Tankerman · Operations — COW
Crude oil washing (COW) cleans cargo tanks by:
- ASpraying hot seawater under high pressure
- BUsing the crude oil cargo itself, sprayed through fixed machines, to dissolve clingage✓ Correct
- CFilling tanks with fresh water
- DSteaming the tanks open to atmosphere
Explanation
COW uses the cargo's own crude, sprayed by fixed tank-washing machines, to redissolve and remove clingage and sediment. It must be done in an inerted atmosphere and reduces both the oil residue left aboard and the water washing that would create slops.
Authority: Tank Vessel Operations — COW (MARPOL Annex I)
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