By JD Ross Leahy, Washington State Department of Ecology Spills Program
We recently observed a spill from a fishing vessel where the tank pressurized and pressed fuel up the fill and out a tank vent. The vigilance of the point of transfer watch and quick action by the PICs kept the fuel from entering the water. The vessel was loading fuel directly into a tank through a deck fuel fill, with the hose attached to the fill with a camlock connection. The tank was just 75% full (transfer rate of 100 gallons per minute) when fuel spilled to the deck of the vessel due to inadequate tank venting.
Here are some ways to help ensure your tanks have adequate venting while fueling:
- If fueling with a fixed connection (vs. a nozzle) for the first time, request a lower transfer rate
- Slow transfer rate before reaching the planned stopping point
- While planning your fueling, consider directing fuel into multiple tanks simultaneously
- Establish a maximum transfer rate that your system can handle and include it in your Oil Transfer Procedures