Crude-oil washing operations
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the vessel's arrangements for crude-oil washing are planned, understood and executed using vessel-specific limits, verified line-up, effective communication and traceable records.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What are the critical controls for crude-oil washing?
Explain the vessel-specific sequence, limits and safeguards for approved COW manual, qualified personnel, tank programme, oxygen and pressure control, washing machines, stripping, trim, terminal agreement and suspension criteria.
2How was the line-up independently verified?
Identify both verifiers, the physical route checked, valve-position confirmation and the record completed before starting.
3What conditions require the operation to stop?
Stop for loss of communication, unexpected pressure or level, leakage, alarm, incorrect line-up or any of these specific failures: loss of inert condition, machine leakage, poor stripping, unapproved washing pattern or excessive electrostatic risk.
4Show the most recent complete operation.
Trace the plan through COW plan, operations and oil record books, oxygen log, washing-machine programme and terminal checklist, including any deviation and its authorisation.
5What is the first response to an abnormal condition?
Stop or stabilise the operation, raise the alarm, isolate the source where safe, verify tank and system condition and coordinate with the terminal and Master.
Where an observation may arise
The vessel procedure did not adequately address approved COW manual, qualified personnel, tank programme, oxygen and pressure control, washing machines, stripping, trim, terminal agreement and suspension criteria.
The plan was copied or did not reflect the actual cargo, tank condition, terminal limits or equipment status.
A critical valve or connection was not independently checked, or the recorded position conflicted with the physical system.
Responsible personnel could not explain their limits, monitoring duty, communications or stop-work authority.
The plan, log or checklist could not be reconciled with COW plan, operations and oil record books, oxygen log, washing-machine programme and terminal checklist.
The response did not adequately control loss of inert condition, machine leakage, poor stripping, unapproved washing pattern or excessive electrostatic risk.
Master's practical note
Use the latest real operation, not a model checklist. Follow one critical parameter from the agreed plan to the CCR display, deck condition and final record.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Apply the vessel's approved cargo manuals, cargo-specific data, terminal agreement and company limits. Do not operate cargo equipment solely to demonstrate it during an inspection.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 8.1.2
- MARPOL Annex I regulations 33 and 35
- Revised COW Specifications
- OCIMF ISGOTT, Sixth Edition
Last reviewed: 2026-09-14