COMSC INSTRUCTION 3180.2J    3 September 1986

Subj: MSC REFUELING-AT-SEA (RAS) INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Purpose.  To provide Military Sealift Command (MSC) controlled tankers with instructions for refueling and consolidating cargo with other ships while underway. 

2. Background 

     a. MSC owned and chartered tankers are equipped to transfer cargo to Navy ships which are capable of passing fuel hose rigs (replenishment and certain amphibious ships, carriers).  In addition, most MSC tankers are equipped to refuel by the astern method. 

     b. Enclosure (1) provides Masters with MSC supplementary instructions for refueling-at-sea.  Enclosure (2) is an extract of the Navy replenishment-at-sea publication which provides additional guidance.  Chapter 10 of that publication is specifically devoted to MSC tanker RAS operations. Additionally, all MSC controlled tankers should have four copies of reference (a) onboard. 

4. Action.  Masters of MSC controlled tankers are to ensure a periodic (at least quarterly) review of enclosures (1) and (2) and reference (a) by all concerned tanker personnel, and strict adherence to the provisions thereof during refueling-at-sea operations. 

REFUELING-AT-SEA INSTRUCTIONS 

1. General.  It is imperative that all tankers be prepared to conduct underway refueling operations on short notice.  Operations may occur at any time while transporting a cargo of USN ship compatible fuel (i.e., DFM, JP-5). Preparedness includes possessing adequate equipment, conducting briefings and assigning specific duties to the crew, and accomplishing training whenever time permits. 

2. Equipment 

     a. Refueling-at-sea portable equipment shall be stowed in a separate locker or storage area which is marked for such equipment.  The equipment shall be stenciled or painted white so that it may be easily identified.  MSC Form and Report 3180/2 (Refueling-at-Sea Equipment and Material Report) lists the required inventory.  This report will be submitted to COMSC and the operator/owner quarterly.  Corrective action on discrepancies is to be taken immediately upon discovery.  It is incumbent upon the operator/owner to initiate procurement of deficient items as indicated in these reports without waiting for a formal request or requisition from the ship.  If there is no change since the previously submitted report, a dated statement to that effect will be acceptable. 

     b. Each refueling-at-sea station is required to be static load tested every four years during the ABS Special Survey as follows: 

           (1) Apply simultaneously a static load of 36,000 pounds at the span wire link, and 15,000 pounds at the riding line padeye.  Span wire load shall be 15o forward or aft or squarely outboard and 10o below horizontal.  The riding line load shall be horizontal and squarely outboard. 

NOTE: This will result in a combined horizontal static pull of 50,000 pounds on the fueling-at-sea tripod or sampson post. 

           (2) Apply a static load of 15,000 pounds at the messenger padeye.  The load shall be horizontal and squarely outboard. 

           (3) Jigger line padeyes and cleats shall be individually tested under a static load of 15,000 pounds applied along the anticipated line of action. 

           (4) Tests (1), (2) and (3) shall be performed separately. 

           (5) All test loads shall be held for 10 minutes during which time no failure or deformation shall result.

The fact that this test has been conducted, with the date last accomplished, is to be noted on the 3180/2 report. 

3. Procedures.  COMSC will advise tankers and their operators by message when a RAS operation is intended.  This is commonly referred to as a "CONSOL" (Consolidation) when transferring cargo to an oiler or another tanker.  Upon receipt of RAS orders, Masters shall: 

     a. Acknowledge the orders by immediate message and advise all concerned of any equipment deficiencies and/or readiness to conduct CONSOL. 

     b. Ensure key personnel review enclosure (2) and onboard RAS equipment. Particular attention is to be paid to rigging, emergency breakway and safety procedures. 

     c. Commence submitting the "Noon Position Report" contained in Article 1-6-16 of COMSCINST 3121.3D (TANKOPINS) every 24 hours.  Advise customer ship of any change in PIM once issued. 

     d. Submit the communication plan to the designated receiving ship in accordance with Article 10.2.1, enclosure (2), as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours prior to the intended rendezvous date.  Unless otherwise directed, HF transmissions between ships are not authorized unless one or the other encounters difficulties which preclude compliance.  As practical, tactical communication should be by flag or flashing light.  Voice communications are to be established solely to ensure correct operation and thence utilized only as necessary to ensure a safe CONSOL operation.  USS ships are unable to transmit on 500 KHZ. 

     e. Ensure key personnel review NWP 14 (Rev. C) and/or NWP 14-2 and inspect refueling-at-sea equipment with attention to emergency and safety equipment.  Assign the most qualified helmsman for the operation.  Rigid adherence to maintaining the designated CONSOL course is essential to the safety of operation.  Masters and helmsman must be aware of varying pressure effects of steaming alongside per Article 2.2.7, enclosure (2).  Rig tensioning/detensioning and retrieval should only be undertaken when operating at maximum safe distances and when observed steady state conditions between ships exists. 

     f. ASTERN REFUELING - It is recommended that a minimum speed of 10 to 11 KNOTS be maintained while streaming hoses; otherwise, spout type floats may upset and dive underwater.  This condition will not occur when barrel type floats are used. 

4. Cargo Quality Control.  Petroleum products transferred to Navy ships must be of the highest quality.  The most common problem in effecting successful consolidations has been contamination from bottom sediment and water.  In order to avoid this contingency, the following precautionary measures are to be taken PRIOR to the transfer operation: 

     a. Take a low suction on the designated tank (or tanks) from which the product is to be transferred.  Pump the product through all lines to be used for the transfer to flush out any water or sediment, and then through the opened drop valve to other tanks which have sufficient ullage and are not scheduled to be used in the transfer operation. 

     b. Pump the product in this manner for about 10 to 15 minutes, so as to remove any bottom water or sediment from the designated tanks. 

5. Cargo Accountability.  Upon completion of the transfer, Masters must file the MSC 4020-4 message discharge report in accordance with Article 10.8.1, enclosure (2).  In addition, ensure receipt of a DD Form 1149 or message acknowledgement showing quantity of fuel received by the other ship.  This paperwork is to be turned in to the Government fuel representative at the next terminal.