Crude oil tankers, Practical crude oil washing operations

Whilst crude oil washing is a routine activity conducted during cargo discharge, it is important that junior officers can play their part, by being relied upon to follow the crude oil washing plan and conduct operations safely and effectively. OCIMF TMSA3 6.3.4 requires that junior officers are involved in planning, line setting and execution of the cargo operations as part of their continuing personnel development.

This course explains why crude oil washing a potentially hazardous operation is and emphasizes the need to carry out the operation in strict compliance with the vessel’s approved Crude Oil Washing manual.

As crude oil washing extends the normal discharge time, it is important that the officer in charge is able to minimizes the crude oil washing time and simultaneously maximizes the cargo outturn by reducing the remaining sludge to a minimum. The module looks at some of the issues of conducting a crude oil washing operation safely and effectively.