A safe transfer, alongside.

Most bunkering incidents start before the first litre moves. A short pre-delivery talk and a planned tank sequence prevent most of them.

Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Rules change: check your flag State and the sources below.

The pre-delivery talk

ISO 13739 calls for a pre-delivery conference between the supplier's representative and the chief engineer before pumping starts. It covers the safety checks, communication, hand signals and how to stop in an emergency. Agree together:

  • the tanks to fill and the order you fill them in
  • the pumping rate, and when to slow down for topping off
  • the sampling point: the 2024 IMO guidelines put it at your manifold
  • who watches each end, and the signal to stop

Plan the tanks

Consolidate old fuel first, so new fuel goes into empty tanks and different deliveries do not mix. It makes the sample meaningful if a quality question comes up later.

Pre-bunkering checklist

Before we come alongside

Pre-delivery talk

After delivery

0 of 11

An example checklist based on ISO 13739 practice. Your safety management system comes first.

In Port St. Maarten: the port's 2019 services handbook says hot work is not permitted while a vessel is taking fuel.

Sources