COURSE OVERVIEW:

Marine Fuel Management and Bunkering Safety is a technical program designed to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant handling of fuel oils in the maritime industry. This course examines the entire bunkering process, from the pre-selection of suppliers to the final sampling and documentation. It provides a detailed analysis of the chemical and physical properties of modern fuels, including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and alternative fuels, focusing on the prevention of spills, fires, and engine damage.

The scope of this training involves a step-by-step breakdown of the bunkering procedure, emphasizing the ship-shore and ship-barge interface. Participants will explore the technical requirements for piping systems, tank gauging, and the critical "Bunker Safety Checklist." The program highlights the regulatory requirements mandated by MARPOL Annex VI, focusing on sulphur caps, fuel oil non-availability reports (FONAR), and the legal significance of the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN).

Coverage includes the commercial aspects of fuel management, such as quantity measurement (using Mass Flow Meters) and the identification of fuel quality issues like cat-fines or high acidity. The course addresses the environmental risks of bunkering and the implementation of robust spill response measures. By combining operational safety with regulatory compliance, this course equips maritime professionals with the expertise needed to manage the ship’s most significant operational cost and environmental risk.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify the physical and chemical properties of marine fuel oils.
2. Execute a safe bunkering operation in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI.
3. Utilize the Bunker Safety Checklist to ensure ship-barge coordination.
4. Calculate fuel quantities accurately using manual and digital methods.
5. Manage the risks associated with fuel incompatibility and stratification.
6. Oversee the correct collection and storage of representative fuel samples.
7. Interpret Bunker Delivery Notes (BDNs) for regulatory compliance.
8. Implement spill prevention measures and SOPEP equipment deployment.
9. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of Mass Flow Meter (MFM) systems.
10. Manage the transition between high-sulphur and low-sulphur fuel zones.
11. Troubleshoot fuel-related engine issues such as cat-fine damage.
12. Conduct a risk assessment for bunkering in various port conditions.
13. Administer fuel quality testing and dispute resolution procedures.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Chief Engineers, Second Engineers, Engine Officers, Bunker Superintendents, and Marine Operations Managers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.