SHIP TO SHIP TRANSFER OPERATION - STST

The Scope and objectives of ” Ship to Ship Transfer (STST) course ” is to train Masters and Deck Officers on cargo transfer procedures while carrying out a STS operation.

STS operation in tankers is a highly critical and specialized cargo operation. An incorrect understanding of the various factors affecting cargo Handling can lead to serious accidents and unnecessary claims.

Most of cargo operations take place between a ship and a land-based terminal. Nevertheless, it sometimes can be useful to transfer cargo from one ship to another in the open sea and this is called a ship-to-ship operation.

One vessel acts as the terminal whilst the other one moors. The receiving ship is called the daughter vessel and the delivering vessel is called STBL (Ship to be lightered) or Mother vessel.

STS operations take place at open sea or at OPL (outer port limit). The involved parties are the 2 participating vessels and the Service Provider who provides the STS equipment and the qualified Mooring Master (Person in Overall Advisory Control, POAC).

This course is designed as per the OCIMF guide lines and is such designed that the participants are trained to exercise due diligence in minimising incidents involving Oil Pollution and to carry out the STS operation by following industry best practices.