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MR Guidelines For Master - Aug. 2021
MR Guidelines For Master - Aug. 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Communication ...................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Reporting Messages ...................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Advance Notice of Arrival for U.S. Ports ....................................................................................................... 6
1.3 AMS/ SCAC/ EORI .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Automated Manifest System (AMS) – U.S.A. Discharge Only ................................................................ 6
1.3.2 SCAC Code (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)............................................................................................. 7
1.3.3 Advance Commercial Information (ACI) / Canadian Carrier code – Canada Only ................................. 8
1.3.4 European Advance Cargo Declaration/ EORI Number ........................................................................... 8
1.4 Incident/Casualty .......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Change of Command..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.6 Notice of Delivery/Re-delivery ...................................................................................................................... 9
1.7 Certificate Validity Status ............................................................................................................................ 10
1.8 Time Charter Out ........................................................................................................................................ 10
2. General Instructions ..............................................................................................................................10
2.1 Communication with Voyage Charterers .................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Fixture Information ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Voyage Instructions..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Loadable Quantity ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Cargo Loading Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.5.1 Cargo sampling Procedure ................................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Cargo Discharge Procedure ......................................................................................................................... 15
2.7 Cargo Tank Preparation/ Purging ................................................................................................................ 16
2.8 Slop Disposal ............................................................................................................................................... 17
2.9 Cargo Pumping Performance ...................................................................................................................... 17
2.10 Discrepancies in Loaded Quantity............................................................................................................. 18
2.11 Variation in Nominated Quantity .............................................................................................................. 18
2.12 Cargo Heating............................................................................................................................................ 18
2.13 Bunkers ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.14 Notice of Readiness................................................................................................................................... 20
2.15 Early Departure Procedure (EDP).............................................................................................................. 21
2.16 Port Cost/Towage/ Agents ........................................................................................................................ 21
2.17 Operations Requiring Approval................................................................................................................. 21
Prepared By: SK Page 2 of 32
Approved By: CM Version 1.7 | Aug, 2021
SMRP – Guidelines for Master
2.18 ROB and Cargo Claims ............................................................................................................................... 22
2.19 Commingling, Blending and Additivation on Board .................................................................................. 23
2.20 Inert Gas System (IGS)............................................................................................................................... 23
2.21 Crude Oil Washing (COW) ......................................................................................................................... 23
2.22 Letter of Protest (LOP) .............................................................................................................................. 23
2.23 Bill of Lading (B/L) ..................................................................................................................................... 24
2.24 Electronic Shipping Documents ................................................................................................................ 24
2.25 Letter of Indemnity (LOI)........................................................................................................................... 25
2.26 Vetting and Oil Major for Trading ............................................................................................................. 25
2.27 Terminal Inspection .................................................................................................................................. 25
2.28 Ordered Speed .......................................................................................................................................... 25
2.29 Voyage Optimisation and Weather Routing ............................................................................................. 26
2.30 Panama Canal Transit................................................................................................................................ 26
2.31 Trading in Ice (Ice Class Vessel) ................................................................................................................. 26
2.32 Optional Pilotage....................................................................................................................................... 27
2.33 Charter Party/ Laytime and Demurrage.................................................................................................... 30
3. Forms ....................................................................................................................................................31
3.1 Index of Forms ............................................................................................................................................ 31
The purpose of this document is to equip our Master / SHIP STAFF with the Standard guidelines on which the
vessels are to be operated under Scorpio.
Nothing in these guidelines is intended to replace or otherwise contradict the detailed operational
instructions issued to you by your Owners.
Your vessel will be managed by Scorpio Marine Management India Pvt Ltd OR Scorpio Commercial Management
SAM for all issues related to commercial operations.
1. Communication
GENERAL
Please have Operations copied on all correspondence related to Commercial activity with Third parties such as
Voyage/ Time charterers via brokers, Agents, Bunker suppliers etc. Should you receive mails pertinent to the
vessel’s operations from any third party where we are not copied in, kindly forward these mails to us for our
perusal.
Important: In the event you have any problem at sea or in port, it is critical that you notify us immediately.
Too often we hear about a technical or other problem experienced on board from third parties. However, we
would prefer to be the ones advising them rather than the other way around.
E-Mails are the primary source of communication for all exchanges between the vessel and the operations team.
Should your communication equipment fail for any reason or if you have any problems sending a message to
parties stated in the voyage orders, please advise us immediately. We will pass your message on accordingly and
get alternate contact numbers if required.
All correspondence should only be sent to the main e-mail address as specified in the contacts in Section 1.1
We request that while signing the message you always use your surname or sea name as opposed to signing off
as “Master”. This helps us to keep track of who is on board. This is very important especially when another
person may be temporarily handling the ship.
Please note that we do not staff our offices on weekends or holidays. Although we usually monitor messages
when out of the office you should not assume that a message sent after normal office hours will be read
immediately. We can be contacted by phone 24 hours per day, thus do not hesitate to call the person in charge/
back up operator at home or on the mobile phone anytime you feel necessary.
Most voyage orders include notification directly to Charterers in the event of a casualty. However, please always
notify us prior to sending a message to Charterers. In the event of an emergency or an urgent requirement, if
you cannot reach the Person in Charge (Vessel Operator), please contact the back-up operator / Operations
Manager or any other in the Operations department.
Please see Appendix I of these Guidelines for Full Style Contact Details.
Standard reporting on all vessels commercially managed by Scorpio is to be carried out using the Veslink forms.
Veslink forms are light HTML forms which are easy to maintain instead of spreadsheets. The purpose of these
forms is to have a direct import into the onshore commercial management system and streamline the flow of
mails while reducing duplication.
Ship Specific forms will be provided on board via an attachment and with detailed instructions on the procedures
to fill the same. The vessel will be required to send the data as per the instructions provided with the forms.
An additional training tool for Veslink Forms has been prepared in the form of a Video for better
understanding on the correct procedures for filling and recording the correct data on the forms.
In addition to above certain additional forms are required to be sent regularly. Refer to Section 3.3 for Index of
forms and their reporting frequency.
Information regarding the requirements can be found in 33 CFR Part 160 of the Federal register. The ENOA can
be filed through an agency or directly by the vessel. The responsibility of timely filing the ENOA is with the
owner/master, therefore kindly contact vessel’s owners for their recommended method of filing it. Kindly
alert Operations should the information necessary to file the ENOA not be available / provided to the ship at
least 5 days prior vessel arrival (foreign to US) or 2 days prior vessel arrival (US to US) port respectively.
We at Scorpio are utilizing the following company to make entries on behalf of the vessels:
Vessels proceeding to US waters are required to comply with this mandatory regulation. Should the vessel not
have information to file the AMS notification, you are requested to please contact us immediately. We will work
with the Charterers to ensure all information is provided to the vessel in a timely fashion. Changes in berths or
discharge ports, once known, need to be made as soon as practical.
At least 24 hours before entry to US port, the following information to the company provider, Messrs. Inchcape
Shipping Service, must be sent by the Master using FORM GEN 011:
The UBLI (Unique Bill Of Lading Identifier) shall be according to the following format:
Example for M/T STI AMBER (Vessel ID code: STIA, Company Code: SMKI) having two B/L dated 01 Jan 2017;
the UBLI would be SMKISTIA01011701 for the first BoL and SMKISTIA01011702 for the second BoL
1.3.3 Advance Commercial Information (ACI) / Canadian Carrier code – Canada Only
Regulations affecting transport of goods to/from Canada effective 15th July 2013 require all vessels to provide
information under the Advances Commercial Information program (ACI). This system is mandatory for all
commercial carriers transporting goods into Canada. A Canadian carrier code is a unique four character code
used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify marine carriers, regardless of how often they
cross the Canadian border with commercial goods. Master to use the services of the local Port agent in Canada
for transmitting this information.
Vessels proceeding to EU PORT are required to comply with this mandatory regulation. The information is
required to be filed 24 hours before and not later than 4 hours before arrival in an EU port. Should the vessel
not have information to file the EACD notification, you are requested to please contact us immediately. We will
work with the Charterers to ensure all information is provided to the vessel in a timely fashion.
At least 24 hours before and not later than 4 hours before entry to EU port, the Form GEN 010 (attached in the
Appendix) must be sent by Master to the company provider, Messrs. Vopak, for each B/L.
All the information is normally available on the B/L itself. If some details cannot be found, the Master should
seek information from the office, clearly advising us on what information is needed to make the necessary
notification.
EU countries : Austria, Belgium , Bulgaria , Croatia, Cyprus , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Effective from 1st Jan 2021 (BREXIT) , UK Customs changed the requirement for reporting cargo imports into the
UK PORTS. All vessel loading in a NON – UK port and bound for an UK port must declare all cargo in the first port
of call in UK – also if this first UK port is a bunker call or similar. If an intermediate port is a NON – UK port, a new
Declaration is required. For vessels loading from EU ports and bound for UK ports, Declarations will only be
mandatory from 1st Jan 2022. We are presently utilizing the following company for all our UK entries:
1.4 Incident/Casualty
Please notify Scorpio Operations immediately should any of the following events occur:
Major casualty such as collision, grounding, explosion, fire, pollution or threat of pollution
Damage to vessel
Failure of Propulsion, Steering, Inert Gas, Cargo, Mooring, Navigation Systems
Deviation on account of Salvage, to render or seek Medical Assistance
Stoppage at Sea
Any situation likely to result in a delay in the execution of the voyage with utmost dispatch, whether at sea
or in port
Any event which is likely to affect the vessel’s ability to trade in accordance with the Charter party
Most voyage orders include notification directly to Charterers in the event of a casualty. However, please
always notify us prior to sending a message to Charterers. In the event of an emergency or an urgent
requirement, if you cannot reach the Person in Charge (Vessel Operator), please contact the back-up
operator / Operations Manager or any other person in the Operations department. This is in order to assist
in any commercial requirements and help owners to mitigate possible commercial losses.
Daily operation will be managed by the Time Charterers and they will be authorized to deal directly with your
vessel. Scorpio must receive all communication in copy and Master must continue to report all messages as per
Section 1.1. In case of any doubt, please contact our office.
For vessel in T/C out, Vessel must continue to send the Veslink forms.
2. General Instructions
2.1 Communication with Voyage Charterers
As a rule, unless we confirm same in writing, no direct communications is permitted between Charterers or
Brokers and Vessel on a Voyage Charter. Exceptions to this are Notices of Arrival, Notices of Readiness and Daily
Reports required as per Voyage Orders.
Should you receive messages directly from a Charterer or Broker, please notify us immediately.
Kindly do not give charterers any information not required by voyage orders without discussing with
Operations.
Any local instructions received outside the scope of the Voyage orders are to be forwarded to operations
for approval.
In addition, guidance on certain clauses that would affect the execution of the voyage under the C/P will also be
provided. This will be followed with Charterers voyage instructions.
Please feel free to seek any clarification on fixture notes and Charterers voyage instructions in case of any doubt.
Master must ensure that the Vessel follows Charterer’s requirements regarding “notices” as closely as possible.
Additionally some charter party clauses can be negated if proper notices are not given. If the Master is in doubt,
he should seek clarifications from Operations.
For any reason should the vessel be unable to meet the laycan dates of a voyage, please notify Scorpio
immediately. ETA outside the laycan should not be passed to Charterers without confirmation from our office.
The limiting drafts and the dock water density in which it applies
Owner’s minimum under-keel clearance requirements are being complied with
The limiting load line zone of the loaded passage, after making allowances for consumption up to that load
line
That the vessel is safely trimmed from the time of loading, up until the entire cargo is discharge, including
sufficient trim during discharge and draining
Any restrictions on carriage of cargo imposed by cargo density, or by the very design of the vessel or under
her certification.
If sufficient information is not provided in the voyage orders on which to base an accurate estimate of the
loadable quantity, then the assumptions on which the loadable quantities are based must be clearly stated.
Pay particular attention to the calculations for the Quantity of cargo that can be loaded and passed to
charterers during the Pre-fixture Stage. Any change on account of excessive ROB, fresh water or ballast may
not be acceptable to charterers and could breach the warranted intake agreed in the CP. Bunker reserves must
be adequate for the voyage and in accordance with the Owner’s reserve policy.
On receipt of voyage orders, vessel must send a message to Operations with the maximum quantity the vessel
can load using the dedicated form GEN 001 – Stowage Plan.
We may request for a stowage plan during the time a cargo is being fixed for a particular voyage. In certain cases,
this request can be on an urgent basis for which we may follow up with a phone call. The accuracy of cargo
intakes and prompt responses will assist us in negotiating the fixture.
Normally the local agent will send you any relevant port information and restrictions. Feel free to ask the agent
or the Operations Department if you require any information at all.
When the vessel loads CPP cargoes, Master should obtain a confirmation from suppliers /surveyors if the cargo
contains any presence of MTBE/ETBE/Oxygenates/FAME and advise the Operations Department.
All preparation that can be done in advance of port arrival should be accomplished in order to expedite the
loading operation. This should include the rigging of booms or cranes as appropriate, making the gangway ready
to go, having reducers or spool pieces connected to the manifolds, and having tanks, lines, and pumps ready for
inspection. Crew should be prepared to connect cargo hoses if such is the custom of the trade in that port.
Certain ports may also require non-standard sizes of reducers, kindly liaise with the Agents and Scorpio
Operations in order to arrange the same well in advance.
In the event that the vessel’s tanks are rejected for loading, please immediately provide us by phone (24 hours
a day), the reason for the rejection, recommendations for correcting the problem and the estimated amount of
time for corrective measures.
During the loading, in addition to closely maintaining tank levels, trim, stress, etc., Master should make certain
that loaded cargo temperature falls within acceptable limits. The standard Charter party terms limit the
maximum load temperature to 165 °F.
On completion of loading, you should give a copy of the following documents to the agent prior to departure:
Above documents to be sent by email (PDF) to Scorpio Operations at the following addresses:
opsmr@scorpiogroup.net
claims.mr@scorpiogroup.net
There is no need for you to mail us original documents. However, you should maintain a copy in your files for
future reference in case needed.
Please always try to obtain a quality certificate from the suppliers. Pour point and flash point information are
very important as local authorities may want verification at the discharge port and heating can be accomplished
accordingly. If a certificate of quality has not been issued, please issue a Letter of Protest.
Always indicate on the port log and/or pumping log whether any disruption in loading are caused by “shore” or
by “ship”. Remember, the vessel is never to be idle. You are always waiting for the next operation from the shore
(i.e. awaiting shore to connect/disconnect hoses, awaiting inspector, awaiting shore readiness, etc.)
During the pre-transfer meeting, procedure for cargo sampling must be discussed with the Cargo Surveyor.
Following are some of the points which must be discussed:
The number, location and timing of samples to be drawn on the ship. This could include a manifold sample
before opening the manifold valve, running samples at the manifold, first foot samples, final tank samples
and ship composite samples.
The number and description of samples that will be provided to the vessel for the vessel and for the receivers
at the discharge port
The Cargo Surveyor’s requirements for drawing, witnessing, sealing and signing of samples i.e. whether the
surveyor wants a member of the ship’s staff to witness the sampling or he requires the vessel to stamp and
sign his samples
While the Cargo Surveyor is free to determine the extent of sampling he requires to safeguard cargo interests,
the ship’s staff will have to make that determination in order to protect Scorpio’s interests. To assist the vessel,
we have defined three levels of risk and associated sampling procedures.
Low Risk – If there is no change in the cargo grade from the previous grade that was loaded or if the cargo
tank preparation required is “strip and well drain all cargo tanks lines and pumps”, the following sampling
procedure must be adopted:
o A sample is drawn at the manifold at the start of loading and thereafter if loading is resumed after the
terminal suspends loading for any reason
o A ship cargo tank composite sample at the load and discharge port is provided by the cargo surveyor or
drawn by ship’s staff
o Any other samples that the cargo surveyor provides
Medium Risk – Loading of all Clean Petroleum Products (CPP) or in case of DPP if tanks have been washed or
purged in addition to being stripped and well drained, the following sampling procedure must be adopted:
o A sample is drawn at the manifold at the start of loading and thereafter if loading is resumed after the
terminal suspends loading for any reason by ship’s staff
o A sample is drawn from each tank at the load and discharge port
o Any other sample that the cargo surveyor provides
High Risk – Loading of sensitive cargoes such as Jet, MTBE, Vegetable Oils after a previous cargo of petroleum
products, easy chemicals or where the last cargo loaded had dyes or other additives introduced or
where a CPP cargo was being carried after a last cargo of DPP. The following sampling procedure must be
adopted:
o A sample is drawn at the manifold at the start of loading and thereafter if loading is resumed after the
terminal suspends loading for any reason by ship’s staff
o A sample is drawn at ships manifold at regular intervals, especially during the 1st hour and thereafter at
every change of watch
o A first foot sample from the first cargo tank or all tanks as necessary. This requirement may be discussed
with the Operations department prior to arrival at the load port
o A sample is drawn from each tank at the load and discharge port
o Any other sample that the cargo surveyor provides
The vessel is entitled to carry out sampling of the cargo to the extent required, provided it is done safely. The
vessel cannot request or require samples to be drawn outboard of the ship’s rail.
During the sampling process, if there are reasons to believe that the cargo sample is suspicious or different in
colour, clarity or smell from the nominated cargo, cargo operations must be suspended and the Operations
department must be contacted immediately.
Also, if the vessel is not permitted to carry out sampling on the vessel, cargo operations must be suspended and
Operations department should be notified.
Should the vessel believe that there is a compelling reason for additional sampling or if the vessel is not
permitted to carry out sampling on the vessel, or if the samples drawn cause any suspicion that the cargo may
be contaminated, cargo operations must be suspended and the Operations department must be contacted
immediately.
Prepared By: SK Page 14 of 32
Approved By: CM Version 1.7 | Aug, 2021
SMRP – Guidelines for Master
The Cargo Surveyor may provide the vessel with a complete set of samples making it unnecessary for the ship’s
staff to draw samples. This is permissible, provided a responsible member of the ships staff is deputed to witness
the drawing and sealing of samples. Where the Cargo Surveyor declines to provide the vessel with a set of
samples or the samples being provided do not meet our requirements as defined by this section, the samples
must be drawn by ship’s staff. The Cargo Surveyor must be invited to witness the sampling and sealing. Should
the Cargo Surveyor decline to witness the drawing and sealing of samples, the ship’s staff must make an entry
to this effect in the ship’s log and also issue a note of protest.
Following are some guidelines for the custody and control of samples:
All sampling on board the vessel must be carried out jointly by Ship Representatives and Cargo surveyors
Industry practice requires all samples to be retained in glass bottles which are non- reactive
The sample bottles, sampling equipment and any containers used must be free of previous cargo residues,
water or particulate matter
Any samples drawn must be properly sealed and labelled and stowed in the designated sample locker
Prior to signing the sample receipt, a responsible officer must check that all samples have been appropriately
sealed with self -sealing caps
The vessel must only sign the seals of samples that were drawn with a Ships Representative as a witness
At least one set of sealed samples must be retained on board the vessel for possible later analysis
Samples should be retained for at least 13 months from the date of completion of discharge, unless there is
an on-going dispute in which case the samples must be retained till the claim is settled.
A receipt must be obtained from Receiver’s representatives when samples are delivered to them
When the vessel receives a single set of samples at a load port, these must not to be surrendered to a third party
without approval from Scorpio. In the event of any doubt, guidance must be sought from Scorpio.
If the terminal for some reason requests the vessel to maintain a pressure lower then what is agreed at the
manifold, it be taken in writing, and duly reported in the pumping log.
On completion of discharge, please ensure copies of the following documents are given to the agent:
Above documents should be sent by email (PDF) to Scorpio Operations at following addresses
opsmr@scorpiogroup.net
claims.mr@scorpiogroup.net
There is no need for you to mail us original document. However, you should maintain a copy in your files for
future reference in case needed.
The industry acceptable Shell Tank Cleaning guide is normally to be used as reference. However, this is not
binding. In certain cases, specific tank cleaning requirements can be requested by the Charterers which may be
over and above Scorpio’s requirement or recommendation but this should be first discussed with Scorpio
Operations.
Carriage, Cleaning and Conditioning of tanks to always be carried out in strict compliance with cargo / paint
resistance list.
When cleaning or ventilating is necessary, please advise an estimate regarding the time that will be required.
We request you formulate a cleaning plan and use it to estimate the expected length of the cleaning.
As a general rule if you are required to clean tanks in preparation to load Fuel Oil, salt water can be used as
chlorides will not normally affect the quality of fuel oil. However, some Charterer’s insist on fresh water, thus
Master should always check with Scorpio Operations.
If you are required to clean tanks in preparation to load Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) or Carbon Black Feed Stock
(CBFS), fresh water only should be used, as sodium will have a negative effect on the quality of VGO/CBFS. In
most cases Charterer’s will include specific cleaning requirements to be included in the charter party. These will
be passed on to you.
If you are required to switch from dirty cargo to clean cargo, we will provide supercargo assistance including
chemical or other equipment. Your feedback on how to prepare the cargo tanks is welcome. Please feel free to
provide all useful information to Scorpio Operations.
When the vessel trades in "Clean" mode, Master will receive specific cleaning instructions on a case by case basis
and based on the grades to load. For your guidance, we generally carry Gasoil/Gasoline/Jet/Kerosene.
During the tank cleaning operation, please provide within the noon message or daily port message, a short brief
of the cleaning operation, in case the vessel is idle in port.
Tank cleaning procedures for specific grades such as Veg Oil / Caustic Soda and other Annex II cargoes will be
provided by Scorpio Operations. Please contact the concerned operator for any clarifications.
In some instances, the Charterer may request that the vessel purge tanks during the voyage to try and reduce
the H2S content of the vapour space. In this case, we will advise you of the same and any extra expenses incurred
(additional fuel consumption etc.) will normally be re-billed to the Charterer. No purging should be carried out
in laden passage, unless instructed by this office.
In some cases the slops may be analysed prior to the reception facility accepting it. Slops from cleaning should
never be mixed with cleaning chemicals or engine room sludge or bilge water. This may result in the slops
being rejected by the disposal facility. If for some reason you do have slops that contain something other than
previous cargoes and water, please ensure you advise Operations.
It may be acceptable to a Charterer to allow loading “on top” of any slops on board. This must always be
confirmed by the Charterer in advance and is normally only permitted when crude oil is to be loaded. Please
ensure that prior to loading ‘on top’ Charterers or Scorpio Operations have given their written
confirmation/agreement.
Pumping log should be completed till the last hour of discharge with correct manifold pressure maintained.
We wish to highlight that any stoppage on account of stripping will account as stoppage of lay time and vessel
should make all efforts by means of efficient planning to ensure there is a continuous flow of cargo during
stripping operation. If the vessel finds it necessary to stop the cargo operation for any reason, same must be
properly documented in the pumping log.
Please note that there should normally be slight variations in the manifold pressure throughout the discharge,
especially at start up and during the stripping operation. A pumping log showing the exact same pressure from
start to finish is always suspect and may result in a loss of credibility when pursuing a demurrage claim.
Please note that in some ports the terminals include in their statement of fact(s) the pressure allegedly
maintained at shore’s manifold. In such cases, please ensure to clause the statement of fact(s) accordingly, or
issue a LOP if you disagree with their pressure records.
Any restrictions imposed by terminal/barge/lighter vessel must be received in writing and such restriction
shall be reported into the pumping log.
INTERNAL STRIPPING
Prepared By: SK Page 17 of 32
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SMRP – Guidelines for Master
It is obvious that the vessel has to drain her lines and to strip the tanks at the end of the discharge, but this
action is to be made without stopping the discharge and overall no "discharge interrupted for internal stripping"
is to be reported in the time sheet and/or in the pumping log.
Please note that most of the times we succeed in having 2-3 hours accepted for stripping, i.e. the Charterer
acknowledges that the vessel has to reduce the pressure (that should be maintained not less than 100 PSI
equivalent to not less than 7 kg/cm2, unless the entire cargo is discharged in less than 24 hours) in order to strip
the lines and the tanks, but an interruption in discharging does not fall in this "allowance", and the Charterer
simply deducts it from the demurrage.
VEF should not be applied if the vessel is loading a part cargo i.e less than 75% of the vessel’s volume.
If the terminal disagrees with the quantities/grades requested, the Master must advise Scorpio Operations as
soon as possible.
If the shore stops loading before the ordered quantity is achieved, vessel should not allow for the hoses to be
disconnected, and contact the Scorpio Operations. In case the shore insists on loading in excess of the quantity
required by the vessel, Master should call Scorpio Operations immediately and in any case should not load more
than the nominated quantity.
The Master is to advise Scorpio Operations of any reasons for failing to load the quantity nominated and whether
any shore stop applies.
Unless otherwise advised, the cargo should be maintained at the loaded temperature if load temp is less than
135°F. If cargo loads above 135°F it should be allowed to cool to 135°F, maintained and discharged at this
temperature unless otherwise instructed. Costs for heating can be significant thus we request you to avoid
heating the cargo higher than the Charter party requirement.
If load temp is less than 15 °C above the pour point then Scorpio should be advised immediately. If the Pour
Point of the cargo loaded is not available / Unknown, vessel must inform Scorpio Operations of same.
Should you feel the loaded temperature is too low for an effective discharge and maintaining minimum ROB,
please advise Scorpio Operations. We will then advise the Charterers accordingly to see if they want the cargo
There may be voyages where we agree to carry the cargo above 135°F. One example is Boscan crude that
requires a minimum discharge temperature of 145°F. In these cases please follow the specific instructions with
regard to the cargo temperature. Normally the fixture note sent by office would provide clear instructions on
cargo heating. The generally acceptable clause inserted in most Charter parties is “vessel to maintain loaded
temperature but up to a maximum of 135°F, maximum permitted load temperature is 165°F”. This clause
basically infers that a vessel can receive cargo up to a maximum temperature of 165°F. Should a vessel load
cargo above 135°F, you are required to allow the temperature to be reduced to 135°F and then maintain 135°F.
If the cargo is loaded at a temperature below 135°F, then in such a case vessel is to maintain loaded temperature.
HEAT UP – When Charterers request that we discharge the cargo at a temperature greater than 135°F or above
the loaded temperature, the Charterers will pay for the additional fuel consumed for the increased cargo
temperature.
On completion of voyage, form GEN 002 must be send to the office duly signed and stamped.
For vessels carrying special cargoes such as Vegetable Oil, specific heating instructions will be provided to the
vessels prior to the commencement of the voyage. Please contact the office if you need any clarifications.
2.13 Bunkers
Bunkers will be arranged by Scorpio unless the vessel is on Time charter in which case they will be arranged by
the Charterer. The Master is responsible for ensuring that bunkers available on board is sufficient for the
intended voyage, including safe reserves.
It is extremely important that the vessel is sufficiently bunkered, with required bunker grade to meet the
regulations imposed. Master is to promptly advise Operations of bunkers / type required to execute the voyage,
always ensuring compliance with regulations and Owner’s guidelines.
Bunkers will be supplied in accordance with Master’s requirements, always consistent with availability, price
and requirement for the voyage. Master and Chief Engineer should take all steps to minimize exposure in case
of short delivery of Bunkers or in the case of quality disputes. The following guidelines must be complied with
when receiving bunkers:
Scorpio Standard Bunkering Instructions provided by the Operations during Bunker Stem should be read in
conjunction with these guidelines.
Invite Bunker Barge representative to gauge vessel’s tanks prior supply and prepare a Quantity on Board
Report before and after bunkering. The same must be duly signed by the Vessel and Barge
Ensure ship’s crew duly witness the gauging of the Barge’s tanks and prepare a Quantity on board report
before and after bunkering
Water cuts to be taken before and after bunkering
Sealed samples fully representative of the entire bunkering duration must be drawn via a continuous drip
sampler installed preferably at the ship’s manifold (or then at the barge manifold)
Witness the sealing of all samples listed in BDN
In case of short supply of Bunkers in excess of 0.3% or 5 MT whichever is less, notify Scorpio and obtain advice
and instructions
Do not sign Delivery Receipt till you are satisfied that above conditions have been met
If a shortage is noted between the ship and supplier quantities, vessel must contact Scorpio Operations
IMMEDIATELY while hoses are connected and before the BDN is signed. The quantity shown on the BDN once
signed by Master is binding, regardless of any protest issued by Master for shortage; nevertheless if an
agreement cannot be reached and the Master is forced to sign the BDN in order to release the ship, he has to
receive instructions from this office.
Also Master/Chief engineer are requested to use extreme care in checking and witnessing the dripping sampling
in order to be sure that the samples received from the barge are actually the ones representative of the product
received and that same are sealed, and the correct seal numbers stated on the BDN.
This because in case of a dispute, the physical suppliers’ retained sealed sample (witnessed/signed by vessel's
representative), defined as “commercial sample” to distinguish it from the “MARPOL annex VI” sample, and as
listed on the BDN, is the only sample admissible for joint analysis to determine quality of product supplied
Please assist the BQS surveyor in all possible ways to help him ascertain the received and on board quantities.
Also, when requested, please present the ship’s figures for ROB quantities.
On completion of bunkering operation, Master should send the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and BQS Report.
For multiple berths, in the same port area, the NOR should be tendered at the time of hose disconnection from
the previous berth for the next scheduled berth
When the vessel is ordered to anchor or drift outside the port, NOR should be tendered at the time the vessel
arrives at the designated area and re-tendered at the customary anchorage or upon all fast at the berth (as per
the previous paragraph). If you are ever unsure that your original tender may not be valid, you should always
re-tender notice with remarks “This Notice of Readiness is tendered without prejudice to any notice previously
tendered.” Please contact Scorpio Operations for any clarifications that may be required with regard to vessel
tendering a valid Notice of Readiness.
Also, please ensure Notice of Readiness is re-tendered at 0900 LT on daily basis via e-mail up to commencement
of loading / discharging, without prejudice to any previous NOR tendered.
SW Pass/Mississippi River: NOR should be tendered on arrival of pilot at SW pass pilot station and re-tendered
without prejudice to any previously tendered NOR on arrival at the customary anchorage for the actual port
the vessel is calling. For this purpose, vessel must confirm the customary anchorage for the river port from
local agents. In case of berthing directly, vessel should re-tender her NOR upon ALL FAST
In some ports, the number of tugs to be used is at the Master’s discretion. In addition, the use of Tugs Lines and
the time for which tugs are kept on standby can substantially increase the calling costs. It would be prudent to
check with agents prior to arrival on recommended number of tugs required for Mooring operations For ships
fitted with bow thruster, we recommend Master to judiciously use the bow thruster to minimize use of tugs,
and accordingly advise agents to arrange the correct number of Tugs. However, Master’s discretion on the
number of tugs to be deployed will be binding.
Most voyages are fixed with Charterer’s nominating the port agent. In these cases, although the agent is
appointed and paid for by us, some agents may not always act in the best interests of the Owner. Please try to
ensure that the agent is acts in your interest. Any inconsistencies with regard to the ship’s call or delays should
be questioned and the Operations department should be notified accordingly.
In some ports we have found it prudent to nominate a “protective” agent. The protective agent is appointed
directly by us and should always work in the best interest of the vessel. Thus, in these cases you may have two
agents handling the vessel. The charterer’s agent should arrange the port clearance, pilots etc. while the
protective agent will handle the funds advanced and will oversee the port operation. In these cases, you must
copy both agents on all ETA messages.
Signing Bills of Lading where the stated cargo quantity exceeds the ship’s figures (±0.3% with VEF applied) or
as instructed in the voyage order (always the lower percentage value of the two to take priority)
Signing Bunker Delivery Note where the stated quantity exceeds the ship’s figures by ±0.3% or 5 MT
whichever is less.
Introducing seawater or a product other than the nominated cargo into the cargo system or cargo tanks.
Heavy weather ballast may be taken at the Master’s discretion for maintaining safety of life and vessel, in
Where approvals are required urgently it may be obtained by the quickest possible means, provided verbal
authorizations are followed up by written approvals.
Cargo Surveyors at the discharge port are always appointed by the receivers of the cargo. These surveyors
represent cargo receiver’s interests and therefore cannot be considered independent surveyors.
The final ROB report issued by the Cargo Surveyor and the ship must be in agreement on the following subjects:
Scorpio should be contacted and advised of the situation, before signing the ROB certificate and sailing from the
port. The Operator of the vessel will then advise the Master on a suitable course of action that will best protect
our interests. It is also essential that at least one cargo hose or chiksan is kept connected and shore lines are not
drained into ships tanks until the ROB certificate has been signed.
When signing an ROB certificate, the following remarks must always be inserted:
In these situations we will request your confirmation that the blending operation can be accomplished safely.
We will also request you to submit the loading plan for each grade and tank for forwarding to the charterer prior
to loading. If for some reason you cannot comply with these instructions, please notify us immediately.
In order to protect the Owners for the outcome of the blending operation, we will ensure that we have a clause
in the Charter party or obtain an LOI from the Charterers holding the vessel harmless for blending the cargoes
and the final specification.
In some cases, Charterers may request that an additive be injected into the cargo after loading or before
discharging. This creates a number of problems from both a safety and liability view. Our standard policy is not
to add anything to the cargo once on board, unless we get Charterer’s confirmation that they will accept all/any
liability and the Master/Owners accept the proposed procedure. Thus, you should always reject any request
made with regard to adding any product or substance to the cargo on-board, unless confirmed acceptable by
Scorpio Operations. However, such addition / injection can be carried outside the manifold.
Sometimes charterers may require the vessel to carry additives or dyes in drum, placed on board at the Load
Port, so that the same can be used at the discharge Port. When such instructions are received by the master
locally, he should notify Scorpio immediately.
Generally, throughout all loading and discharging operations a letter of protest (L.O.P.) must be issued to loading
and discharging terminals whenever the vessel’s loading and discharge performance is restricted by the
respective terminal(s) and/or whenever a delay occurs.
All LOP's must be countersigned by shore terminal representatives and agent; if a signature is refused, then
another note of protest is to be issued recording this refusal.
For our demurrage claims, a full explanation is required when you document the above, particularly if vessel is
unable to maintain the minimum required back pressure.
If you are requested to sign time sheets, please treat them as statements of facts only, thereby avoiding any
commitments as to demurrage calculations. It is important that all dates/times/details/quantities are correct
before signing all time sheets/cargo documentation.
Letter of Protest received by vessel should be claused “For Receipt Only”. Also, a remark stating “Please refer
to vessel’s SOF” should be always inserted in the Terminal’s SOF.
The Master must ensure that all details are correct. Prior to signing the Bill of Lading, please ensure following
have been checked and are in accordance to C/P, Voyage Instructions:
Loading Date
Freight section “does not” state as prepaid. Normally this should read as “Freight Payable as per C/P”
Discharge Port Range
Name of Supplier & Receiver as per C/P
Cargo Grade
Cargo Quantity
If Carriage of one original B/L on board is requested by the shipper same should be notified to Scorpio, and the
following wording should be prominently endorsed on all of the original bills of lading:
“One original bill of lading retained on board against which bill delivery of cargo may be properly be made on
instructions received from shippers/charterers” -
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the B/L, please notify us immediately.
For carrying out an ESS the Shippers, Receivers, Terminal and Charterers must all agree to the process. In case
any of the foregoing do not agree then Electronic Bs/L cannot be used.
This procedure has been approved by the P&I Clubs and is considered to be safe. Nevertheless prior to the same
being carried out, owner’s approval will be sought.
In case ESS is required to be carried out on any voyage, detailed guidelines on the process will be sent by the
operator to the master.
In most cases, an original B/L will not be available at the discharge port; thus the cargo will be discharged against
a Letter of Indemnity (LOI). The charterer will normally send us or invoke the LOI as the case may be and after
reviewing it, we will pass on the same to the Owners who shall review and instruct the vessel accordingly.
No cargo should be discharged without an original B/L or confirmation that a proper LOI or invocation of same
has been received.
We at Scorpio always maintain an acceptable status with as many Charterers as possible. We realize that the
inspection process puts additional burden on the Officers and Crew. However, we want to emphasize that this
process is critical to successful trading and request all Masters to be guided accordingly when accommodating
vetting inspections.
Instances where voyage optimisation will be provided are including but not limited to
Bad Weather
Trans-Oceanic voyages
When required by voyage charterers
When master requests it for a particular passage
Please send mail format exactly as per below when requesting for weather routing:
To: meteo@routeguard.eu
CC: Performance@get-dmcc.com; opsmr@scorpiogroup.net; Other Concerned Parties
Email Subject: (Vessel Name): Service Required for Weather Routing.
Email Body:
Good day,
Kindly provide (Vessel Name) with weather routing service.
Voyage Number:
Start Date:
Passage Start Port
Estimated End Date:
Estimated Passage End Port:
PFA Order Form.
For good order sake, always keep performance@get-dmcc.com in CC, when activating/deactivating weather
routing services.
If a vessel is in a port close to the Panama canal, and ETA is uncertain – or if the vessel is in ballast, and transit
is uncertain, the vessel should notify ACP (through the transit agent) as early as possible (at least 96 hrs before
arrival – or even earlier), and then change the ETA day by day – or even cancel the transit, if the vessel is NOT
transiting the Canal. If the 96 Hrs notice is not given, ACP will pick those vessels which have given 96 hours’
notice, even if arrived later.
Scorpio will employ the services of Ice Pilotage for all vessels which enter into ice infested waters. Details of
same will be provided by the concerned operator.
Currently we have a contract with Montreal Marine Services to provide Ice Pilots. Our general
guideline/suggestion is as follows:
DANISH WATERS
The use of Pilot during the passage through Danish Waters is not compulsory, unless the vessel is bound to or
proceeding from a Danish port. Nevertheless, we recognize that all our managed vessels entering or leaving the
Baltic for non-Danish destinations should use the applicable Pilot services as described as below:
Vessel in ballast: All ships should employ the Sound Pilot from HELSINORE to DROGDEN and vice-versa. It is
worth to recall that the SOUND passage is available up to the draft of 7.7 m (see Note 1); therefore the vessel
has to adjust her draft accordingly, if applicable.
Vessel Loaded: As a laden tanker, when draft does not exceed 7.0 m, vessel should employ the Sound Passage
as above but when her draft exceeds 7.0 m but is less than 11.0 m, she should enter / exit Baltic through the
Great Belt, employing the Pilot from GEDSER to DW T9 and vice-versa, or from the SKAW to GEDSER and vice-
versa if her draft exceed 11.0 m.
Above draft limits are based on present IMO recommendation. Should they be changed in future, these
recommendations will be amended accordingly.
DANISH PILOT
Unless the vessel is proceeding to or coming from a Danish port, no agent is required. To book Danish Pilot,
Master will notify the same on the following addresses keeping this office in copy:
info@danishpilotservice.dk
Phone: +45 7591 4496
Master will notify Danish Pilot of his ETA to the concerned Pilot Boarding Station. As usual please copy Scorpio
Operations all messages to/from Pilots.
b) the gross tonnage, length, width, draught and speed of the vessel,
c) the location from which the pilotage is requested and the expected time of arrival to this location,
e) any faults and/or deficiencies relevant for the manoeuvrability of the vessel.
Payment of Pilot's service will be done directly by this office at the below address:
DARDANELLES PASSAGE
All managed vessels in ballast and laden condition are required to take a qualified Pilot when transiting the
Dardanelles.
SWEDISH PILOT
Pls. note that we have a non-exclusive contract with Swedish Maritime Administration for providing Pilotage
services, for the Sound Transits.
Transit requirement is max. draft 7.2m and max air draught 55m at mean water level.
Transit Route: From/To: The Sound north, Buoy M1
To/From: The Sound south, Flinten SW
Master to send a preliminary pilot order 12 hrs before arrival for Sound transit, in order for Swedish Maritime
Admin to ensure a smooth procedure as possible.
Confirmation of ETA: 3hrs before arrival/departure.
For Cancelation of Pilot send notification at least 5 hrs before required time.
For pilot ordering send an email to southcoastpilot@sjofartsverket.se with information about your intended
route and the information as per below.
To smoothen the reporting procedure with Swedish Pilots, we have been advised by the Swedish Maritime
Administration to include the text “Vessel managed by Scorpio” whenever booking the Sound Transit Pilot.
For Example:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To: 'southcoastpilot@sjofartsverket.se'
1. Ships name:
2. Ships callsign:
3. IMO number:
4. Embarking point:
5. ETA:
6. Disembarking point:
7. Deepest draft and air draft (max draft for sound transit 7,2m MWL):
8. E-mail contact/company: Pls. share ship’s email id & your respective Pool’s commercial ops email id.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Master will notify Swedish Pilot of his ETA to the concerned Pilot Boarding Station. As usual please copy
Scorpio Operations all messages to/from the Pilots.
Payment of Pilot's service will be done directly by this office at the below address:
If the berth or anchorage area for cargo operations are occupied on arrival, the time starts 6 hours after
tendering the NOR and continues until the last hose is disconnected or as deemed relevant in Charter Party.
However, shifting time from the anchorage area to the berth or lighter area is discounted. Thus, if the allowed
laytime is exceeded with no fault of the ship, we invoice Charterers for demurrage at a rate roughly equal to our
daily time charter cost (normally between $10000- $30,000/day depending on market conditions). The success
of our demurrage arguments rests largely on the proper tendering of the NOR and completion of all cargo
documents. Should the vessel be detained by Charterers for commercial purpose, the SOF should reflect such
times to protect Owner’s interest. These events could include awaiting cargo documents, waiting to deliver STS
equipment after completion of STS operation etc.
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION
3. Forms
Please refer to the Scorpio Sea forms Excel sheet and guidelines sent to the vessel for the use of Cargo
Documentation.
Heating log and SOF with ROB should be filled and sent to: Performance@get-dmcc.com ,in order to review
the Port performance of the vessel.