Ship Shore Safety Checklist (SSSCL)
The Ship Shore Safety Checklist (SSSCL) is a vital tool for ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of cargo between tankers and terminals. It is a requirement under the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT 6) that both the tanker and terminal sign the checklist before any cargo operations commence.
It covers a wide range of safety aspects, including:
Mooring and access: The mooring arrangement must be effective and safe access must be maintained between the ship and shore.
Communication: The agreed ship-shore communication system must be operative.
Cargo transfer: The cargo transfer system must be in good working order and all necessary safety precautions must be in place.
Emergency preparedness: Emergency procedures must be agreed and in place, and all personnel must be familiar with them.
The SSSCL is divided into two parts:
Part 1: Pre-transfer checks: These checks must be completed before any cargo transfer operations commence.
Part 2: Repetitive checks: These checks must be carried out at regular intervals during the transfer operation. The checklist contains a number of checkpoints with the codes A, P, and R. These codes have the following meanings:
A: Agreement. For checkpoints with code A, it is not sufficient to just tick or sign the point. The tanker and terminal must have a written agreement in place for this point.
P: Permission. For checkpoints with code P, no operations are to be conducted without the written permission from the appropriate authority.
R: Re-check. For checkpoints with code R, the tanker and terminal must re-check this item at regular intervals during the transfer operation.
It is important to note that this is just a guide. The tanker and terminal may need to adapt the checklist to take into account the specific characteristics of the vessel, terminal, and cargo being transferred.
Here are some examples of checkpoints in the SSSCL:
Part 1: Pre-transfer checks
A: The tanker and terminal have agreed on the emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an incident.
P: The tanker has permission from the port authority to berth at the terminal.
R: The tanker and terminal will re-check the mooring arrangement every two hours during the transfer operation.
R: The tanker and terminal will monitor the cargo transfer system continuously and take corrective action immediately if any problems are detected.
Part 2: Repetitive checks
R: The tanker and terminal will monitor the cargo transfer system continuously and take corrective action immediately if any problems are detected.
R: The tanker and terminal will check the mooring arrangement every two hours during the transfer operation.
R: The tanker and terminal will check the emergency equipment is in good working order every two hours during the transfer operation.
Also read: Seaworthiness vs Cargoworthiness: What’s the Difference?
The Ship shore safety checklist is an essential tool for ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of cargo between tankers and terminals. By carefully reviewing and completing the SSSCL, the tanker and terminal can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
In addition to the above, here are some additional tips for using the SSSCL effectively:
Start by exchanging information: The tanker and terminal should exchange information about the cargo being transferred, the transfer operation, and the emergency procedures in place. This will help to ensure that both parties are on the same page and that there are no surprises during the transfer operation.
Complete the SSSCL together: The tanker and terminal should complete the SSSCL together to ensure that both parties agree on all of the checkpoints. This will help to avoid any disputes or misunderstandings during the transfer operation.
Review the SSSCL regularly: The SSSCL should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is up-to-date and that it reflects the specific characteristics of the vessel, terminal, and cargo being transferred.
Be prepared to make changes: If the tanker or terminal identifies any safety risks during the transfer operation, they should be prepared to make changes to the SSSCL to mitigate those risks.
By following these tips, the tanker and terminal can use the SSSCL to ensure a safe and efficient transfer of cargo.
The importance of the SSSCL
The SSSCL is an important tool for ensuring the safety of cargo transfer operations between tankers and terminals. It helps to identify and mitigate potential safety risks, and it provides a common framework for communication and cooperation between the two parties. The SSSCL is also important for compliance with ISGOTT 6.