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Information Papers

Name Date

Inert Gas Systems, Semi-dry Type Deck Water Seals - Prevention of Inert Gas/Hydrocarbon Backflow.

16 February 2000

This document investigates the function of the inert gas system dry type deck water seal and its ability to protect the gas safe spaces of a ship

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Safety, Health, Environmental Issues and Recommendations for Shipboard Handling of Elevated Mercury Crude Cargoes

16 August 2011

This paper provides information on the potential hazards, issues, and concerns associated with mercury in crude oil cargoes, and contains advice to assist tanker operators in order to establish procedures aimed at minimising health, safety and environmental impacts.

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Cargo Inspectors - Safe Working Practices

13 October 2009

The OCIMF Ports and Terminal Committee (PTC) has received reports about poor compliance with basic safety procedures and/or an apparent lack of basic tanker safety knowledge by Cargo Inspectors whilst engaged in their professional duties on board tankers.

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Recommendations on the Hazard Identification of Fuel Changeover Processes

1 April 2013

This paper provides guidelines to oil tanker operators and other interested parties on the potential consequences of fuel switching between residual and distillate fuels where ships’ installations have typically been designed and manufactured to be used with residual fuels (HFO). INTERTANKO and OCIMF have developed this guidance with the aim of providing a simple check list of items which should be part of a Risk Assessment and a Hazard Identification (HAZID) assessment, for main engines, auxiliary engines and boiler systems in oil tankers covering the switching to, and long term operation on, low sulphur marine distillate fuel. It is recommended that such assessments are conducted in cooperation with classification societies, equipment manufacturers/installers and/or other experienced entities. The differences between the composition and physical properties of low sulphur marine distillate fuel and residual fuels (HFO) result in significant differences with regard to the safe operation of installed systems which should be addressed by specific operational instructions and procedures. Operators will need to undertake a risk assessment of the fuel switching process and, based on the results, consider the initial design or the need for modification to existing equipment, as well as updating instructions and providing associated training to the crew.

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Safe Access on Ships with Exposed or Raised Deck Structures

2 March 2012

This Information Paper has been developed to highlight the issues and risks associated with the changes to deck structure and how these risks might be mitigated to ensure safe access and working in the cargo deck area. The Information Paper is intended for the use of both ship and terminal personnel and will hopefully help to reduce the frequency and probability of accidents in this area.

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Recommendations on the Proactive Use of Voyage Data Recorder Information

1 October 2012

This paper highlights how the proactive analysis of Voyage Data Recorder information, on a regular basis, can provide an important tool for use in accident prevention and the reinforcement of a positive operational safety culture. The paper also depicts the analysis of tanker incidents during the period 1978 to 2011 which indicates that navigational incidents involving collisions, contacts or groundings have consistently accounted for around half of all incidents and how there is a potential to learn lessons from other industries, particularly aviation, by improving the analysis and assessment of available data.

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Recommendations for the Tagging/Labelling, Testing and Maintenance, Documentation/Certification for Ships' Lifting Equipment

1 May 2005

The purpose of the following recommendations is to provide a basis for consideration when drafting internationally applicable and accepted guidelines, to enable builders owners and users of ships lifting equipment to install operate and maintain the equipment in a safe and efficient manner

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Factors Influencing Accelerated Corrosion of Cargo Oil Tanks

1 September 1997

Corrosion of cargo tank structure is a fact of life when operating oil tankers in the harsh environment encountered at sea. The internal structure of the cargo tanks, often un-coated, is exposed to potentially corrosive gases, sea water, crude oil and oil products

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GHG Emission-Mitigating Measures for Oil Tankers - Part A: Review of Reduction Potential

6 July 2011

The information paper provides the report of a workshop held by OCIMF to evaluate the effectiveness of over 50 CO2 mitigating measures which can be grouped into the 4 main strategies for reducing GHG emissions from Tankers; Reducing ship resistance, improving propulsion efficiency, improving power generation and improving vessel operations.

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Extract from Survival Craft Seafarers' Guide

28 October 2008

This guide has been published by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum with the aim of providing practical information to assist seafarers with the safe operation and maintenance of survival craft.

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Guidelines on Capabilities of Emergency Response Services

1 March 2013

Emergency Response Services (ERS) are rarely used, and as such may not attract appropriate priority of emphasis in vessel management. Merely having a service agreement in place does not ensure that, when needed, the quality of service provided meets the need. Recognising the potential hazards associated with the lack of consistency in the provision and utilisation of ERS, the OCIMF Marine Technical Sub-committee was tasked to form a Working Group to review current systems and practices in the industry, and to make any necessary recommendations for improvement. The objective of these Guidelines is to clarify and recommend the minimum scope of ERS provision, and to give advice on suggested minimum requirements of competency and capability of ERS service providers.

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Marine Breakaway Couplings Information Paper

4 November 2008

Offshore marine terminals providing bulk liquid transfer facilities to tankers through floating and sub-sea flexible hose strings may be at risk of tanker breakout and surge pressures within the hose strings. Tanker breakouts may be as a result of parting of mooring hawsers due to excessive environmental forces and surge pressures may be experienced due to operational errors, such as the incorrect operation of transfer valves. Where no protective device has been installed, such incidents have resulted in the rupture of hoses or damage to Single Point Mooring systems (SPMs) and tanker pipework and fittings, with consequent pollution of the environment.

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Inert Gas Systems - Block and Bleed Valve Arrangements for Chemical Tankers Carrying Chemicals and Petroleum Products

16 February 2000

(intro needs transcribing)

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Ship Measurement - Deadweight or Displacement?

16 February 2000

It has been convenient for those engaged in the shipping industry and tanker and bulk trades, to use "summer deadweight" as the means of giving a reasonable description of the physical size of a ship as well as being an approximate guide to her cargo carrying capacity.

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Marine Injury Reporting Guidelines

1 February 1997

The primary purpose of these guidelines is to promote, among tanker operators, an increased understanding and awareness of personnel safety through the efficient and accurate reporting and recording of accidents.

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Manning at Conventional Marine Terminals

1 June 2008

There is a growing industry trend towards rationalising the manpower employed at marine terminals. Terminals are looking at achieving reductions in manning levels by De-manning berths when ships are not alongside, reducing manning during the time when a ship is alongside, or by having personnel only attending the berth when needed for specific operations that require manual intervention or surveillance

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Oily Water Separators

16 February 2006

Shipping industry guidance on the use of Oily Water Separators ensuring compliance with MARPOL.

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Inert Gas Systems Dry Type Deck Water Seals - Prevention of Inert Gas/Hydrocarbon Backflow.

16 February 2000

This document investigates the function of the inert gas system dry type deck water seal and its ability to protect the gas safe spaces of a ship.

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An Information Paper on Pumproom Safety

1 September 1995

A number of serious casualties have occurred in recent years involving fires and explosions within cargo pumprooms and have resulted in loss of lives and environmental damage. This paper has been prepared by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) in order to heighten industry awareness with regard to pumproom safety issues and to propose the adoption of a package of improvement measures for general endorsement by relevant industry bodies

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Industry Code of Practice on Ship Recycling

1 August 2001

t is hoped that this preliminary version of the Code of Practice, distributed with a view to test it in practice, will be seen as a contribution towards the safe and environmentally-conscious recycling of ships at the end of their working lives. Comments are invited from both users and other interested and concerned parties as contributions to its future revision

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Results of a Survey into Lifeboat Safety

1 July 1994

During the course of regular industry meetings, OCIMF members became aware of the disturbing frequency at which similar, and occasionally fatal, lifeboat incidents were occurring. This paper has been prepared by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) to increase industry awareness of the repetitive pattern of these incidents and to propose countermeasures for consideration by relevant industry bodies.

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Maintaining Structural and Operational Integrity on Tankers Carrying Cold Oil Cargoes

14 December 2012

Cold climate oil and gas production continues to increase along with the expansion and use of cold climate ports and sea routes. As trade opportunities increase, operators are faced with the challenges of trading in extreme conditions. The purpose of this document is to remind operators of the structural hazards and restrictions in the carriage of Cold Oil Cargoes (<0 °C). Operators considering the carriage of Cold Oil Cargoes should consider consulting appropriate experts, their Classification Society and insurance providers, while developing a safe operating plan.

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Estimating The Environmental Loads On Anchoring Systems

1 October 2010

During the review and update of the OCIMF publication ‘Anchoring Systems and Procedures’, several incidents were referenced where Masters had remained at anchor during deteriorating weather conditions, with the result that significant damage was caused to anchor system components and, in some cases, serious personal injuries were sustained.

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Guidelines on the Control of Drugs and Alcohol Onboard Ship

1 June 1995

Drug and alcohol abuse and its adverse effects on safety is one of the most significant social problems of our time. It is, appropriately, receiving attention both in the public eye and in government legislation. An example, specific to the marine industry, of government attention to this issue is the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations on the testing of personnel on national and foreign flag ships.

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Guidance For Oil Terminal Operators On The IMO International Ship And Port Facility Security Code

1 December 2003

This guide provides marine terminal operators with information which it is anticipated will aid interpretation and implementation of the requirements for port facilities.

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Guidelines on Safety Management Systems for Hot Work and Entry into enclosed spaces

1 January 2008

Casualties involving Hot Work and Entry into Enclosed Spaces continue to occur, resulting in avoidable loss of life and damage to property. ISGOTT Fifth Edition provides detailed guidance on both topics but assumes that this guidance will be underpinned by an “effective” Safety Management System (SMS).

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Lifeboat Incident Survey

1 January 2000

In 1994, OCIMF in conjunction with ICS, produced a report entitled “Results of a Survey into Lifeboat Safety”. This report highlighted some major concerns over equipment and the availability on board of appropriate technical information and documentation; similar concerns evidently remain.

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Health Safety and Environment at New-Building and Repair Shipyards and During Factory Acceptance Testing

1 July 2003

Guidance on those factors that should be addressed by a company or a shipyard and their personnel, during construction, conversion or repair period to help ensure that HSE risks to people, property and the environment are kept to minimum. July 2003.

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Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice And Or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures In Arctic And Sub Arctic Regions

15 October 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

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Recommendations On Engineering Watch Duty Period Handover And Inspection Routines

1 April 2013

The widespread introduction of machinery automation and associated alarm and control systems has significantly changed the nature of operational practices on board vessels. The extensive use of computers, monitoring tools and equipment has increased the volume and accuracy of data to the extent that there is a risk that the responsible officer may become insulated from the actual machinery status and performance.

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Guide to Purchasing High Modulus Synthetic Fibre Mooring Lines (Joint SIGTTO publication)

1 February 2014

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to those involved in the procurement of High Modulus Synthetic Fibre (HMSF) mooring lines. HMSF lines include those manufactured from Aramid, Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) and High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) fibres.

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Ship Security Bridge Vulnerability Study

31 October 2014

To determine the effects of weapons fired at the bridge of tankers and to recommend effective ship hardening measures to mitigate the threat.

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Recommendations Relating To The Application Of Requirements Governing Seafarers Hours Of Work And Rest

1 November 2012

(needs transcribing)

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The Hazards of Snap-back - Initial learnings from a serious incident of mooring line failure

1 September 2015

This information paper provides a brief description of an incident in which a deck officer in charge of the forward mooring party on board a very large liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier was seriously injured when a tensioned mooring line parted, and the lessons learnt from it.

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A Study into Crane Loads Associated with Hose Handling at Offshore Terminals

3 November 2015

OCIMF members have expressed concerns about the capability of tanker hose handling cranes to safely handle the lengths of hose typically associated with cargo operations at offshore facilities (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) and single point mooring (SPM)).

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Regional Guide To Counter Piracy And Armed Robbery Against Ships In Asia

17 February 2016

The purpose of this guide is to assist those responsible for the operation of ships trading in Asia including companies, owners, masters, agents and seafarers in avoiding attacks, deterring attacks and delaying attacks, actions when attacked and evidence preservation

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Recommendation Briefing Paper For OCIMF Member Companies On Guidelines For Transiting The Straits Of Magellan Including Commentary On Passages Around Cape Horn

1 November 2010

(needs transcribing)

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Guide For Implementation Of Sulphur Oxide Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

4 August 2016

The use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) in the maritime industry is relatively new and there is a general lack of technical understanding and operational experience. MARPOL Annex VI sulphur oxide (SOx) compliance can only be achieved through the use of either low sulphur fuels or an EGCS. Due to the high cost of low sulphur fuels, there is an interest in continuing to use high sulphur fuels which would require the use of an EGCS. This information paper provides practical guidance for the selection, installation and use of SOx EGCS.

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Dynamic Positioning Assurance Framework: Risk-based Guidance

10 August 2016

This paper aims to define sound Dynamic Positioning (DP) assurance practices based upon the levels of risk presented across a range of maritime operations where DP vessels are deployed. It also highlights the proper way of managing a DP vessel when it encounters non-environmental external forces.

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Inert Gas Systems The Use Of Inert Gas For The Carriage Of Flammable Oil Cargoes

13 March 2017

Hydrocarbon gas normally carried in petroleum tankers cannot burn in an atmosphere containing less than approximately 11% oxygen by volume. Accordingly, one way to provide protection against fires or explosions in the vapour space of cargo tanks is to keep the oxygen level below that figure. This is usually achieved by using a fixed piping arrangement to blow inert gas into each cargo tank in order to reduce the oxygen content and render the tank atmosphere non-flammable

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Linked Ship/Shore Emergency Shutdown Systems for Oil and Chemical Transfers

21 April 2017

Linked ship/shore ESD systems have been a standard safety feature of LNG transfer operations for many years. Similar safety issues exist with oil and chemical transfer operations, but the provision of linked ESD systems between ships and terminals has been hampered by the lack of an accepted industry standard for equipment to achieve the required connection.

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Northern Sea Route Navigation: Best Practices And Challenges

7 December 2017

This information paper highlights the challenges and best practices that ship managers and operators should consider when planning and executing a transit of the NSR. It supplements information available from existing sources, particularly from the Northern Sea Route Administration which organises navigation in the NSR and whose goals are to ensure safe navigation and protection of the marine environment from pollution.

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Safety Critical Equipment And Spare Parts Guidance

29 March 2018

The purpose of this information paper is to provide guidance on safety critical spare parts for companies to consider when preparing a Safety Management System (SMS). It is equally applicable to companies managing any type of vessel. This paper introduces some boundary conditions to consider and walks through several steps that may be required to identify safety critical spare parts.

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Global Counter Piracy Guidance For Companies, Masters and Seafarers

2 July 2018

The purpose of this guidance is to protect seafarers, the ship and cargo and, to facilitate threat and risk assessment and planning for voyages transiting areas where the threat of attack by pirates and armed robbers exists.

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BMP5 - Best Management Practices To Deter Piracy And Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf Of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea

2 July 2018

The purpose of this publication is to help ships plan their voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks. Experience has shown application of the recommendations in this publication makes a significant difference to the safety of seafarers.

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Guidelines to Harden Vessels

25 July 2018

Guidelines to Harden Vessels recommends a layered defence methodology for hardening vessels to help prevent unauthorised boarding. Use of a Vessel Hardening Plan is also recommended and an example plan is provided to help ensure vessels are prepared for operations in areas of increased security.

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Marine Terminal Information Booklet: Guidelines and Recommendations

19 September 2018

A vessel’s arrival into port is a high-risk activity, but this risk can be reduced if there is easy access to accurate and up-to-date terminal, berth and port information. This information paper gives terminal operators a template for presenting important terminal and port information in a booklet, for easy reference by vessel personnel, vessel owners, operators, charterers and others.

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A Guide to Best Practice for Navigational Assessments and Audits

10 October 2018

Navigational assessments and audits help vessel owners, operators and Masters to identify areas for improvement and increase safety. They also assure companies that high standards of navigation and watchkeeping are being maintained. While a wide range of navigational assessments are used in the industry, there is no common standard, and a lack of available guidance means that audits and assessments can vary in quality. This information paper gives guidance on how to conduct a good navigational assessment, including: • How assessments should be designed. • Why assessments are carried out. • Who should carry out assessments. • How an assessor should conduct assessments. • How the results can be used to identify trends and training requirements. The paper also features a full template that companies can use as a guide when developing their own navigational assessments.

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Sharing Lessons Learned from Incidents

30 November 2018

This paper outlines the most effective ways that vessel operators can share the lessons they learn from incident investigations. It includes examples of best practice and template forms (also available to download).

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Behavioural Competency Assessment and Verification for Vessel Operators

30 November 2018

This paper presents a system for assessing competency in seafarers. Behaviour and attitude are key elements of a positive safety culture and this paper provides guidance on how to assess and verify seafarers’ behavioural competence.

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The Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ship

7 December 2018

Ships are increasingly using systems that rely on digitisation, integration, and automation, which calls for cyber risk management on board. As technology continues to develop, information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) onboard ships are being networked together – and more frequently connected to the internet.

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Deck Cargo Management Onboard Offshore Vessels

17 December 2018

In the past two decades, unsafe events in the offshore marine industry have indicated that deck cargo operations pose a high safety risk. This information paper provides risk-based guidance and best practices on how to manage deck cargo in the offshore marine industry. It will help vessel Masters, offshore industry personnel and vessel crews adopt safe working practices for deck cargo handling between shore base operations, offshore facilities and vessels.

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Transfer of Personnel by Crane between Vessels

18 December 2018

Personnel have been transferred by crane between offshore vessels and offshore platforms for many years and there are well established guidelines and regulations for this activity, including the requirement to have cranes certified for personnel transfer. A similar level of guidance and regulation has not been available for transfers of personnel between vessels, however, even though incidents have occurred. This information paper is intended to help vessel operators and owners, Masters, officers, Marine Superintendents and Mooring Masters evaluate the risks associated with the transfer of personnel by a vessel’s onboard crane. It includes guidance on risk assessment, equipment, maintenance, training, company policies, procedures and emergency planning. An example transfer by crane plan is included, as well as competence assurance guidelines

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Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Cargo Systems on Oil Tankers

17 January 2019

This information paper presents the technologies and methods that are currently available for controlling or treating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from oil tanker loading and during vessel transit. It includes information on regulations, equipment, safety concerns, training and other design and installation considerations that will help operators better understand the technologies and methods available for controlling these emissions.

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Virtual Arrival

1 May 2011

Virtual Arrival is a process that involves an agreement to reduce a vessel’s speed on voyage to meet a revised arrival time when there is a known delay at the discharge port. The reduction in speed will result in reduced fuel consumption, thereby reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and other exhaust gas emissions. This information paper provides guidance to charterers, vessel operators, vessels and terminals on the practical implementation of Virtual Arrival.

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Dynamic Torsion Load Tests for Offshore Hoses: An Update to the Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings (GMPHOM 2009), section 3.4.10.3

1 February 2019

This information paper provides an update to section 3.4.10.3: Dynamic Test – Torsion Load in OCIMF’s Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings (GMPHOM 2009). The paper explains the reason for the update and provides replacement text for section 3.4.10.3.

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Ship Security – Hull Vulnerability Study

25 February 2019

OCIMF collaborated with defence company QinetiQ to conduct a study of tanker hull vulnerability. This information paper highlights the results of the study in relation to the protection of crew and vessels. The results provide mitigating measures that can be applied to both existing and new build vessels.

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Joint Industry Guidance - The supply and use of 0.50%-sulphur marine fuel

21 August 2019

In October 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed a global limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships of 0.50% m/m (mass by mass) to become effective on 1 January 2020. The implementation of this regulation will have far-reaching implications throughout the marine fuel supply chain, and will require detailed consideration by all parties associated with the production, distribution, storage, handling and use of these fuels. For this reason, a Joint Industry Project (JIP) has been established to raise awareness of these issues.

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Guidelines on the Marine Assessment of F(P)SOs

20 September 2019

The second edition of Guidelines on the Marine Assessment of F(P)SOs is a complete framework for assessing the marine sections of Floating (Production) Storage and Offloading (F(P)SO) facilities against international legislation and industry best practice. It can also supplement any other internal assessments an F(P)SO operating company might carry out as part of its auditing process The main body of the publication consists of 12 questionnaires and the relevant guidance, each covering a different part of F(P)SO. These include marine interfaces and how they relate to areas such as topside production, turret mooring, subsea systems, hydrocarbon offtake systems, pilots, support craft operators and local authorities. Four appendices look at the documents that support the assessment process.

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Guidelines For The Development Of A PWOM

6 November 2019

Guidelines For The Development Of A PWOM The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Polar Code entered into force on 1 January 2017. It requires ships operating in polar waters to submit a Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM) to be able to obtain a Polar Ship Certificate. ICS and OCIMF members consider that how a ship is operated in Polar waters, and especially in ice, is a critical aspect for safe operations. The quality of the PWOM will have an impact on achieving safe operations. Appendix II of the Polar Code provides a model PWOM. While this is a useful starting point, ICS and OCIMF members have found that additional information is needed to develop a quality PWOM.

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