Inspection of Oil Tanker Cargo Tanks

Safety is the number one priority onboard a modern oil tanker so it should come as no surprise that inspection of oil tanker cargo tanks is very safety oriented. This inspection necessitates the gas-freeing and constant monitoring of the cargo tanks for gases. Safety procedure also requires the raising of a tank entry permit through a substantial check list which must be completed by the chief officer and witnessed by the master; such are the hazards of entering a tankers cargo tank. The inspector is charged to ascertain the condition of the anticorrosion coatings whilst checking any reduction in plate thickness due to corrosion and make an estimation of any cracks or pitting to the steel pates will have on the vessels integrity.