Ship-to-ship transfer operations, also known as STS operations, are operations where crude oil or petroleum products are transferred between seagoing tanker ships moored alongside each other at sea. Such operations can take place when one ship is at anchor or both are underway at very low speeds.

For all STS transfer operations, each Master remains at all times responsible for the safety of his ship, its crew, cargo and equipment and should not permit safety to be prejudiced by the actions of others. Each Master shall ensure that the procedures contained in this guide are followed and, in addition, that internationally accepted safety standards are maintained.

This course is a general guide to assist the shipowner/ship operator/ship personnel in preparing and executing a ship-specific Ship-to-Ship Transfer Operation Plan (STS plan), demonstrating compliance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex I, Chapter 8: “Prevention of Pollution during Transfer of Oil Cargo between Oil Tankers at Sea”, Regulations 40, 41 and 42.

It is important to stress that you always orient yourself towards your ship's specifications and follow your shipping company-approved procedures.

You will be presented with an assessment at the end of this course.

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Course Author

Reza KAPO

With a distinguished career in maritime engineering, I bring to the table a wealth of experience from both practical and academic perspectives. I served for over a decade as a marine engineer at sea, mentoring numerous cadets throughout my tenure, with my most recent role being that of a chief engineer.

Over the past seven years, I have pursued an advanced academic path and proudly hold a Master's Degree and a PhD in Maritime Affairs from two prestigious European universities.

My academic pursuits didn't confine me to the classroom. I have actively participated in European maritime research projects as a consultant, continually updating my knowledge across various shipping facets, including the regulatory framework, decarbonization, safety, and marine environmental pollution prevention.

Since 2017, I have transitioned into academia, utilizing my hands-on experience and scholarly insights to impart maritime knowledge. I've been involved in a broad spectrum of STCW and IMO courses, delivering lectures to marine officers at various institutes and academies across Europe.

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