A Methodology for Due Diligence Assessment and Implementation in Ship to Ship (STS) Oil and Products Operations

摘要

In order for the international community to control and reduce the risk of a serious failure and their consequences regarding human safety and environment, both shippers and ship owners are nowadays forced to exhibit due diligence in all STS operations. In this article, the authors propose a method, which take into account former experience from similar operations and related events, to partially substitute a problematic information flow. A detailed analysis of the required steps is presented, including an integrated credibility assessment of STS operators, which ensure the demonstration of due diligence. The proposed method, developed by the authors, utilizes a digital information management system, which records past event experience accordingly, used supplementary to regulations, directives and guidelines in general of international recognized organizations. As long as the operation incorporates a variety of geographical locations (decision centre location, ships companies locations, STS operation location), the fact that the proposed information system can be accessed from all over the world through internet, is an important advantage. Additionally, the proposed implementation can be easily incorporated into a quality system.