Maritime Consulting

Demo e-mail report n. 01/2000

Message from: Desperados Shipping
M/T "Shiningsea" at anchor in Uthopia Bay on Febr. 30th
Sea condtition: Smooth
Wind : Light breeze from NNE
M/T "Shiningsea" is an SBT 15 years old in loaded conditions (65.000 M/T of Arabian Light)

Message quote:
At 06.00 L.T. (daybreak) we detected a patch of oil in way of Tanks 2P, 3WBP, 4P, 5P. Any other ships is at anchor or crossing this area. We ascertained that source of pollution is not from our deck (Lines, valves, Bunker and ballast system, hydraulic system etc).
Pls advise how to proceed in our investigation.

Suggested solutions:
1. Don't consider the tanks in way of the oil patch the most likely source of pollution.
2. The source of pollution can be located both Fwd or Aft the polluted area.
3. If you are transferring cargo, ballast, bunker etc. start investigation on line/valves involved.
4. Check your MPR overboards ( as well as Auxiliary P.R. if fitted).
5. Check all Engine overboard.
6. At last consider the possibility of a crack in some hull plate. 7. Try to draw a sample of polluted water.

Comments:

According to the ship's statement we assume that the source of pollution is below the sea water line.
We know that the polluted sea area is most of the time far from the source of pollution because of the ship's moving and the currents effect. Consequently tanks in way of polluted area should not be considered as "1st suspected".
If some cargo/ballast/bunker operation is underway you must start investigating on lines, valves, pumps involved in such operation.
In fact most of pollution have a dynamic cause. Overboard (even blanked) should be always checked.

When you start to investigate avoid to consider cargo as main font of pollution. Any kind of "Oil" present on board could be involved.

Engine room is often the most unknown place of the ship. If you believe that overboard is something concerning cargo system, check engine drawings.
You will be astonished by the number of overboards fitted in E.R. All of them can be source of pollution.
Have a good luck and reliable insurance!!

IN.CO. Maritime Consultin Dpt.
Capt. Hook