The checklist has been restructured and simplified to make it more user-friendly and intuitive. The checklist now has a clear distinction between the items that are applicable to all types of cargo (Part A), and the items that are specific to certain types of cargo (Part B and Part C). The checklist also has a consistent format and numbering system for each item, and a clear indication of the status and remarks for each item.
- The checklist has been revised to reflect the new and significantly reappraised topics in the sixth edition of ISGOTT, such as human factors, safety management systems, alternative and emerging technologies, and bunkering operations. The checklist also incorporates the updated guidance on enclosed space entry, tank cleaning and gas freeing, inert gas systems, fire protection, and maritime security. The checklist also aligns with OCIMF’s recently revised Mooring Equipment Guidelines.
- The checklist has been enhanced to focus on the individual and joint responsibilities of the ship and the bunker facility for each item, rather than the generic terms of “tanker” and “terminal”. The checklist also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the information and communication between the ship and the bunker facility are clear and consistent before arrival, as well as when alongside. The checklist also provides references to the relevant sections of the sixth edition of ISGOTT for each item, where more detailed information and guidance can be found.
The ISGOTT bunker checklist is an important tool for enhancing the safety and efficiency of the bunkering operation. It helps to establish a common understanding and expectation between the ship and the bunker facility, and to identify and resolve any potential issues or discrepancies before they escalate into serious problems. The ISGOTT bunker checklist also serves as a record and evidence of the ship and bunker facility responsibilities and performance.
