Flexible hoses are connected to the ship's manifold, as at the loading port, and the ship to shore checklist would be completed. Good communications between the ship and the shore authority is essential. All overboard discharges should be checked and if all valves are correct, discharge would be commenced at an initial slow rate. This slow rate is commenced to ensure that if a sudden rise in back pressure is experienced in the line, the discharge can be stopped quickly. Such an experience would probably indicate that the receiving lines ashore are not clear.

Back pressure should be continually monitored during discharge operations and the ship, using ship's pumps, should be ready to stop pumping at short notice from a signal from the terminal. The waterline around the ship should also be kept under regular surveillance in the event of leakage occurring.

As with loading operations, the deck scuppers should all be sealed and SOPEP recommendations followed. All fire-fighting equipment should be kept readily available throughout the operation.