This best practice guide to barge operations in U.S. waters covers all aspects of the management and operation of ocean and inland barges, towboats and tugs that carry and transport crude oil and petroleum products in bulk. Topics covered include:

• Safety management
• certification and documentation
• crew management
• navigation
• cargo, ballast systems and bunkering operations
• ship to ship transfers
• pollution prevention and response. 

It is designed to support national and international regulations and recommendations and industry guidelines. Although the focus is on operations within the USA, much of the guidance included may be relevant to barge operations in other regions.

Purpose and scope

Glossary

Abbreviations

Bibliography

Section One: Safety management

Section Two: Certification and documentation

Section Three: Crew management

Section Four: Security and vessel access

Section Five: Navigation, communications and electronics

Section Six: Cargo and ballast systems and procedures

Section Seven: Bunkering operations

Section Eight: Vessel to vessel transfers

Section Nine: Pollution prevention and response

9.1 Emergency response

9.2 Cargo systems and spill containment

9.3 Inspecting and testing of cargo pipes and hoses

9.4 Spill response equipment

9.5 Oil record book

9.6 Garbage management plan

9.7 Vessel General Permit

Section Ten: Fire-fighting and safety equipment

Section Eleven: Mooring and anchoring

Section Twelve: Towing/pushing equipment and procedures

Section Thirteen: Machinery spaces and systems

Section Fourteen: Structural maintenance

Purpose and scope

This Guide describes recommended best practices for managing and operating ocean and inland barges, towboats and tugs that carry and transport crude oil and petroleum products in bulk. The focus is on operations within the USA, but much of the guidance may be relevant to barge operations in other parts of North America and in other regions.

The Guide builds on the recommendations in accepted industry publications, such as the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). Additionally, this Guide is intended to complement any applicable international conventions, national legislation, local laws and Classification Society rules.

Although the Guide is primarily intended for use by tug and barge operators, it may also be of interest to prospective charterers, oil company vetting departments, terminal staff and government officials.

A generic guide such as this is not specific to all types of vessels in all locations. Readers should decide carefully whether to apply the Guide in particular circumstances.

References within the Guide to particular codes should be checked to verify that only the latest editions of the codes are used.

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals. Learn more at www.ocimf.org

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