Section 5 in Visakhapatnam Port Trust (Bunkering of ocean going Vessels) Regulations, 2006
5. Responsibility of the Master.
- (i) The Master of the ship involved in bunkering shall ensure that bunkering shall only take place, provided:(a)Application of the intention to bunker is given to the Deputy Conservator well in advance, stating the place, type of bunker oil to be transshipped and the probable beginning time of the bunkering.(b)All questions of bunker checklist attached to this Regulations as Annexure-3 . & 4 are answered truthfully.(ii)The Master of an ocean going vessel shall not begin bunkering, unless he has ensured that;(a)The scuppers/flushing gates, as far as possible, are well closed.(b)Idle bunker pipes are well blanked.(c)The bunker hoses are well suspended.(d)The bunker connection is provided with proper gaskets.(e)Every bolt-hole in bunker pipe connection flanges is provided with a well tightened bolt.(f)There is sufficiently large drip tray/ save all under the bunker pipe connections and they have been emptied out and plugged.(g)The checklist as per Annexure-3 & 4 to be filled up and exchanged.(iii)The Master of the bunker vessel shall not begin bunkering, unless he has ensured that:(a)The bunker vessel is well moored.(b)The bunker hoses are in a good state with valid test certificate.(c)The bunker hoses have sufficient play.(d)The bunker hoses are well suspended.(e)The bunker connection is provided with proper gaskets.(f)Every bolt hole in bunker pipe connection flanges is provided with well tightened bolt.(iv)The Master of a ship involved in bunkering shall ensure that the conditions mentioned in (ii) & (iii) above respectively remain fulfilled during the entire bunkering process.(v)If the Master of the ship involved in bunkering cannot ensure the fulfilment of the conditions mentioned in (ii) & (iii) above respectively, he shall cease bunkering immediately.(vi)The Master shall take all precautions to avoid spillage and fire risks which are as follows;(a)Sealing of all deck scuppers, over board discharge on board.(b)"B" flag/red light to be exhibited.(c)Communication between ship and bunkering barge to be ensured.(d)No smoking signs to be exhibited.(e)fire fighting appliances to be kept in readiness.(f)Approved absorbent material/sand in readiness including drip trays.(g)Any other precautions that are required under ISM Code and ordinary practice of seamanship.(h)No HOT WORK to be carried out on board vessels.(i)In case of any pollution, the same shall be intimated to the port control immediately on VHF CH-16 or phone 2562135 and 2875568 or Shipping Assistant on VHF Ch. 16 or Phone 2563029/2562791 or 2875505.(j)In case of pollution of port waters either accidentally or intentionally the Master/Commanding Officer/ Owners of the vessel is liable, in addition to the latest amendment, to penal charges as per /Chapter IV Section 21(2) of Indian Ports Act, 1908 and Section 356 (C) of Merchant Shipping Act and payment of cleaning charges of Port waters without any upper limit.(k)The penal charges/cleaning charges will be levied by the port, as determined by the Chairman/ Dy. Conservator.
