This exercise focuses on the important operation of De-ballasting cargo tanks, which is typically carried out simultaneously with the Cargo Loading operation. According to the latest regulations, the treated ballast water must be neutralized before being transferred from the ballast tanks to the sea. 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 valves.
• Next, the user sets up the BWTS for de-ballasting and starts the system in recirculation mode.
• The user will then select the appropriate side for Emptying and initiate the de-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 empty 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 correctly sets up the Stripping process and then 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.

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

1. Understand the De-Ballasting Process: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the de-ballasting operation on an LNG carrier, including its importance in achieving the desired trim and stability during voyage or cargo operations.
2. Familiarize with BWTS during De-Ballasting: Understand how the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) operates during de-ballasting, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and preventing the release of untreated ballast water.
3. Perform De-Ballasting Procedures: Safely carry out de-ballasting operations while using the BWTS, ensuring proper treatment of ballast water in accordance with system guidelines and environmental regulations.
4. Monitor and Control Operational Parameters: Effectively monitor and manage key operational parameters during de-ballasting, including ballast tank levels, water quality, and system pressures, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
5. Troubleshoot BWTS Issues: Identify and resolve common issues or malfunctions that may arise with the BWTS during de-ballasting, such as treatment system alarms, equipment failures, or deviations in flow rates, to maintain smooth and compliant operations.
6. Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that de-ballasting operations comply with international ballast water management regulations (e.g., IMO Ballast Water Management Convention) and any specific local regulatory requirements for ballast water treatment.
7. Prioritize Safety and Environmental Protection: Apply the necessary safety protocols and environmental best practices during the de-ballasting operation, ensuring that ballast water is safely and responsibly managed to minimize risks to both crew and the marine environment.

This exercise will equip participants with the skills needed to execute de-ballasting operations using BWTS efficiently, while emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.

De-Ballasting Intro and line up

De-Ballasting BWTS Initialization

De-Ballasting Operation 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. Set 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 Sides of the System (Port and STBD).
7. Attend to BWTS Alarms and Troubleshoot.
8. Fill No.2 and No.4 Wing Tanks to the Desired Level.
9. Return the System to Recirculation.
10. Set Up for Stripping.
11. Stop BWTS.
12. Close the Tank Valves and 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 De-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 De-ballasting Operation.

4. Start the System in Recirculation

• • Select the Recirculation side 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.
    
    
    
  • Open the cross suction valves and close suction valves.
  • Deselect Recirculation Mode to switch to Side Mode.
     

During the first 3 minutes, maintain a low of 950 – 1050 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.

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

• • Drain the tanks to below 2% of their volume, then stop the stripping pump (Bilge Pump and Fire & GS Pump).

11. Stop BWTS

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

12. Close The Tank Valves and Secure The System.

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

• • 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.