Cargo

Cargo manifold checks before you open the first valve

A simple order of checks at the cargo manifold before loading or discharging: line-up, connection, drip trays, checklist, then a slow start.

Ken S. Villamor · 28 Oct 2026 · 4 min read

Main deck manifold of the M/T KEN VILLAMOR in the simulator (screenshot from the simulator)

Most cargo spills at a terminal start at the manifold, and most of them are avoidable. The checks below are not new. They come from good tanker practice (ISGOTT and the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist). What matters is doing them in the same order every time.

1. Is it the right manifold?

Check the connection against the cargo plan: grade, manifold number and side. Ask a second person to walk the line-up from the manifold to the tank, valve by valve. A wrong line-up is the classic way to mix grades or fill the wrong tank.

2. Is the connection sound?

New gasket of the right type, and a bolt in every hole, all tightened evenly.
Hose or loading arm inside its working range, with enough slack for tide and draft change.
Electrical isolation as the terminal requires (insulating flange or one insulated hose length).
Blank flanges stay on every manifold that is not in use.

3. Is the deck ready?

Drip trays clean, empty and drain plugs in. Scuppers plugged. Spill kit and fire hoses at hand. Manifold pressure gauge fitted and working.

4. Is everyone agreed?

The Ship/Shore Safety Checklist is signed by both sides. Starting rate, full rate, topping-off rate, how to stop in an emergency, and how you talk to each other (radio channel, back-up signal) are agreed and written down.

5. Start slow and prove the flow

Open up, start at a slow rate and watch. Check the manifold for leaks. Check that the level is rising in the tank you expect, and only in that tank. Only then ask for the full rate.

This order (right manifold, sound connection, ready deck, agreed plan, slow start) costs a few minutes and saves the big mistakes.