This exercise focuses on the important operation of ballasting cargo tanks, which is typically carried out simultaneously with the discharging operation. According to the latest regulations, ballast water must be treated before being transferred into the ballast tanks. Therefore, this exercise involves using the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) and understanding the procedure to make it operational.

The primary goal of this exercise is for the user to understand the potential challenges and issues that can arise when operating the ballast water treatment system. Additionally, users will learn the correct setup procedures for the BWTS.

Exercise Breakdown:

1. Initial Setup:

• The user will begin by setting up the ballast pumps and configuring the BWTS for operation.
• The first steps involve preparing the system by opening the necessary valves for the pumps and tank wells.
• Next, the user sets up the BWTS for ballasting and starts the system in recirculation mode.
• The user will then select the appropriate side for filling and initiate the ballasting process.

2. Assessment Process:

• The assessment begins after the system is started. The user must effectively manage the water treatment system and address any troubleshooting issues that arise.
• The user must successfully fill tank number two and tank number four to the desired levels.
• During the assessment, the user will need to manage the BWTS system by troubleshooting any issues and ensuring the system operates smoothly.

3. Completion Criteria:

• The exercise is considered complete when the user returns the system to recirculation mode and shuts down the BWTS.

4. Evaluation:

• The final evaluation is based on the user’s ability to follow the process efficiently and respond to various alarms, remarks, and cautions throughout the exercise.
• The user will be assessed on how well they managed the system, performed troubleshooting, and ensured the system operated according to the required procedures.

Learning Objective for Ballasting Operation on an LNG Carrier using BWTS:

By the end of this exercise, participants should be able to:

1. Understand the Ballasting Process: Demonstrate knowledge of the ballasting operation on an LNG carrier, including its importance in maintaining stability and trim, and the impact it has on the vessel’s safety and performance.
2. Familiarize with BWTS Operation: Understand the principles and functions of the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS), including its role in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preventing the spread of invasive species.
3. Perform Ballasting Procedures: Safely execute ballasting operations while utilizing the BWTS, ensuring proper treatment of ballast water according to the system’s guidelines and regulations.
4. Monitor and Control Parameters: Monitor and manage key operational parameters such as water quality, system pressure, and ballast tank levels during the ballasting process, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
5. Troubleshoot System Issues: Identify and resolve common issues related to the BWTS during ballasting, including equipment malfunctions, flow rate deviations, and system alarms, ensuring smooth and compliant operations.
6. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all ballast water management activities are compliant with international regulations such as the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), and the local regulatory requirements of the vessel’s operating area.
7. Safety and Environmental Considerations: Apply safety protocols and environmental best practices during the ballasting operation, minimizing risks to both crew and the marine environment.

This exercise will help participants develop the necessary skills to efficiently perform ballasting operations using BWTS, with an emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

Ballasting-Intro and Line-up

Ballasting BWTS Initialization

Ballasting BWTS Operations and Assessment

Milestones:

• Learning and Training Phase – Pre-Requisites for the start of operation:

1. Open Required Valves of Pump.
2. Open Required Tank Valves.
3. Setup Up the BWTS For Ballasting.
4. Start The System In Recirculation.

• Assessment Phase – Operational flow and Assessment:

5. Select The Side For Ballasting.
6. Run Both The Sides Of The System (Port and STBD).
7. Attend To The BWTS Alarms And Troubleshoot.
8. Fill No.2 and No.4 Wing Tanks To The Desired Level.
9. Return The System To Recirculation.
10. Stop BWTS.
11. Close The Tank Valves.
12. Secure The System.

Actions During Exercise:

Deviation from Exercise:

After starting or resuming the ballasting, the user should not open any non-required valves or close any required valves. If this happens, a caution message will appear, instructing the user to undo the previous action. If the user fails to correct the action, the exercise will be terminated.

High trim & list difference:

After starting or resuming the ballasting operation, the user must maintain the list and trim angle below 1.5°. If the angle exceeds 1.5°, a low-priority message will be displayed, instructing the user to reduce the angle. If the angle is not corrected, the message will escalate to a high-priority alarm, and the exercise will be terminated within 5 minutes unless the angle is brought back below 1.5°.

Alarms & Remarks

Step By Step Procedure

• Learning and Training Phase – Pre-Requisites for the start of operation:

1. Open Required Valves of Pump

• • Open the discharge, suction, and filling valves of ballast pumps 1 and 3.
  • Navigate to the PMS page using the side navigation bar, or click the generator running box at the top of the ballast system page to start the second generator.
  • Note: The tank filling valves (i.e., BWTS valves) will open automatically when the BWTS auto operation is initiated.

2. Open Required Tank Valves

During the ballasting operation, we will be filling tanks 2(P), 2(S), 4(P), and 4(S).
Open the following tank filling valves:

• • BA511F
  • BA507F
  • BA510F
  • BA506F

3. Set Up BWTS for Ballasting

• • Navigate to the BWTS page by clicking the BWTS rectangular box on the ballast system page or via the side navigation bar.
  • Turn on the BWTS.

• • Click the ship icon and select Ballasting Operation.

4. Start the System in Recirculation

• • Select the Recirculation side in the BWTS Panel.

• • Select any one of the BPU units and a Fan in the BWTS Panel.

• • Click Auto Start to initiate the BWTS system.
    
    
  • Once the BWTS valves are open, the ballast pump can be started in recirculation mode.

• Assessment Phase – Operational flow and Assessment:

5. Select the Side for Ballasting

After successfully running the system in recirculation:

• • • Select the desired side option (Port or Starboard) in the BWTS panel.
      
    • Deselect Recirculation Mode to switch to Side Mode.
      

During the first 3 minutes, maintain a low flow of 1000 m³/h.

After 3 minutes, you will receive an alert to increase the pump flow rate.

6. Run Both Sides of the System (Port and Starboard)

• • Activate both the Port and Starboard sides of the system to ensure balanced operation. This milestone is complete when both sides are running.

7. Attend to BWTS Alarms and Troubleshoot

• • During the ballasting operation, various BWTS-related alarms may be triggered. It is essential to take appropriate corrective actions in response to these alarms.

• • Booster Pump Abnormal
    • Acknowledge the alarm on the BWTS panel, then select the other BPU.

• • Low Water In TRO
    • Acknowledge the alarm on the BWTS panel, then override the highlighted valve and reduce its opening to at least 40%.

• • Low Injection Pressure Water In TRO
    • Acknowledge the alarm on the BWTS panel, then increase the opening of the highlighted valve to raise the pressure.

• • Filter Unit SF Abnormal
    • Acknowledge the alarm on the BWTS panel, run the desired side in recirculation mode, and reset the filter pump.

8. Fill No.2 and No.4 Wing Tanks to the Desired Level

• • Fill tanks No. 2 and No. 4 to above 60% of their volume.
  • Once completed, return the system to Recirculation Mode.

9. Return the System to Recirculation
   To switch to Recirculation Mode, select the Recirculation side in the BWTS panel and deselect the side selection.
   
   

• • Stop the ballast pumps after the system has been switched to Recirculation Mode

10. Stop BWTS

• • Once pumps are stopped, Turn off the ballast operation toggle switch in the BWTS Panel.

11. Close the Tank Valves

• • After stopping the ballast pumps, close the tank filling valves that were opened during the process.
    • BA511F
    • BA507F
    • BA510F
    • BA506F

12. Secure the System

• • Close all valves that were opened during the BWTS auto operation by clicking Auto Stop. Then, manually close any other valves that were opened to complete the process.