21MAY2018

Location: Flint Hills Terminal Corpus Christi, TX and en route to Tampa, FL;

Events: Early in the 1^st watch we encountered a problem when the #2 Port sulfur tank burped product out of the hatch and into the containment area. We lucked out that none spilled off the deck and into the water, even though it’s only sulfur. The storm the night before helped keep the deck cool and quickening the hardening process of the product. Several members from the facility came aboard to conclude the transfer and inspect the spill. Once the transfer was complete, I assisted the tankermen in disconnecting the lines and closings all the hatches for the product and voids opened for the inspection. We then cast off lines and got underway back to Tampa. In a surprise turn, the terminal determined the spill was their fault, with the burp induced by their trying to clear the clog in the line earlier in the transfer which took a tremendous amount of pressure off the tankerman who was on watch at the time. The 2^nd watch was uneventful, consisting of some boat tidying up work.

Things learned about vessel/barge: While the barge is light we transit to and from the boat via pigeon-holes on the bow, but when she’s loaded down the preferred, and safest method to cross back and forth is a over the gunnel on the starboard side.

Classroom information application(s): Transfer procedures, DeckGen line handling.

Supplemental Information: Today was pretty intense to start with, tensions were high with the spill, but it was a good day overall all things considered. Tomorrow we start early on chipping up the sulfur and disposing of it overboard. None of us are excited about this, but at least it’ll pass the 3 day trip back to Tampa.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? NavGen crossing and meeting in a channel.