Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases; Course Criteria for Ships Using Fuels Subject to the IGF Code
17.07.2025
New digital maritime editions, Witherby Connect Licence
Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases - Second Edition
September 2025
This cross-industry publication, developed jointly by CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO provides comprehensive guidance on the planning and execution of Ship to Ship (STS) transfer operations for petroleum, chemical and liquefied gas cargoes. Reflecting the latest operational best practices and regulatory developments, it is applicable to all ships involved in STS activities, whether conducted at sea or in port. The Guide serves as a crucial reference for Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers, and transfer organisers, ensuring safety, environmental protection, and regulator compliance.
The 'Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases' is the definitive industry reference for safe and effective STS operations, reflecting over 50 years of practical experience and regulatory alignment. Developed through collaboration between CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO, this second edition builds upon the foundational guidance of its predecessors and incorporates significant updates to address emerging industry needs.
The second edition has been fully revised and updated and contains new guidance on:
A dedicated chapter on human factors, emphasising the importance of human performance and decision-making in STS operations. Chapter 2 introduces the concept of alternative, emerging and innovative technology in STS operations, with guidance on evaluation, implementation, and risk management
updated protocols for personnel transfer, including best practices derived from OCIMF's 'Transfer of Personnel by Crane Between Vessels' information paper, promoting a risk-based approach to safe transfers (Chapter 5)
enhanced guidance on STS-specific equipment, including fenders, cargo hoses, vapour hoses and mooring equipment. This includes state-of-the-art fender-sizing calculations representing current industry best practices
consolidated cargo operations guidelines within Chapter 10, which is divided into four distinct sections: Oil, Chemicals, LPG, and LNG. All four supporting appendices from the first edition are now seamlessly integrated into the main content, offering streamlined, comprehensive reference
revised Ship to Ship Safety Checklists aligned with ISGOTT, reflecting best practices for procedural integrity and risk mitigation. The checklists are organised into six sections, covering the entire STS operation step by step.
updated protocols for personnel transfer, including best practices derived from OCIMF's 'Transfer of Personnel by Crane Between Vessels' information paper, promoting a risk-based approach to safe transfers (Chapter 5)
enhanced guidance on STS-specific equipment, including fenders, cargo hoses, vapour hoses and mooring equipment. This includes state-of-the-art fender-sizing calculations representing current industry best practices
consolidated cargo operations guidelines within Chapter 10, which is divided into four distinct sections: Oil, Chemicals, LPG, and LNG. All four supporting appendices from the first edition are now seamlessly integrated into the main content, offering streamlined, comprehensive reference
revised Ship to Ship Safety Checklists aligned with ISGOTT, reflecting best practices for procedural integrity and risk mitigation. The checklists are organised into six sections, covering the entire STS operation step by step.
This edition reaffirms the industry's commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible STS operations, aligning with global maritime regulations and best practices. With its standalone structure, it provides all necessary information for safe STS operations and references authoritative industry publications, ensuring operators are fully equipped to meet modern regulatory requirements.
The checklists and forms in the Appendices, including a Ship to Ship Safety Checklist, crane plan, and LNG STS compatibility questionnaire, are available in an electronic, fillable format from the OCIMF website.
Course Criteria for Ships Using Fuels Subject to the IGF Code - 3rd Edition
The aim of this publication is to provide seafarers with the necessary knowledge, understanding and proficiency to carry out safe and effective operation of ships powered by fuels covered within the IGF Code.
The aim of this publication is to provide seafarers with the necessary knowledge, understanding and proficiency to carry out safe and effective operation of ships powered by fuels covered within the IGF Code.
The specifications described in this document have been developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Tables A-V/3-1 and A-V/3-2 of Regulation V/3 from the STCW Code list the knowledge, understanding and proficiency required to competently operate ships powered by these fuels, in addition to criteria against which competency can be measured.