QUESTION 10.5.1

Planning and execution of conventional bunkering

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Control Room, Chief Engineer's Office, Engine Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether bunkering is planned from required quantity to final reconciliation, with tank capacity, transfer rate, communication, pollution prevention, emergency shutdown and watchkeeping controlled throughout.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

BUNKER PLANThe signed plan identifies grades, quantities, receiving tanks, sequence, maximum filling limits, rates and final topping-off method.CAPACITYSoundings or gauges, existing quantity, transfer pipelines and safe available volume have been independently checked.SHIP-SHOREThe pre-transfer conference agrees signals, communications, initial and maximum rates, pressure, emergency stop and spill response.DECK CONTROLScuppers, save-alls, plugs, manifolds, hoses, lighting, drip arrangements and SOPEP equipment are ready.ENGINE CONTROLValves, tank levels, overflow routes, vents and watch responsibilities are confirmed and continuously monitored.RECORDSChecklist, samples, BDN, sounding log, Oil Record Book and quantity reconciliation form a consistent record.EMERGENCYAll stations can stop transfer immediately and know the initial spill, fire and communication actions.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1How was the maximum receiving quantity calculated?

Use current tank quantity, verified capacity table, trim or list correction, expansion allowance and the company's maximum filling limit.

2Who can order an emergency stop?

Any person detecting danger should raise the agreed stop signal; the responsible officers then execute and communicate the shutdown.

3Why is a slow starting rate required?

It confirms the line-up, correct tank receipt, hose integrity and communications before pressure and flow increase.

4How is topping off controlled?

Reduce rate early, monitor the receiving tank continuously, avoid simultaneous distractions and keep an alternate safe receiving route only if planned.

5What must be reconciled after completion?

Compare ordered and delivered quantity, BDN, barge and ship figures, samples, tank soundings and any retained or transferred quantity.

Where an observation may arise

CAPACITY ERROR

The planned quantity exceeds safe available tank capacity.

LINE-UP

Valves or crossover arrangements do not match the signed plan.

WEAK WATCH

Tank levels, manifold pressure or deck condition are not continuously monitored.

COMMUNICATION

Ship and supplier do not share a tested emergency-stop method.

POLLUTION CONTROL

Scuppers, save-alls, hoses or spill equipment are not ready.

RECORD CONFLICT

BDN, soundings, samples and Oil Record Book entries are inconsistent.

Master's practical note

Recalculate the highest-risk receiving tank and walk the overflow path. A signed checklist cannot compensate for a wrong capacity assumption or an unmonitored topping-off stage.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Apply terminal, supplier, flag, MARPOL and company requirements. This question concerns conventional liquid-fuel bunkering; low-flashpoint fuel bunkering is addressed separately in section 10.6.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.5.1
MARPOL Annex I and Annex VI
SOLAS Chapter II-2
ICS and OCIMF bunkering guidance
ISM Code section 7

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10