Liquefied Natural Gas Marine Terminal Loading Operator

Sea and river terminals, designed for the reception, temporary storage and processing of various liquid cargoes, including petroleum products, LHG, LNG and chemical products, where vessels for various purposes are processed, are industrial enterprises with a high potential for large-scale accidents in connection with the operations carried out on them, installed equipment, handling or processing of hazardous substances, which requires special attention both from government supervisory and control authorities and from companies that provide operational management of terminals.

Personnel (specialists of various qualifications, specializations, etc.) are one of the key components of any production activity. The security level of an enterprise largely depends on its personnel. For personnel to successfully perform their tasks and avoid emergency situations, a systematic approach to process safety management is required. In accordance with accepted international practice, for carrying out cargo operations, monitoring the operation of cargo equipment (pumps, manifolds, loading arms, etc.), ensuring sampling, etc., a category of employees has been defined as a LNG Marine Terminal Loading Operator. This specialist must have a basic technical education and have knowledge of international conventions, codes, regulations, guidelines and recommendations and skills to apply them accordingly. Such generally accepted documents are the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT), UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, the Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes and Related Activities in Port Areas, standards of SIGTTO (The Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators); and etc.

Training programs for LNG Marine Terminal Loading Operator at the ISTC are developed taking into account international practice in training specialists in this category. Experienced teachers and experts help students in a short time to master the basic provisions of international documents, national regulations and master the practice of their application. The activities of LNG Marine Terminal Loading Operators may vary depending on the specifics of the terminal, the physico-chemical properties of the cargo being processed, and the types of vessels moored at the terminals for loading and unloading. Therefore, training courses for loading operators take these specifics into account. In particular, the cargo being processed is, first of all, a cryogenic liquid, which necessitates the use of special gas tankers, special cargo equipment, special technologies for preparing and conducting cargo and final operations, and special requirements for the safety of personnel and equipment.

In accordance with the above, the ISTC has developed and implements the specialized training programs that take into account the peculiarities of specific marine terminals and are agreed with customers prior to the start of classes.

Based on the results of training and passing final exams at the ISTC, graduates are presented for certification by the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association, after which they receive internationally recognized “Liquefied Natural Gas Marine Terminal Loading Operator” certificates. Certificates issued by the IDGCA are protected by patent.