Ship Bunkering and Fuel Oil Transfer Safety Checklist
This ship bunkering and fuel oil transfer safety checklist ensures compliance with MARPOL Annex I Regulation 38 (Oil Fuel Bunkering), OCIMF Bunker Transfer Guide, SOLAS requirements for fire prevention during bunkering, and company bunker operations safety management procedures. Bunkering operations represent a significant oil spill risk — careful pre-operation checks, continuous monitoring, and clear communications are essential.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Chief Engineer / Second Engineer
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: MARPOL Annex I Regulation 38 Oil Fuel Bunkering, OCIMF Bunker Transfer Guide for Ships, SOLAS II-2 Fire Prevention Bunkering, IMO MEPC Resolution Bunker Delivery Note Requirements, MARPOL Annex VI Fuel Oil Sampling Requirements
Pre-Bunkering Checks
Before any bunker transfer commences.
- Receiving tanks sounded and capacity confirmed?
- Tank overfill alarms tested and operational?
- Deck scuppers plugged and oil spill kit ready?
- No-smoking/naked-light notice posted and enforced?
- Communications confirmed with bunker barge/terminal supplier?
Documentation Checks
Pre-bunker documentation.
- Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) details reviewed and grade confirmed?
- MARPOL representative fuel sample arrangement confirmed with supplier?
- Quantity to receive confirmed against storage capacity?
- Declared sulphur content within applicable limit (global 0.5% / ECA 0.1%)?
- Letter of Protest procedure ready if quality issues found?
Transfer Operations
Active bunkering monitoring.
- Transfer commenced at slow rate and confirmed before full rate?
- Continuous watch on deck hoses/manifold and tank vents?
- Tanks sounded at regular intervals during transfer?
- Emergency stop signal agreed and tested with supplier?
- Crew watching overside for any spill to sea?
ECA Fuel Changeover
Low-sulphur fuel switch (if entering ECA).
- ECA fuel changeover required for next port/passage?
- Fuel changeover procedure logged in oil record book?
- Sufficient ULSFO/MGO on board to cover entire ECA passage?
- Changeover commenced with sufficient time before ECA entry?
- Fuel oil changeover log entries completed as required?
Bunkering Completion
Post-transfer checks.
- Final tank soundings taken and quantity received confirmed?
- Bunker hose disconnected and blank flanges refitted?
- BDN signed and copy retained on board?
- MARPOL representative sample sealed with agreed seal number?
- Oil Record Book entries completed for bunkering operation?
Bunker Records
Bunkering documentation.
- BDN filed in vessel records for 3-year retention?
- MARPOL fuel oil sample stored securely for 12 months?
- Fuel inventory updated in ship's fuel management system?
- Any spill or near-miss formally reported to master and DPA?
- Bunkering Notes
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Why Use This Ship Bunkering and Fuel Oil Transfer Safety Checklist?
This ship bunkering and fuel oil transfer safety checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief engineer / second engineer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with MARPOL Annex I Regulation 38 Oil Fuel Bunkering, OCIMF Bunker Transfer Guide for Ships, SOLAS II-2 Fire Prevention Bunkering, IMO MEPC Resolution Bunker Delivery Note Requirements, MARPOL Annex VI Fuel Oil Sampling Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ship Bunkering and Fuel Oil Transfer Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Bunkering Checks, Documentation Checks, Transfer Operations, ECA Fuel Changeover, Bunkering Completion, Bunker Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Ship Bunkering and Fuel Oil Transfer Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Chief Engineer / Second Engineer professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.