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QUESTION 9.5.3

STS Operations Plan availability, approval and familiarity

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge, Cargo Control Room, Main Deck, Engine Control Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the vessel carries a current STS Operations Plan, whether the required approval applies to the cargo and whether copies are available where the operation is controlled. Officers and relevant ratings must know the plan and follow it during recent or current STS work.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

PLANA current vessel STS Operations Plan is available onboard.APPROVALFor transfer of MARPOL Annex I cargo, Administration approval is available unless a stated exemption applies.OTHER CARGOESFor other liquid cargoes, the plan aligns with the relevant OCIMF guide as recommended best practice.LOCATIONSCopies are available on the bridge, at the cargo transfer control station and in the engine room.CONTENTThe plan covers the operation sequence, mooring, cargo and ballast transfer, roles, communications, shutdown, rapid breakaway, spill response and contingency actions.OPERATION UPDATESCurrent mooring and cargo plans are incorporated or linked for the operation.KNOWLEDGEThe accompanying officer and ratings involved in a recent operation know where the plan is and the content relevant to their duties.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Where are the required copies of the STS Operations Plan kept?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

2Show the Administration approval where the vessel transfers MARPOL Annex I cargo.

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

3How is the current operation's mooring and cargo plan linked to the STS Operations Plan?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

4Show the procedures for emergency shutdown and rapid breakaway.

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

5What duties does the plan assign to your station?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

6How would a spill during STS be reported and controlled under the plan?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

Where an observation may arise

AVAILABILITY

No STS Operations Plan is carried onboard.

APPROVAL

Required Administration approval for Annex I cargo transfer is absent.

ALIGNMENT

For other liquid cargoes, the plan does not align with the relevant industry guide.

CURRENCY

The plan is outdated, incomplete or not updated for the current operation.

COPIES

A required copy is missing from the bridge, cargo control station or engine room.

KNOWLEDGE

An officer or recently involved rating cannot locate or explain the plan.

Master's practical note

The plan should be usable at the places where decisions are made. Check that the same current document is available on the bridge, at cargo control and in the engine room, and that operation-specific plans are easy to find. Asking one rating to locate the relevant section is a better test than asking whether the crew has been familiarised.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: The plan must describe the vessel's actual cargo, ballast, communications and emergency systems. Operating sequences must follow the approved vessel plan and manufacturer instructions.

References

MARPOL Annex I, Chapter 8, Regulation 40
OCIMF Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases, First Edition
ISM Code section 7
Administration-approved vessel STS Operations Plan, where applicable

Last reviewed: 2026-08-11