Ship-Shore ESD Connection and Bi-Directional Trip Test Checklist

This template covers the pre-transfer inspection of the ship-shore emergency shutdown link, the manifold connection, QCDC coupling engagement, and the bi-directional trip test. It is designed to confirm that the interface matches the approved system and that shutdown signals travel correctly in both directions. It also captures documentation, PPE, and any deficiencies found during the walk-through.

Use it before cargo transfer, bunkering, or any operation where the ship and shore ESD systems must communicate reliably. It is especially useful after hose changes, connector swaps, maintenance, or any interruption to the transfer setup. If the interface has not changed and the procedure requires periodic verification, use it at the cadence defined by the terminal or vessel procedure.

A competent person familiar with the terminal or vessel transfer procedure should complete or lead the checklist. In practice, that may be a terminal operator, marine superintendent, cargo officer, or another trained person authorized to verify the ESD interface. The key requirement is that the inspector can recognize a non-conformance and stop the job if needed.

Yes, but it is best treated as a procedural control that supports broader safety obligations rather than a single rule citation. It aligns with OSHA general industry and maritime safety expectations, and it also fits well with terminal procedures influenced by NFPA guidance, ANSI/ASSP safety management practices, and site-specific permit systems. For fuel or chemical transfer, local authority and company standards may add additional requirements.

Common misses include using the wrong ESD link type, damaged connectors or hoses, loose retaining devices, and a QCDC coupling that appears seated but is not fully engaged. Another frequent issue is a trip test that is performed but not timed against the approved limit. The checklist also helps catch blocked access around the manifold, which can delay emergency action.

Yes. The template is structured so you can keep the same inspection flow while tailoring the link-specific verification fields to your installed interface. You can add connector part numbers, pressure hold criteria, continuity checks, or vendor-specific acceptance limits without changing the core workflow.

An ad-hoc walk-through often relies on memory and verbal confirmation, which makes it easy to miss a damaged link or an incomplete trip test. This template forces the team to verify compatibility, connection integrity, and shutdown performance in a consistent order. It also creates a record of deficiencies and corrective action, which is harder to do reliably by hand.

Treat a failed trip test as a stop-work condition until the cause is identified and corrected under the approved procedure. Recheck the interface, coupling engagement, link continuity or pressure integrity, and any interlocks or signal converters involved in the system. Document the non-conformance and repeat the test only after the defect has been addressed and the area is safe to re-energize or re-pressurize.

Yes. It works well as a mobile inspection form with photo capture, signature fields, and automatic defect routing to maintenance or operations. You can also link it to a permit-to-work record, pre-transfer checklist, or CMMS corrective action ticket so the inspection result becomes part of the job history.