of the curvature of the hose remains within the limits recommended by the manufacturer. Flanges or quick release couplings, if used, should be in good condition and properly secured to ensure leak tight connections. The gaskets used at the ship's manifolds and between each hose should be made from a material suitable for the cargo to be transferred. Hoses should be withdrawn from service and retired against defined criteria which may include the following: .1 the presence of defects detected during visual inspections. Defects prompting retirement could include irregularities in the outside diameter, such as kinking, damaged or exposed reinforcement or permanent deformation of the casing and damage, slippage or mis-alignment of end fittings; .2 after a defined period in service, established in consultation with the manufacturer; and .3 when the temporary elongation of the hose, measured during routine pressure tests, exceeds maximum allowable values. A visual inspection of each of the hose assemblies should be carried out before they are connected to the manifolds to determine if any damage has been caused. In consultation with the hose manufacturer, the retirement age for the hoses should be defined to determine when they should be removed from service. The retirement age defined is independent of the hose meeting inspection and testing criteria. If hoses are provided by an STS Service provider, the Master, shipping company or organiser should ascertain the age of the hoses to be used and should be satisfied that reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that they are fit for the intended service. The hose certificates should be made available by the STS Service provider. 3.3.3 Hose Handling Although oil hoses are robustly constructed for a marine environment, they can be damaged from improper handling. In general, while handling hoses, adequate support is the key to the prevention of over-bending (kinking), which can lead to premature hose retirement. When transferring the one end of the hose to the other ship, lifting straps should be used that are preferably flat nylon or equivalent reinforced cloth bands, and at least 150 mm wide to prevent any chafing of the hose cover. If nylon or equivalent straps are not available, the best substitute is a sling of large circumference nylon or polypropylene rope. Wire should not be used. 3.3.4 Pipe reducers It should be ascertained that adequately sized pipe reducers with packings are available onboard, to accommodate actual manifold and hose dimensions.
of the curvature of the hose remains within the limits recommended by the manufacturer. Flanges or quick release couplings, if used, should be in good condition and properly secured to ensure leak tight connections. The gaskets used at the ship's manifolds and between each hose should be made from a material suitable for the cargo to be transferred. Hoses should be withdrawn from service and retired against defined criteria which may include the following: .1 the presence of defects detected during visual inspections. Defects prompting retirement could include irregularities in the outside diameter, such as kinking, damaged or exposed reinforcement or permanent deformation of the casing and damage, slippage or mis-alignment of end fittings; .2 after a defined period in service, established in consultation with the manufacturer; and .3 when the temporary elongation of the hose, measured during routine pressure tests, exceeds maximum allowable values. A visual inspection of each of the hose assemblies should be carried out before they are connected to the manifolds to determine if any damage has been caused. In consultation with the hose manufacturer, the retirement age for the hoses should be defined to determine when they should be removed from service. The retirement age defined is independent of the hose meeting inspection and testing criteria. If hoses are provided by an STS Service provider, the Master, shipping company or organiser should ascertain the age of the hoses to be used and should be satisfied that reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that they are fit for the intended service. The hose certificates should be made available by the STS Service provider. 3.3.3 Hose Handling Although oil hoses are robustly constructed for a marine environment, they can be damaged from improper handling. In general, while handling hoses, adequate support is the key to the prevention of over-bending (kinking), which can lead to premature hose retirement. When transferring the one end of the hose to the other ship, lifting straps should be used that are preferably flat nylon or equivalent reinforced cloth bands, and at least 150 mm wide to prevent any chafing of the hose cover. If nylon or equivalent straps are not available, the best substitute is a sling of large circumference nylon or polypropylene rope. Wire should not be used. 3.3.4 Pipe reducers It should be ascertained that adequately sized pipe reducers with packings are available onboard, to accommodate actual manifold and hose dimensions.