COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Marine Loading Arm and Terminal Control System course is a highly technical program focused on the engineering and automation of the ship-to-shore interface. This course examines the design, hydraulics, and structural mechanics of Marine Loading Arms (MLAs), which replace flexible hoses for the high-volume transfer of oil, gas, and chemicals. It provides a detailed analysis of how these complex mechanical structures accommodate vessel movements such as surge, sway, and heave while maintaining a leak-proof connection under high pressure.

The scope of this training involves a deep dive into the Terminal Control System (TCS) and the Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS) that govern terminal operations. Participants will explore the logic of Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems, the functionality of Emergency Release Couplings (ERCs), and the integration of telemetry between the vessel and the shore. The program emphasizes the importance of automated monitoring, including the use of Berth Monitoring Systems (BMS) to track vessel position and mooring tension in real-time.

Coverage includes the maintenance protocols for hydraulic power units, swivel joints, and pantograph systems, alongside the software management required for terminal automation. The course addresses the safety requirements for operating in hazardous areas and the regulatory standards set by OCIMF and SIGTTO. By combining mechanical engineering with advanced control logic, this course equips professionals with the expertise needed to manage and maintain the critical infrastructure of modern marine terminals.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Identify the structural components and types of Marine Loading Arms.
2. Manage the hydraulic control systems used for MLA maneuvering.
3. Explain the functionality and logic of Emergency Release Systems (ERS).
4. Utilize Berth Monitoring Systems (BMS) for real-time vessel tracking.
5. Program and troubleshoot Terminal Control System (TCS) sequences.
6. Oversee the connection and disconnection procedures for various cargoes.
7. Implement maintenance schedules for swivel joints and hydraulic seals.
8. Analyze the "Operating Envelope" of an MLA to prevent structural damage.
9. Integrate ship-to-shore communication links (Electric, Fiber Optic, Pneumatic).
10. Manage the Emergency Shutdown (ESD) levels for terminal-wide safety.
11. Conduct Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on critical MLA load-bearing parts.
12. Configure alarm set-points for drift and range monitoring.
13. Audit terminal control logic for compliance with international safety codes.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Terminal Engineers, Jetty Supervisors, Loading Masters, Maintenance Technicians, and Instrumentation Engineers.

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.