Loading of tankers takes place at jetties, from FSUs or from SBM. Where booms carrying oil-bearing pipes are to be connected, these will be insulated to prevent stray currents flowing, as from corrosion prevention systems employed on both ships and jetties. The flow of current in itself should not be a problem, but it may give rise to a spark when making or breaking connections to the manifold. For this reason, these sections are tested regularly for efficient insulation. Lines are often bonded to reduce static electricity effects which could also give rise to an unwanted source of ignition from the fast pumping of liquids (Figure 5.15).

Figure 5.15: Moorings and floating oil-bearing pipeline seen extending from the FSU Zapro Producer .

These points are highlighted to illustrate that a high degree of awareness is required in all tanker operations whether loading, discharging or gas freeing. Fire precautions are paramount because the risk of fire aboard the tanker is a real hazard and stringent fire precautions must be adopted throughout cargo operations of every kind.