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What happened?
An anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel was approaching an offshore platform.
It experienced a blackout and lost all power in its thrusters during the approach.
Fortunately, due to the weather and currents, the vessel started drifting away from the platform, rather than hitting it.
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Why did it happen?
Generators tripped due to an air lock in the fuel line.
Fuel oil purifier and freshwater transfer operations were started without properly restoring the fuel transfer system following bunkering.
- This resulted in fuel being drained from the day tanks into storage tanks. Tank low level alarms did not occur.
Inadequate handover/takeover:
- Post-bunkering checklist was not followed so the fuel oil transfer system was not restored to a sea-going condition.
- Freshwater transfer operations were carried out immediately without adequate completion or restoration of fuel systems.
- Insufficient time for switching between fuel oil transfer and freshwater transfer to platform.
Emergency diesel generator did not come on load automatically and tripped due to a defective breaker.
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What did they learn?
Toolbox talks and job safety analysis (JSA) should be conducted before bunkering operations and should include:
- Discussion on risks and safeguards.
- Bunkering plan, procedures, and sequence of valve operations for each activity involved in the transfer.
Ensure a thorough handover between shifts, particularly during critical operations.
Signage / notices outlining bunkering procedures, sequence of operations etc. should be posted in engine room and near bunker manifolds.
Reinforce the importance of restoring fuel systems back to ‘normal’ operation following bunkering.
Nominate a responsible person for starting and stopping fuel transfer and bunkering.
Conduct a blackout drill, taking into consideration various scenarios (approaching a platform/jetty/other moving vessel).
Verify all the automatic elements of the emergency generator are fully functional.
-
Ask yourself or your crew
What is our procedure for restoring fuel transfer systems after bunkering?
How can you verify that the automatic emergency generators are functioning as they should?
What should you do if there is a blackout on your vessel?
What measures do we have in place for preventing this from happening here? How can we improve?
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What happened?
An anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel was approaching an offshore platform.
It experienced a blackout and lost all power in its thrusters during the approach.
Fortunately, due to the weather and currents, the vessel started drifting away from the platform, rather than hitting it.
Why did it happen?
Generators tripped due to an air lock in the fuel line.
Fuel oil purifier and freshwater transfer operations were started without properly restoring the fuel transfer system following bunkering.
- This resulted in fuel being drained from the day tanks into storage tanks. Tank low level alarms did not occur.
Inadequate handover/takeover:
- Post-bunkering checklist was not followed so the fuel oil transfer system was not restored to a sea-going condition.
- Freshwater transfer operations were carried out immediately without adequate completion or restoration of fuel systems.
- Insufficient time for switching between fuel oil transfer and freshwater transfer to platform.
Emergency diesel generator did not come on load automatically and tripped due to a defective breaker.
What did they learn?
Toolbox talks and job safety analysis (JSA) should be conducted before bunkering operations and should include:
- Discussion on risks and safeguards.
- Bunkering plan, procedures, and sequence of valve operations for each activity involved in the transfer.
Ensure a thorough handover between shifts, particularly during critical operations.
Signage / notices outlining bunkering procedures, sequence of operations etc. should be posted in engine room and near bunker manifolds.
Reinforce the importance of restoring fuel systems back to ‘normal’ operation following bunkering.
Nominate a responsible person for starting and stopping fuel transfer and bunkering.
Conduct a blackout drill, taking into consideration various scenarios (approaching a platform/jetty/other moving vessel).
Verify all the automatic elements of the emergency generator are fully functional.
Ask yourself or your crew
What is our procedure for restoring fuel transfer systems after bunkering?
How can you verify that the automatic emergency generators are functioning as they should?
What should you do if there is a blackout on your vessel?
What measures do we have in place for preventing this from happening here? How can we improve?
An anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel was approaching an offshore platform. It experienced a blackout and lost power, drifting away from the platform. Fortunately, due to the weather and currents, the vessel started drifting away from the platform, rather than hitting it.
