Marine Loading Arms Operation & Maintenance Training Course

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the role of marine loading arms in terminal operations and the consequences of loading arm failures on Day 1.
• Identify loading arm types and applications for crude oil, refined products, LPG, LNG, and chemicals.
• Describe loading arm components, including risers, inboard and outboard arms, swivel joints, counterweights, couplers, emergency release systems, hydraulic power units, and control and position monitoring systems.
• Apply recognized industry guidance on loading arm design, tanker and terminal safety, and LNG transfer systems.
• Explain the loading arm operating envelope, alarm zones, and the effects of vessel movement, tides, and weather.
• Apply pre-operational checks and ship-shore safety coordination before connection.
• Carry out safe connection, alignment, leak testing, purging, cooldown, transfer monitoring, disconnection, draining, and stowing.
• Apply emergency shutdown and emergency release procedures and test emergency release systems safely.
• Apply electrical isolation, static control, and fire and spill prevention measures during loading and unloading.
• Plan and execute preventive and predictive maintenance of swivels, seals, bearings, hydraulic systems, couplers, and emergency release systems.
• Perform counterweight balancing and structural, corrosion, and coating inspections.
• Troubleshoot common loading arm problems and manage maintenance records, spare parts, and manufacturer support by the end of Day 5.

Who Should Attend

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain how marine loading arms work and why they are critical safety equipment.
• Identify the main loading arm types and components.
• Understand and respect the loading arm operating envelope.
• Carry out thorough pre-operational checks.
• Connect, operate, and disconnect loading arms safely.
• Respond correctly to alarms, emergency shutdowns, and emergency releases.
• Prevent ignition, static, and spill hazards during transfers.
• Maintain swivels, seals, hydraulics, couplers, and emergency release systems.
• Balance counterweights and inspect structures for damage and corrosion.
• Diagnose and correct common loading arm faults.
• Plan maintenance and manage spare parts effectively.
• Contribute to safe and reliable terminal operations.

Course Outline