This move was made to establish effective collaboration between those involved in STS operations and to ensure safe, efficient and diligent undertaking of such operations by all participants, the company explained.
The audit scheme is based on MARPOL requirements, IMO and OCIMF Guidelines and best practice across the industry.
The company pointed out that Masters, appointed by tanker operators, are responsible for the safety of their ships at all times, including during STS operations and they “… shall under no circumstances permit safety to be jeopardised by the actions of others.” [paragraph 1.5.1 OCIMF Guide 2013].
On the other hand, STS service providers, who play a vital role in safety and environmental protection during the STS operation, are nominated by cargo interest charterers.
Sadly, experience has shown that on a global scale not all of the service providers meet customers and regulatory requirements, DYNAMARINe claimed.
The company said that the intention behind this audit scheme is for operators and STS service providers to work together to address this problem and safeguard the safety and environmental protection of all STS operations thereby avoiding sub-standard performance during operations.
There are several companies already supporting this in initiative, including -
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Arab Maritime Petroleum Transport Co.
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Andriaki Shipping.
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Athenian Sea Carriers.
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Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus).
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Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Singapore).
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Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (UK).
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Claus-Peter Offen Tankschiffreederei.
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Dorian Hellas.
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Dorian LPG Management Corp.
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Ionia Management.
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Grace Management.
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Kuwait Oil Tanker Co.
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Maran Tankers Management.
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Optimum Ship Services.
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Thenamaris (Ships Management).
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TMS Tankers.
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TMS Cardiff Gas.
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Truong Phat Loc Shipping Trading Joint Stock Co.
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Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement.
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Western Shipping.
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Byzantine Maritime Gas.
A more in-depth look at the audit scheme will be published in the November/December issue of Tanker Operator Magazine.