LNG Bunkering IMO model Fathom

LNG Bunkering Safety & Operations Training for Dual-Fuel Vessels This training programme provides seafarers with the knowledge, operational understanding and safety competencies required for the safe handling, transfer and bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as marine fuel onboard dual-fuel vessels. The programme is aligned with the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), STCW Regulation V/3, STCW Code Section A-V/3, and IMO Model Courses 7.13 and 7.14 for Basic and Advanced Training for personnel serving on ships subject to the IGF Code. Training covers the physical and chemical properties of LNG, cryogenic hazards, LNG fuel-storage and fuel-gas supply systems, bunkering arrangements, hazardous areas, gas detection, ventilation, control and monitoring systems, and safety safeguards on LNG-fuelled vessels. Particular emphasis is placed on the LNG bunkering operation, including: Bunkering planning and risk assessment Roles and responsibilities of bunkering personnel Pre-bunkering meeting and ship/shore or ship/ship communication Bunkering safety checklist and readiness verification Safety and hazardous zones PPE and cryogenic protection Bunker hose/transfer system connection and preparation Inerting, purging and leak/tightness testing LNG transfer-line cool-down Controlled commencement and ramp-up of LNG transfer Monitoring of tank pressure, temperature, level and transfer rate Vapour and pressure management Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems and ship/shore or ship/ship interface LNG leakage, vapour release and emergency response Fire prevention and firefighting Completion, draining, stripping, purging and inerting Safe disconnection and post-bunkering activities Documentation and post-operation review The programme addresses LNG-specific hazards including cryogenic temperatures, cold burns, brittle fracture, rapid phase transition, flammable gas clouds, oxygen displacement, overpressure and ignition risks. Participants are introduced to LNG safety systems including gas detection, ventilation, double-wall piping, tank-pressure monitoring, automatic shutdowns, ESD-1/ESD-2 functions and other protective systems. Scenario-based exercises develop the ability to recognise abnormal conditions and respond to events such as LNG leakage at the bunker manifold, hose or coupling failure, gas detection alarms, loss of communications, excessive tank pressure, unexpected ESD activation, fire, loss of power and emergency interruption of bunkering. Training Objective On completion, participants should be able to understand the LNG bunkering process, recognise LNG-specific hazards, apply appropriate safety precautions, understand essential LNG fuel and safety systems, perform assigned bunkering duties safely, and respond effectively to abnormal and emergency situations in accordance with their onboard responsibilities. Regulatory & Training Framework The programme is developed with reference to: IGF Code STCW Convention – Regulation V/3 STCW Code – Section A-V/3 Table A-V/3-1 – Basic Training Competencies Table A-V/3-2 – Advanced Training Competencies IMO Model Course 7.13 – Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code IMO Model Course 7.14 – Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code Applicable vessel-specific Fuel Handling Manual, Bunkering Procedures, Safety Management System and Emergency Procedures The programme may be supplemented with vessel-specific procedures, equipment familiarisation, simulator exercises and practical bunkering scenarios appropriate to the vessel's LNG fuel and fuel-gas supply systems.