Crew competence not up to new eco-rules and fuel demands of modern ships

THE competence of ships crews is failing to keep pace with the advancement in technology and more sophisticated ship operations as well as an increasingly stringent regulatory environmental, reports Tanker Operator.


"Training and competence in bunker management must start in school, not on the vessel. We see a major problem with young seafarers working on a big ship not knowing enough about fuel quality, bunkering procedures or proper fuel handling," said DNV Petroleum Services (DNVPS) regional manager Bill Stamatopoulos.


"Very few of them have seen how contaminated bunkers can cause the ship engine to break down suddenly and threaten the safety of everyone on board, especially in rough weather," he said.


Effective bunker management is a basic requirement for safe vessel operations is particularly lacking attention. Besides safety considerations, Mr Stamatopoulos said shipboard personnel must manage strict fuel regulations as well as the economic imperative of ensuring the right quality and quantity of fuel is received, given today's high bunker prices.


Current fuel regulations include the United Nations' IMO MARPOL Annex VI environmental rules on bunker. From January, the global sulphur cap will be reduced to 3.5 per cent and the North American environmental restrictions on sulphur will kick in by August 2012.


This will raise demand for expensive low sulphur fuel, which in turn will add to the fuel expenses of companies trading in the ECAs. "It's vitally important for the ship's crew to know how to get the most out of fuel - safely and without contravening regulations," said Mr Stamatopoulos.
(source:http://www.schednet.com)