A training need exists at USCG Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Port Arthur, on cargo control operations for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessel. The use of a simulator that reflects the current cargo control room arrangements, displays and operation is needed to enhance the professional development of this unit's LNG Port State Control Boarding Officers. Training required for four Port State Control Boarding Officers.

 BACKGROUND

MSU Port Arthur has two LNG terminals with the addition of other cryogenic cargo loading docks within our area of responsibility. The Unit's Boarding Officers are responsible for conducting Port State Control (PSC) examinations on Foreign Flag LNG tankers that visit the port on a frequent basis. Many of these highly sophisticated LNG tankers are making their 1st visit to US waters and have a fully automated cargo system that require familiarization to understand different aspects of the loading/unloading process and safety systems. It is the responsibility of our PSC Boarding Officer to assure cargo operations are safe and that the vessel meets both International Conventions and US regulations.

The LNG tank vessels that discharge and load cargo in this unit's AOR are foreign flag. They are built to International and various Classification standards. It is important that this unit's Boarding Officers have an understanding of these standards and that Recognized classification societies have reviewed and certified the requested course of training. We do not need a course focused on only US vessel cargo operations.

 REQUIREMENTS

• Training to be specific to Liquefied Natural Gas ( LNG),
Shipboard cargo control operations.

• The training provided to cover in detail the follow items:
o Display of cargo temperature.
o Display of cargo level.
o Display of gas detection.
o Display of tank pressure.
o Method of controlling cargo temperature.
o Method of controlling Cargo level.
o Method of controlling tank pressure.
o Method of controlling the explosive atmosphere within the cargo tank and surrounding area.
o Method of providing inert gas.

• Cargo operations to include:
o Sequence of cargo operations.
o Cargo transfer procedures.
o Automatic quick closing cargo manifold valve operations.
o Cargo system cool down procedures.
o Ballast operation.
o Automated cargo operations.
o Re-liquefaction systems.
o Cargo pumps
o Cargo compressors.
o Heat exchangers.
o Cargo boil off procedures.
o Cargo spill procedures.
o Cargo fire fighting procedures.

• Training to be recognized by the International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).
• Training to be recognized by members of the International association of classification societies (IACS).
• Training to cover programs that are being used on the newest LNG tank vessels.