Section 3.10: Site Plans and Technical Data - Rick Neufeld Comments

Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.
Section 3.10: Site Plans and Technical Data
Table of Contents
Vessels will be required to follow procedures as recommended in the latest version of the International
Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT), and in accordance with Oil Companies
International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and Tripod Catenary Moored Systems (TCMS) guidelines and
regulations.
4.18.2 Port Information Booklet and Terminal Regulations
Of vital safety importance to the visiting vessel, especially on its first occasion, is the receipt by the tanker
and its owner of copies of the Port Information Booklet (see TERMPOL Study 3.16), and the Terminal
Regulations (see TERMPOL Study 3.17). The Port Information Booklet will contain information about
general marine subjects including pilots, tugs, weather, references to Canadian regulations, etc. The
Terminal Regulations will include mandatory procedures and regulations for the tanker to follow while it
is moored at Kitimat Terminal.
4.18.3 Cargo Transfer Safety Procedures
A synopsis of the safety procedures conducted during the cargo transfer operations is presented below;
refer to TERMPOL Study 3.11 for a detailed description of the general cargo transfer procedures.
4.18.3.1 Inert Gas Generation
For all vessels arriving at Kitimat Terminal, it is critical that the vessel’s inert gas generation system is in
good operating condition. The inert gas system limits the amount of oxygen in the cargo tanks of the
vessel and prevents the formation of an explosive atmosphere. Prior to arriving at the terminal the vessel’s
crew will monitor the cargo tanks and will operate the inert gas system as required to ensure the inert gas
pressure and oxygen content comply with standard safe values. Verifying the vessel’s inert gas system is
in good operational condition will form part of the vessel’s pre-transfer safety inspection. Unloaded
vessels arriving at the terminal will be inspected to confirm that the empty tanks contain inert gas at the
prescribed concentration.
4.18.3.2 Mooring Procedures
All laden vessels, and under certain conditions ballasted vessels, will be escorted by escort tug(s). As a
vessel approaches the terminal, harbour tugs will also be deployed to assist the vessel into the berth. To
help in the berthing operation, the terminal will also be equipped with a docking aid system including an
on-deck display to monitor the speed, distance and approach angle of the vessels as detailed in Section
4.12. Once a tanker has completed arrival manoeuvres and has been assisted onto the breasting structures
by the tugs, it will be ready to secure its mooring lines by trained terminal personnel. The containment
boom then is deployed in preparation for oil transfer operations.
4.18.3.3 Pre-transfer Safety Conference and Vessel Inspection
The terminal will typically conduct a pre-transfer safety conference between terminal personnel and the
ship’s representatives in charge of the cargo and ballast operations. After the safety conference, both
terminal personnel and ship’s crew will conduct a vessel safety inspection. The inspection includes
completing a safety and oil pollution checklist, in accordance with OCIMF and TCMS guidelines and
regulations. The terminal personnel will also inspect the cargo tanks and establish communication links
between the tanker and terminal. Any inspection failures will require rectification prior to the
commencement of loading.
January 20, 2010 FINAL - Rev. 0 Page 4-17