QUESTION 6.2.3

Bunker pipeline inspection and pressure testing

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGDocumentation, Main Deck, Chief Engineer's Office

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the complete HFO and MDO bunker pipeline system is inspected, liquid-pressure tested at the required intervals and maintained with traceable results.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

PROCEDUREThe controlled procedure defines system boundary, inspection scope, method, pressure, frequency, safety precautions and records.ANNUAL TESTThe system has been tested with suitable liquid to 100 percent of MAWP within the previous 12 months.FIVE-YEAR TESTTesting to 150 percent of MAWP has been completed twice within the previous five years at intervals not exceeding three years.SYSTEM BOUNDARYPipelines, manifolds, valves, remote valves, relief arrangements, gauges, tank alarms and ESD devices in scope are identified.MARKINGThe pipeline is marked with the latest test date and test pressure.INSTRUMENTSTest gauges are suitable, identifiable and within valid calibration.DISPOSALThe test liquid is contained and its final disposal is recorded.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Define the complete bunker-system boundary included in the pressure test.

Trace both fuel grades from each manifold through piping and valves to the receiving tanks, including safety and shutdown devices required by the procedure.

2What were the pressure and date of the latest annual test?

Show 100 percent MAWP, liquid test medium, calibrated gauge, hold period, inspection result and approval within the last 12 months.

3When were the two most recent 150 percent MAWP tests completed?

Demonstrate two tests within five years with no interval exceeding three years, or the operator's stricter approved requirement.

4Why must compressed air or inert gas not be used for this pressure test?

A liquid test limits stored energy and follows the specified test basis; pneumatic testing introduces a different and potentially severe rupture hazard.

5How was the test liquid disposed of after completion?

Trace the liquid to an approved tank, treatment route or reception facility and show the associated record.

Where an observation may arise

PROCEDURE

The test boundary, method, pressure or frequency is undefined.

FREQUENCY

The annual or higher-pressure test is overdue.

METHOD

Air or inert gas was used instead of a suitable liquid.

CALIBRATION

The test gauge is unsuitable or lacks valid calibration.

MARKING

The latest test date and pressure are not marked on the system.

DEFECT

A pipeline, valve, alarm, relief device, gauge or ESD component in the bunker system is defective.

Master's practical note

Confirm the stated MAWP before accepting any pressure figure. Then reconcile the procedure, calibrated gauge range, test record and physical pipeline marking; the same number should not be assumed for every section.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Test pressure must come from approved design data and company procedure. Never infer MAWP from a previous test marking or conduct pneumatic testing as a substitute.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 6.2.3
MARPOL Annex I
ISGOTT, current edition
Approved bunker pipeline drawings and test procedure

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08