Maritime Cook Island issued a revised circular for STS advance notification and Cargo Declaration Form superceding earlier circulars on the subject. This circular outlines updated requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers involving oil, chemicals, and liquefied gas by sea-going tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above. It revokes Circulars 22/2010 and 297/2024 and is effective from 24 November. Bunkering operations are excluded from these requirements.
Key Requirements:
- STS Operations Plan (STSOP): All tankers must have an STSOP in the ship’s working language. Oil tanker STSOPs must be approved by an IACS RO.
- Qualified Personnel:
- Oil cargo transfers require a Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC).
- Chemical and LNG/LPG transfers require an STS Superintendent (STSSI).
- Risk Assessment: Safety of the transfer area must be assessed using IMO Manual and OCIMF Guide guidelines.
- Advance Notification:
- Notify Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) at least 48 hours before STS operations using the online STS Advanced Notification and Cargo Declaration Form.
- Oil tankers under MARPOL Annex I must notify Coastal State authorities 48 hours in advance if operating in their Territorial Sea or Exclusive Economic Zone.
- Other cargo transfers must check Coastal State notification requirements.
- Retain acknowledgment from Coastal State onboard.
- Record Keeping: Document STS operations in the STSOP and maintain records in the Oil Record Book or Cargo Record Book for at least three years.
Non-compliance may result in MARPOL breaches, SMS violations, or tanker deregistration. For inquiries, contact technical@maritimecookislands.com.