Who is responsible for ensuring a tank barge is provided with the required equipment and fittings in good condition prior to loading cargo?

The tankerman or person in charge of loading is crucial in ensuring that a tank barge is equipped with the necessary fittings and equipment in good working condition prior to the loading of cargo. This responsibility is integral to the safe and efficient operation of the barge and the cargo transfer process.

The tankerman is directly involved in the loading operations and must conduct pre-loading checks to verify that all equipment, such as hoses, pumps, and valves, are operational and meet safety standards. This includes making sure that safety equipment is accessible and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The other roles mentioned, such as the charterer, owner of the barge, and terminal operator, may have responsibilities related to the overall management and operation of the vessel and terminal, but the onus of ensuring the immediate readiness of the barge for loading lies with the tankerman or person in charge. This ensures that operational safety measures are followed, which is critical in the handling of potentially hazardous materials during cargo transfers.