14.1 GENERAL

This section contains information on the rules and regulations regarding vessel operations in Prince Rupert Harbour.

Not permitted in Prince Rupert Harbour:
• Open Loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers)
• Pumping of black water (sewage) or grey water overboard
• Use of an incinerator
• Bottom cleaning by brushes
• Propeller polishing
• Fishing with nets or trap fishing within 50 metres of any berth, designated anchorage, jetty, float or other structure used by watercraft without prior written permission from the PRPA

14.2 LOWERING BOATS AND RAFTS

PRPA Marine Operations is aware of the various national requirements for the exercising of lifeboats at designated intervals and will accommodate all such activities. Prior to conducting Lifeboat Exercises the vessel must request permission from PRPA Marine Operations through the PSOC (Telephone: +1 (250) 627-2522 or VHF 68) of their intentions including the start and finish time. It is expected that lifeboat drills will be conducted within a 50 metre radius of a vessel at anchor.

Vessel’s boats may be used to transfer crew to and from vessels anchored in the inner harbour. Such boats must only land and embark persons at the Northland Terminal. Vessel’s crews must not land at private docks. Vessel’s boat engines must be fitted with an efficient muffler silencer system that complies with recognized noise control standards.

MAN OVERBOARD AND EMERGENCY DRILLS (FIRE, ABANDON SHIP, ETC.)
Prior to conducting any drills that may be seen or heard by other vessels or persons ashore, all vessels shall advise the PSOC on VHF 68 and Prince Rupert Traffic on VHF 71 at least 15 minutes prior to commencement of any drills and again after the drills are complete.

14.3 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

DEMOBILIZATION OF PROPULSION
No vessel shall de-mobilize its main engines whilst alongside without the approval of PRPA Marine Operations via the ship’s agent.

PRPA Marine Operations will consider:
• The prevailing weather conditions, tide or current
• The type of berth and cargo operations
• The length of time the engines are expected to be de-mobilized

If approval is given, the vessel will be required to complete all of the following:
• Provide a continuous vigilant deck watch
• Provide continuous monitoring of VHF 71
• Ensure emergency towing lines are properly rigged;
• Provide a minimum of four head/stern lines and two springs each end, under even
tension.

In some circumstances a tug may be required to stand by the vessel. Permission to demobilize main engines for a vessel at anchor will only be granted under exceptional circumstances. If authorized, a tug (or tugs) of sufficient bollard pull to hold the vessel in place in the expected weather conditions will be required at immediate stand-by while the vessel’s engines are demobilized.

Nothing in these procedures relieves the Master of the vessel from his obligations for safety or from following additional precautions as would be required by the normal practice of seamen. These procedures are to be considered the minimum requirements.

TURNING MAIN ENGINES
No vessel shall turn main engines while made fast alongside a berth without the prior approval of PRPA Marine Operations via PSOC. Where a vessel is turning its propeller while berthed at PRPA property or at anchor, it shall, from sunset to sunrise be sufficiently illuminated to clearly indicate such activity.

HOT WORK
For the purposes of this section “hot work” is defined as all welding, cutting, brazing, or other metal work conducted with oxyacetylene or arcing equipment onboard a vessel of more than 350 gross tonnes, or on a dock or facility designed to berth such vessels.

All Hot Work may only commence when a Welding and Hot Work Permit¹⁰⁰ has been completed in its entirety and sent to the PSOC via email.¹⁰¹ All portions of the Permit must be completed and each question on the attached sheet must be answered in the affirmative for work to commence. Should any precaution be incapable of fulfillment, in special circumstances specific approval may be granted by the on-call PRPA Marine Operations representative to allow work to proceed. Any additional precautions imposed by the on-call Marine Operations representative for this work are mandatory.

Welding and burning equipment shall be used in the harbour only with permission of PRPA Marine Operations and only by qualified operators. Before welding or burning equipment is used in the harbour, all flammables shall be moved to such a distance from the equipment as will render them safe from fire and, where such movement is impossible, the flammables shall be adequately shielded. No tanks, containers or other facilities used for storage or transportation of flammables shall be repaired in the harbour with welding or burning equipment until such facilities have been rendered safe for making the repairs.

Every compressor or generator used in connection with welding or burning equipment shall be placed securely and in such a manner as not to interfere with any other operations carried out in the harbour or on PRPA property.

BOLLARD TESTING
Vessels may conduct bollard pull testing or pushes only with the prior permission of PRPA and is subject to any conditions imposed by PRPA. The repair of any damage to a berth, fendering system, ladders or other terminal structure will be held to the cost and account of the vessel conducting the test.

EQUIPMENT TRIALS
No vessel, when berthed at PRPA property or alongside another vessel in the harbour, shall, without the permission of PRPA Marine Operations, engage in equipment or machinery tests or any operation which could endanger such property or other vessels.

14.4 UNDERWATER INSPECTION, DIVING & CLEANING

DIVING
All persons wishing to perform recreational or commercial diving in the Port of Prince Rupert must obtain permission from PRPA via the PSOC by completing a Diving Permit.¹⁰² All diving may only commence when the Diving Permit is completed in its entirety and delivered to the PSOC via email.¹⁰³

The dive site shall be properly identified by appropriate buoys, flags or lights.

PRPA may veto proposed diving operations where these conflict with the safe operations of the port.

14.5 PAINTING, CHIPPING OR CLEANING VESSELS

PAINTING, CHIPPING OR CLEANING
The Master must request permission at least one (1) hour in advance of any painting, chipping or hull cleaning work by calling the PSOC (call sign “Port Security”) on VHF 68.PRPA Marine Operations must approve all requests in advance of any work. The following rules apply to all vessels:
• All precautions must be taken to prevent paint, solvents or any other deleterious substances from entering the waters of Prince Rupert Harbour
• Painting, chipping and cleaning must be completed in daylight hours only
• Waste and paint chips must be prevented from entering the water and must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable regulations. The Master is responsible for ensuring that there are no spills into the local waters.
• No hull cleaning is permitted

14.6 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

GREEN WAVE PROGRAM

PRPA is committed to ensuring our operations remain environmentally responsible and sustainable, as well as safeguarding and promoting the protection of local wildlife. Vessels that go beyond the requirements to operate sustainably can receive recognition through the Green Wave Program. The Green Wave Program includes three tiers of discounted harbour due rates based on an increasing level of environmental performance. Additional information of the Green Wave Program, harbour due rates and eligibility for discount can be found in the PRPA Port Tariff Guide. Green Wave applications must be submitted via email.¹⁰²

MARINE MAMMAL PROGRAM

The Port of Prince Rupert Marine Mammal Program is an initiative aimed at better understanding and managing the impact of shipping activities on at-risk whales throughout the Prince Rupert region. Some of the key threats to whales in this region include: acoustic disturbance (underwater noise), physical disturbance (ship strikes), and environmental contaminants. The long-term goal of the program is to develop mitigation measures that will lead to a reduction in potential threats to whales as a result of shipping activities. The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Recovery Strategy for killer whales identifies disturbance, including underwater noise, as one of the current threats impacting killer whales in British Columbia. Whales use sound to navigate, communicate, and locate prey. For more information, and to see the infographic below, please go to the PRPA Marine Mammal Program ¹⁰³

The Mariner’s Guide ¹⁰⁴ to Whales for Western Canada provides information on historical whale distribution, actions to reduce potential disturbance and reporting mechanisms for sightings and marine mammals in distress.

ENCOUNTERS WITH MARINE MAMMALS
As of July 2018, the Government of Canada amended the Marine Mammal Regulations to require that all vessels stay at least 100 metres away from most whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and at least 200 metres away from killer whales in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia. In past years, annual seasonal measures have required vessels to stay 400 metres away from all killer whales in southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet between 1 June – 30 November.

To reduce underwater noise, vessels are also asked to turn off their echo sounders and turn engines to neutral idle, if safe to do so, when a whale is within 400 metres. Additionally, the regulations stipulate mandatory (and immediate) reporting of all vessel contact with marine mammals using the DFO’s incident report hotline. Anyone in contravention of the regulations can be charged with an offence under the Fisheries Act.

Contact DFO’s British Columbia Marine Mammal Response Network Incident Reporting Hotline if your vessel strikes a whale, or if you observe a marine mammal in distress or entangled (+1 (800) 465-4336 or VHF Channel 16).

If you see a marine mammal, please call the British Columbia Cetacean Sightings Network (+1 (866) I-SAW-ONE or +1 (866) 472-9663) or submit your sighting through the WhaleReport App (available on iOS and Android devices). Make sure you note important details and characteristics that might help with identification and location:

• Date, time, and location (latitude/longitude) of animal
• Type of animal (species if possible)
• Sighting distance
• Behaviours of the animal observed (and your degree of confidence in the identification)
• •Number of individuals
• If possible, from a safe location and abiding by the Marine Mammal Regulations, please provide photographs and video of the animal, especially close-ups of the tail, flukes and flippers

The WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS) is a mobile and desktop-based program that alerts commercial mariners to the presence of whales so that they may take mitigation measures, such as slowing down or diverting course, to reduce the risk of disturbance and collision. If you belong to a professional marine organization and are a pilot or member of the bridge crew of a ship, please contact the WRAS Project Manager at WRAS@ocean.org to request access to the WhaleReport Alert System.

VESSEL DISCHARGES

a) Vessel Garbage

Vessel garbage must be retained on board in suitable containers with properly fitted covers. Garbage removal services are available and must be used to prevent more than a minimum of accumulation of garbage on board prior to sailing. Garbage, dunnage and scrap materials must not be dumped in Canadian territorial waters.

b) Discharge of Liquids

The term “vessel discharges” refers to the discharge of any liquids from a vessel other than ballast water. No person or vessel is allowed to illegally discharge any pollutant into the water within the port. Information surrounding the discharge of liquids from vessels, including distances offshore and areas where such activities may be permitted, can be found in the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations within the Canada Shipping Act (CSA 2001).

c) Accidental Discharge

All accidental vessel discharges must be reported immediately to MCTS at +1 (250) 627-3074. If the discharge contains oil or other deleterious substances, the vessel must immediately activate its pollution response plan.

d) Black and Grey Water Discharge

The discharge of black water (waste from toilets) and grey water (waste from sinks, showers and drains) into the environment, by any vessel certified to carry more than 15 passengers or over 400 tons, is not permitted within the Prince Rupert Harbour

unless an overview of the Transport Canada approved waste water treatment plant is provided to PRPA and accepted. Pleasure craft must also ensure they comply with the regulatory restrictions and best management practices related to the discharge of black water and grey water within the port.

All vessels should be retaining black/grey water on board, using pump out facilities as appropriate, or arranging for a collection barge/vessel to properly dispose of the waste while in the port.

In extreme circumstances, permission may be granted for the discharge of grey water into the environment from a deep-sea vessel provided it is deemed by PRPA not harmful to do so. A test for harmful substances/bacteria must be completed prior to any discharge. Contact the PSOC for more information.

Anyone who sees a vessel discharging sewage illegally is urged to record the incident (photo/video and details) and report it to the PSOC at +1 (250) 627-2522. PRPA will forward the information to the appropriate regulator.

e) Bilge and Sludge Discharge

All bilge and sludge discharge operations must receive prior approval from PRPA Marine Operations and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the operation is to be carried out while the vessel is alongside, the terminal operator will also have to grant permission. If approved, the vessel must follow the same transfer procedures and safety checks for a bunkering operation.

f) Hold Washing Discharge

Vessels requiring discharging hold/tank washings must notify PSOC. The on-call Marine Operations representative may be contacted at any time outside of normal office hours through PSOC at +1 (250) 627-2522. It is recommended that at least 12 hours’ notice be given. If a hold washing operation has been approved, all residual washings must be discharged through an approved disposal method to a shore-side facility or retained onboard. Marine Operations staff may inspect hold/tank cleanliness and hold/tank washings prior to discharge. In any event no hold/tank washings are to be discharged without approval from PRPA.

Vessels are encouraged to retain hold washings on board or at least provide some settling of the heavier materials before discharge over the side. No matter how innocuous the commodity, the Canadian Department of Fisheries & Oceans have a prohibition for suspended solids in excess of 75 mg/L (parts per million). For most materials, this is only a slight haze. Where possible, dry clean-up methods, which recover the product, should be used.

EXHAUST GAS CLEANING SYSTEMS
The use of Open Loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Open Loop Scrubbers) is not permitted in the Port of Prince Rupert. The use of Closed Loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Closed Loop Scrubbers) is permitted.

14.7 BUNKERING

GENERAL
Except at a certified fueling facility, the following guidelines are applicable to all vessels within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Prince Rupert Port Authority and have been developed to enhance safe and spill free bunkering operations within the Port of Prince Rupert.

Except at a certified fueling facility, no vessel exceeding 50 metres in length overall (LOA) shall bunker or refuel within the harbour, unless prior approval has been obtained from the Prince Rupert Port Authority and the Bunkering Checklist¹⁰⁴ is completed.

DEFINITIONS

In these guidelines:

Area of Operation means the bunkering vessels and all refueling lines and manifolds, and the area of water surrounding the vessels. In the case of a land transfer from a bunkering vehicle, the area of operation means any over water area between the bunkering vehicle and the receiving vessel, all refueling lines and manifolds, and the area of water surrounding the receiving vessel;

Bunkers means liquid hydrocarbons, intended for the main propulsion and/or operation of the auxiliary machinery of a vessel or a liquid intended for lubricating the vessel’s engine or its other machinery including slops and bilge waters;

Bunker Supplier means the party supplying bunkers to a ship;

Bunkering Vessel means a vessel, including barges, operated by a bunker supplier which delivers bunkers to a receiving vessel;

Bunkering Vehicle means a tank-truck or other vehicle that delivers bunkers to a receiving vessel from ashore;

Bunker Supervisor means the appropriately qualified person appointed by the Master of the bunkering vessel to supervise the bunkering operation on the bunkering vessel. This individual is to be in attendance at all times during the bunkering operation and is to have appropriate assistance to aid in safe and effective operations. During the bunkering operation the bunker supervisor is to be in constant communication with the officer in charge. In the case of a bunkering operation from a bunkering vehicle, the bunker supervisor means the appropriately qualified person appointed by the bunker supplier to supervise the bunkering operation from the bunkering vehicle. This individual is to be in attendance at all times during the bunkering operation and is to have appropriate assistance to aid in safe and effective operations. During the bunkering operation the bunker supervisor is to be in constant communication with the officer in charge;

Receiving Vessel means a vessel that receives bunkers from another vessel or a vehicle;

Officer in Charge means the appropriately qualified person appointed by the Master of the receiving vessel to oversee the bunkering operation on the receiving vessel. This individual is to be in attendance at all times during the bunkering operation and is to have appropriate assistance to aid in safe and effective operations. During the bunkering operation the officer in charge is to be in constant communication with the bunker supervisor;

SOPEP means the vessel’s Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan.

SUPPLIERS
An approved bunker supplier is a bunker supply company approved by the Prince Rupert Port Authority to supply bunkers to vessels within the Authority’s jurisdiction. Companies that wish to supply bunkers to vessels that call on the Port of Prince Rupert are required to register with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, provide the following documentation and comply with the following requirements as a condition for approval:

1. provide the Authority with an up-to-date list of bunkering vessels and tugs and/or bunkering vehicles and their particulars;

2. provide valid statutory certification documentation issued by Transport Canada or other recognized organizations;

3. provide documentation of successful assessment of suitability of bunkering vessels and the tugs handling the bunkering vessels, in accordance with the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) program;

4. comply with Transport Canada’s minimum safe manning levels;

5. conduct a formal risk assessment of manning levels required to execute bunkering operations safely and to deal with an emergency should one occur;

6. conduct formal risk assessments of the bunkering services that will be offered within the Port of Prince Rupert, to include an assessment of risks arising from bunkering concurrent with cargo operations, if undertaken;

7. advise the Prince Rupert Port Authority of the risk assessment results as well as of the measures and strategies implemented to manage the identified risks;

8. provide the Prince Rupert Port Authority with valid proof of insurance in compliance with the insurance requirements as set out in these guidelines;

9. provide proof of having entered into a contract with a recognized marine spill response organization such as the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation;

10. keep a copy of the latest edition of the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers & Terminals (ISGOTT) onboard the bunkering vessel at all times;

11. ensure that sources of ignition are eliminated or are in a controlled environment on the barge by using engine exhausts fitted with flame/spark arrestors and that pumping and other equipment is intrinsically safe;

12.maintain independently certified safety, environmental and quality management systems and provide regular auditing updates to the Authority;

13. provide bunkering hose certification (hose type, maximum working pressure, date of test/manufacture) as per Canadian standard or as per ISGOTT;

14.provide a copy of the supplier’s bunker operations manual and associated risk assessments; and

15. provide a copy of the bunkering vessel’s or bunkering vehicle’s oil pollution emergency plan (or SOPEP) irrespective of the size of the bunkering vessel or bunkering vehicle.

In addition to the above requirements a bunker supplier with Transport Canada vessel approval for the carriage of a road tanker(s) on a barge to supply bunkers at sea shall:

16. ensure that the barge for transporting the road tanker(s) at sea is provided with a properly constructed sea fastening arrangement so that the road tanker(s) can be securely fastened to the deck of the vessel at all times for the duration of transport to and from the receiving vessel and during the bunkering operation. This securing arrangement shall be inspected by the Prince Rupert Port Authority or a designated marine surveyor, approved prior to first use and inspected annually thereafter;

17. the main area of the deck where the road tanker(s) is sited shall be fitted with a spill rail of at least 150mm/6” in height with drip containment trays positioned under all manifolds and hose connections. The barge should also be fitted with an air driven spill recovery pump and receptacles for receiving any spilled product;

18. the combined barge and road tanker shall be fitted with sufficient and appropriate fire- fighting equipment for the quantity of bunker fuel to be carried; and

19. ensure the combined barge road tanker has adequate stability for all expected conditions of operation.

The bunker supplier shall maintain the validity and relevance of the above documentation and general requirements stated above, as a condition to maintaining approval as a supplier.

INSURANCE
Prior to commencement of bunkering services, the Bunker Supplier shall have in place such insurance as PRPA requires in its sole discretion which may include, without limitation: General Liability Insurance, Protection and Indemnity Insurance, and Contractor Pollution Liability Coverage. Insurance required for bunkering services must contain terms and have limits acceptable to the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

For greater certainty, the Bunker Supplier is responsible for deciding if any additional insurance coverage is necessary for its bunkering services operation and to ensure compliance with any applicable law.

PLANNING
All bunker suppliers must receive authorization from the Prince Rupert Port Authority pursuant to the Port Authorities Operations Regulations before commencing operations in Prince Rupert, and such authorization, if granted, may be subject to conditions.

With the exception of vessels carrying low flashpoint/highly flammable products such as LPG or clean petroleum products, bunkering may take place alongside a berth, alongside a berth while loading cargo or at harbour anchorages 2-9. Vessels carrying low flashpoint/highly flammable products such as LPG or clean petroleum products may only bunker alongside and may not bunker while loading cargo. Bunkering will only take place during daylight hours and under conditions of good visibility. On rare occasion bunkering may occur outside of daylight hours with prior approval of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. If permission is granted for bunkering outside of daylight hours then adequate lighting must be provided in the area of operations including at the bunker manifold and bunker stations and at all sounding locations. For bunkering operations to occur a containment boom designed for the wind and wave conditions anticipated throughout the operation and encircling the area of operation must be in place and positioned to provide for the maximum containment of any bunkers potentially spilled. Vessels receiving bunkers may be asked to tie lines to their vessel to secure booming equipment during the bunkering operation.

Bunkers may be transferred to a receiving vessel from a Transport Canada approved self- propelled or non-self-propelled double hulled tank barge or to a vessel alongside from a Transport Canada approved bunkering vehicle from the shore. Bunkering Class 3 flammable liquids or marine pollutants as defined by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code from a road tanker(s) afloat on a barge requires specific Transport Canada approval and additional PRPA guidelines included under “Restrictions”.

Irrespective of the method and provider, these guidelines apply to all vessels or vehicles delivering or receiving bunkers within the Port of Prince Rupert. All parties involved in the planning and delivering of bunker services must be fully aware of these bunkering guidelines as well as any additional requirements issued by specific terminal operators. These bunkering guidelines are designed to be used as complementary to other existing safety controls and regulations that govern shipping safety and in no way supersede or make such controls and regulations irrelevant.

RESTRICTIONS
In accordance with current Canadian federal regulations applicable to tankers operating on the northern coast of BC, bunkering vessels operating in Prince Rupert Harbour are prohibited from carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil.

Bunkering may only take place alongside a berth or at harbour anchorages 2-9. To allow for the efficient use of anchorages and not generate additional harbour traffic, ships that have an opportunity to bunker alongside a berth should preferably do so. Vessels anchored at harbour anchorages 2-9 that are unable to bunker alongside a berth due to time constraints or other reasons may bunker at anchor.

Inner harbour berths and anchorages (anchorages 2-7) are somewhat protected but all berths and anchorages where bunkering is permitted in Prince Rupert are at all times exposed to weather and sea conditions which can, particularly in the fall and winter months, change rapidly and at short notice. For all vessels bunkering in Prince Rupert, the following restrictions will apply:

1. bunkering operations shall not proceed when winds are blowing or forecast to blow, during the predicted period of bunkering operations, at or above a sustained wind speed of 21 knots;

2. wave height must be 1 metre or less;

3. visibility must be 2 nautical miles or greater; and

4. an attending tug must remain on site and ready to render assistance during the entire bunkering operation (does not apply to self-propelled delivery vessels).

A bunker supplier with Transport Canada vessel approval for the carriage of a road tanker(s) on the deck of a barge shall be further restricted to supplying bunkers to a receiving vessel alongside a berth or at anchorages 2-7.

At anchor or alongside, no bunkering operations are to occur on the approach of or during an electrical storm.

Vessels carrying low flashpoint/highly flammable products such as LPG or clean petroleum products will be restricted to bunkering at the terminal or berth and then only either before connections of cargo arms and cargo operations commence or following completion of cargo operations and disconnection.

Nothing in this section shall relieve or preclude the Master of any vessel from his/her responsibility to take or execute any decision which, in the Master’s professional judgment, is necessary for the safe navigation and operation of his/her vessel.

NOTIFICATIONS
The bunker supplier must advise of their bunkering schedule by email at least 24 hours in advance to:

1. the Port Security and Operations Center at psoc@rupertport.com;

2. WCMRC; and

3. the appropriate terminal operator when bunkering occurs alongside a berth.

Prior to the commencement of pumping, the Master of a bunkering vessel (or the Bunker Supervisor of a bunkering vehicle in the case of a land transfer) shall contact the Port Security and Operations Center via phone at +1 (250) 627-2522 or via VHF 68 and provide:

1. the berth / anchorage and the time that bunkering will commence;

2. the name of the vessel(s) / vehicle involved;

3. the quantity and type of bunkers to be transferred; and

4. a verbal report on the completion of all requirements below.

RESPONSIBILITIES
All bunkering operations must be carried out in accordance with the latest edition of ISGOTT, the Bunkering Checklist and the additional information provided in these guidelines. The Master of any vessel engaged in a bunkering operation (supplying or receiving) and the bunker supervisor of a bunkering operation from a bunkering vehicle shall:

1. take all necessary precautions to prevent the release of bunkers into the water or onto the shore or onto a berth;

2. ensure a qualified person is appointed in charge of the bunkering operation on his/her vessel (bunker supervisor/officer in charge) who is fluent in English. English is the language to be used during all aspects of the bunkering operation;

3. ensure every person engaged in bunkering operations is trained to carry out bunkering safely. Training records shall be made available to the Authority, if requested;

4. ensure a constant visual watch and monitoring of all fuel tank levels, including tanks not earmarked for use, is maintained throughout the bunkering operation;

5. ensure pumping rates and line pressures are agreed upon and maintained, including start up rate, maximum rate and topping off rate. Noting that loading rates should be appropriate for the size/capacity of the tanks;

6. ensure that all receiving vessel line valves are confirmed correct before opening the manifold valve;

7. ensure that bunkering is stopped immediately upon any loss of communication between the bunkering vessel or bunkering vehicle and receiving vessel;

8. ensure that hoses are drained before disconnection, and on disconnection drip trays must be deployed where a coupling or flange is not over a bunded area; and

9. ensure that hoses are blanked before being lowered or removed from the receiving vessel and the bunker manifold is blanked immediately upon disconnection.

When bunkering alongside a berth, both the receiving vessel and the bunkering vessel or bunkering vehicle must be fully aware of any specific requirements issued by the terminal operator. The use of a proper gangway between vessels is required during bunkering operations. The gangway must be safely and securely fastened at all times.

BEFORE TRANSFER COMMENCES
The Master of any vessel engaged in bunkering and the bunker supervisor of a bunkering vehicle shall not begin a transfer before (where applicable):

1. the bunkering vessel is securely moored in accordance with a mooring plan that is pre- arranged between the bunkering vessel and the receiving vessel. Mooring lines are to be tended throughout the bunkering operation;

2. suitable fendering between the bunkering and receiving vessels is deployed;

3. reliable radio communication methods that will enable an immediate shutdown have been established and can be maintained throughout the operation;

4. the receiving vessel has provided a gangway or safe means of access to the bunkering vessel or bunkering vehicle crew in accordance with the relevant regulations;

5. the hoses to be used are in good condition and tested in accordance with the appropriate Canadian standard or as per ISGOTT;

6. the hoses to be used are well supported, with no sharp bends or kinks, and of sufficient length to allow for the movement of vessel(s), and well rigged to not be damaged by the movement of the vessel(s);

7. there should be no hose joins in the gap between the bunkering vessel and the receiving vessel or within 1 metre of the vessel side or berth;

8. containment boom equipment, designed for the wind and wave conditions anticipated throughout the operation, is deployed around the bunkering area of operation;

9. SOPEP kits, with sorbent pads/material, are made available at the bunkering point;

10. the Bunkering Checklist has been truthfully completed and, with all questions answered in the affirmative, completed and signed by the Masters of both the bunkering vessel and the receiving vessel, the bunker supervisor and the officer in charge. In the case of a land transfer, the Bunkering Checklist is signed by the Master of the receiving vessel, the officer in charge and the bunker supervisor of the bunkering vehicle;

11. vessels are displaying International Code Flag “B” by day and one all-round red light at night; and

12. the Port Security and Operations Center has been contacted and notified accordingly.

Upon completion of bunkering, the Master of a bunkering vessel (or the bunker supervisor of a bunkering vehicle in the case of land transfer) shall contact the Port Security and Operations Center via phone at +1 (250) 627-2522 or via VHF 68.

The Bunkering Checklist must be kept on file for at least one year and a copy emailed to the Port Security and Operations Center at psoc@rupertport.com immediately after bunkering is completed.

BUNKERING DURING CARGO OPERATIONS
When bunkering alongside a berth, caution must be exercised to maintain a safe distance between bunkering operations and other concurrent activities (i.e. cargo loading operations, heavy equipment operating and movement of loads on and above deck). With terminal concurrence, bunkering alongside must be scheduled so that:

1. there is no interference with cargo operations or other activities under way;

2. personnel involved in the bunkering operation on both vessels are dedicated to the bunkering operation only and have been assigned no other tasks;

3. there are no suspended loads over or in vicinity of the bunkering operation (includes any persons, bunkering vessels, tugs, bunkering vehicles, hoses or pipes); and

4. there should be no ballasting of tanks or filling of fresh water tanks during bunkering operations. If this is not possible then every precaution should be taken to ensure that ballast or fresh water does not overflow onto deck.

A specific operational risk assessment must be undertaken to address risks arising from simultaneous operations.

DE-BUNKERING
Occasionally, vessels may need to off-load bunkers due to the vessel receiving wrong grade(s) of bunker fuel or the need to undertake repairs, etc. Ships requesting de-bunkering operations must first obtain permission from the Prince Rupert Port Authority and follow these same guidelines and the bunkering checklist.

SPILL RESPONSE
All bunkering vessels and bunkering vehicles must be equipped to immediately stop their bunkering supply pumps. In the event of a spill during the transfer, handling or storage of bunker products, all pumping must be immediately stopped and the vessels/vehicles involved must activate their SOPEP. The spill must be immediately reported to the Canadian Coast Guard regional marine pollution line +1 (800) 889-8852, MCTS (Prince Rupert Traffic) via VHF 71, the British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program line +1 (800) 663-3456 and the Port Security and Operations Center via phone at +1 (250) 627-2522 or via VHF 68.

The following information is to be specified when reporting:

1. spill location and time;

2. the names of the vessels/vehicles involved;

3. the nature of the incident;

4. the quantity and type of bunkers spilled into the water, onto the shore or onto the berth; and

5. actions being taken in accordance with respective SOPEPs.

The use of oil dispersant or detergents on any spill of oil into water without the permission of the Authority is not permitted. The use of oil dispersant or detergents on some types of oil can potentially cause more long-term recovery issues for the environment than allowing the natural evaporation of the spilled product.

ENFORCEMENT
Any authorized officer of the Port Authority may attend a bunkering or de-bunkering operation to verify that these guidelines are being followed. If deviation from these guidelines is identified and if safety of the operation requires, bunkering may be ordered stopped by the Prince Rupert Port Authority until such time as the situation is remedied. The presence of any representative of the Prince Rupert Port Authority shall not, in any way, relieve the Masters of bunkering vessels or the bunker supervisor of a bunkering vehicle involved in the bunkering operation of their responsibilities.

Footnotes

¹⁰⁰https://www.rupertport.com/operations/permits
¹⁰¹psoc@rupertport.com
¹⁰²https://www.rupertport.com/operations/permits
¹⁰³psoc@rupertport.com
¹⁰⁴https://www.rupertport.com/operations/permits