Short Overview

This cross-industry publication, developed jointly by CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO provides comprehensive guidance on the planning and execution of Ship to Ship (STS) transfer operations for petroleum, chemical and liquefied gas cargoes. Reflecting the latest operational best practices and regulatory developments, it is applicable to all ships involved in STS activities, whether conducted at sea or in port. The Guide serves as a crucial reference for Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers, and transfer organisers, ensuring safety, environmental protection, and regulator compliance.

Detailed Overview

The 'Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases' is the definitive industry reference for safe and effective STS operations, reflecting over 50 years of practical experience and regulatory alignment. Developed through collaboration between CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO, this second edition builds upon the foundational guidance of its predecessors and incorporates significant updates to address emerging industry needs.

The second edition has been fully revised and updated and contains new guidance on:

• A dedicated chapter on human factors, emphasizing the importance of human performance and decision-making in STS operations. Chapter 2 introduces the concept of alternative, emerging and innovative technology in STS operations, with guidance on evaluation, implementation, and risk management
• updated protocols for personnel transfer, including best practices derived from OCIMF's 'Transfer of Personnel by Crane Between Vessels' information paper, promoting a risk-based approach to safe transfers (Chapter 5)
• enhanced guidance on STS-specific equipment, including fenders, cargo hoses, vapour hoses and mooring equipment. This includes state-of-the-art fender-sizing calculations representing current industry best practices
• consolidated cargo operations guidelines within Chapter 10, which is divided into four distinct sections: Oil, Chemicals, LPG, and LNG. All four supporting appendices from the first edition are now seamlessly integrated into the main content, offering streamlined, comprehensive reference
• revised Ship to Ship Safety Checklists aligned with ISGOTT, reflecting best practices for procedural integrity and risk mitigation. The checklists are organised into six sections, covering the entire STS operation step by step.

The Guide also outlines key operator responsibilities, including adherence to Flag State and Port State Control requirements, maintaining liability insurance, and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) with best practice STS Operations Plans. Additionally, it introduces terminology updates for enhanced clarity, replacing 'Mother Ship' and 'Daughter Ship' with 'Constant Heading Ship (CHS)' and 'Manoeuvring Ship (MS).'

Intended for use by ship operators, Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers, local administrations and other stakeholders, the Guide serves as a benchmark for safety and compliance during both routine and emergency STS transfers. It supports the requirements of MARPOL Annex I and is recommended to be kept on board every vessel and terminal involved in STS operations.

This edition reaffirms the industry's commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible STS operations, aligning with global maritime regulations and best practices. With its standalone structure, it provides all necessary information for safe STS operations and references authoritative industry publications, ensuring operators are fully equipped to meet modern regulatory requirements.

The checklists and forms in the Appendices, including a Ship to Ship Safety Checklist, crane plan, and LNG STS compatibility questionnaire, are available in an electronic, fillable format from the OCIMF website.

Details