An STS operation needs to be carefully planned right from its initial stages.
Procedures for selecting a safe STS transfer area taking into consideration traffic density, availability of good holding ground, weather conditions and local port regulations.
Notification to the relevant local authorities in line with their reporting requirements.
Any oil tanker involved in STS operations shall carry on board an STS operation plan, approved by the Administration and in the working language of the ship, prescribing how to conduct STS operations.
The STS operation plan should be developed taking into account the information contained in IMO’s “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention” and the ICS and OCIMF “Ship To Ship Transfer Guide, Petroleum”
