What preventive measures should be taken during bunkering operations?

Monitoring for spills and ensuring proper connections is critical during bunkering operations because these activities are essential for preventing environmental contamination and ensuring the safe transfer of fuel. Spills can have severe environmental impacts and lead to costly clean-up efforts and legal liabilities. Therefore, continuous monitoring helps in early detection of any potential leaks, allowing for immediate action to mitigate risks.

Additionally, ensuring proper connections between the fueling hose and the fuel tanks is necessary to prevent any accidental disconnection or overflow that could result from improper fittings. This involves inspecting hoses and connections to meet safety regulations and operational standards.

While conducting regular equipment checks is important, it alone does not suffice without the active monitoring that occurs during the bunkering process. Likewise, using old equipment can compromise safety and efficiency, leading to greater risks. Lastly, while crew experience is valuable, it should not replace the need for ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to secure a safe bunkering operation.