Ballast Control Operator

Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.

Wood is currently sourcing for a Ballast Control Operator to join our team in Equatorial Guinea. 

Working onboard an FPSO vessel, required to monitor, control, and coordinate all ballast and cargo operations from the Cargo Control Room (CCR}, ensuring safe vessel stability, efficient hydrocarbon storage and export, and full compliance with operational procedures and HSE requirements. 

Location: offshore Equatorial Guinea, West Africa 

Rotation \ Work Pattern: 5 weeks on \ 5 weeks off, 7-day week \ 12-hour day 

What makes you remarkable?

Education & Experience: 

• Diploma or equivalent in Marine Studies, Nautical Science, or related discipline
• STCW Certification
• BOSIET / FOET
• Several years offshore experience, preferably on FPSO/FSO or tanker vessels
• Tanker or FPSO-specific training 
• Experience in cargo transfer, ballast control, and offshore marine operations

Knowledge: 

• Marine systems operations (ballast, cargo, stability)
• FPSO offloading operations
• Understanding of marine regulations and safety systems
• Awareness of safety procedures (PTW, LOTO, PPE)
• Knowledge of tools and mechanical equipment

Skills:

• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately
• Basic mechanical aptitude
• Good observation and reporting skills
• Teamwork and cooperation

Personal Attributes:

• Strong safety awareness
• Reliable and disciplined
• Willingness to learn and develop skills
• Team player with positive attitude
• Physically fit for engine room duties
• Attention to detail

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

 Cargo & Ballast Control Operations;

• Monitor and control cargo storage, transfer, and offloading systems via CCR control systems.
• Execute ballast operations to maintain vessel stability, trim, and draft within approved limits.
• Ensure correct tank configurations, line-ups, and system readiness for operations.
• Maintain accurate real-time control of tank levels, pressures, and cargo conditions.
• Daily/weekly/monthly report and calculations of crude oil on board quantity (OBQ) and remaining storage capacity.
• Perform Crude Oil Washing, Water Washing, Inerting, Purging and Gas-freeing operation of cargo tanks. 
• Maintain intact stability of FPSO and readiness to implement damage control measures in the event of structural or hull damage to prevent capsizing and sinking (damage stability and control plan). 

Offloading Operations:

• Coordinate and control crude oil offloading operations from CCR.
• Monitor transfer rates, pressures, temperatures, and alarms during cargo transfer.
• Support safe execution of tandem or side-by-side offloading with shuttle tankers.
  Communicate continuously with Mooring Master, Barge Supervisor, and Marine Operators. Stability Management
• Monitor, calculate & compare offloaded quantity/discharge rate at regular interval to Export Tanker received quantity.
• Calculate Pre-Offload and After Offload crude oil nominated quantity (OBQ) and FPSO trim and stability conditions. Final calculation and report total Offloaded Quantity for Export Bill of Landing Figures. 

Stability Management:
•    Ensure FPSO stability is continuously maintained within operating envelopes.
•    Calculate and verify stability conditions during cargo transfer and ballast operations.
•    Monitor ullages, tank distribution, and vessel condition to prevent unsafe situations.
 

Monitoring & System Surveillance:

Continuously monitor process systems, alarms, and control panels in CCR.
Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action or escalate as required.
Maintain full awareness of ongoing marine and cargo activities on deck.

• FPSO Security Officer for ISPS. (International Ship and Port Facility Security).
• Responsible for monitoring VTS (Vessels Traffic Service). Marine traffic monitoring sea areas of the oilfield. Coordinate with Offshore Logistics, other fields installation & support vessels. 
• Security control of personnel and visitors onboarding FPSO. 
• Terminal Marine Control Room Radio Officer. Monitor & control oil field maritime boundaries. Alert and report infringements and/or suspicious activities in the area. 
• Responsible for operating and monitoring RADAR and ECDIS (Electronic Chart). 
• License operator and responsible for the maintenance of GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). Maintain records of GMDSS logbook. Perform daily/weekly/monthly inspections & maintenance of equipment onboard. 
• Responsible for meteorological or weather forecast reporting and monitoring.
• When required. Offshore Communication Service Radio Operator or Helideck Radio Operator. Responsible for managing communications between offshore platforms, helicopters and onshore bases to ensure safe flight operations. 
• Maintain records for Marine Deck Logbooks and other mandatory ship’s publications. 
•  

HSE & Compliance:

• Follow PTW isolation and risk control procedures
• Participate in emergency response activities and drills
• Maintain readiness and understanding of emergency shutdown systems (ESD).
• Ensure strict compliance with HSE policies, procedures, and safe systems of work
• Permit-to-Work Administrator and controller of lock out boxes for isolations certificates. Encoder of all PTW and Isolations to database. 
• Monitoring all works in progress, ensuring no SIMOPS. i.e. Hot works, pressure test, hot bolting etc.
• Control and recording of all personnel entering and exiting confined spaces. i.e cargo tanks. 
• Muster controller and coordinator during emergencies and drills. 
• Survival craft / Lifeboat coxswain during abandon ship and drills. 
• Fire Control Panel monitoring and responsible for fire and smoke detectors isolation. 
• CCTV monitoring control center. 
• Maintain Waste Management System record keeping in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex V. 
• Provide and issue Waste Manifest Form to supply vessels. 
• Provide and issue Dangerous Goods Declaration in accordance with IMDG Code / IATA DGR. 
• Provide and issue Cargo Manifests during cargo backloads. Ensure proper cargo shipping procedures are adhered to with complete cargo descriptions such as gross weights within safe loads limits. 
• Pre arrival checks of cargo manifests prior offload from supply vessels. Ensure safe load limits, proper identification of CCU with certified lifting gears. 
• Prepare pre-cargo manifests and ensure deck loads proper storage on main deck in coordination with Crane Operator. 
• Prepare and issue Weekly Crew Change Plan upon receipt of information from logistics and vendors. Working in conjunction with Medic for POB planning. 
• Prepare and issue Crew boat passenger manifest and conduct pre-departure safety briefing. 

 Communication & Coordination

• Act as central point of control for marine cargo operations in CCR.
• Coordinate with:
  • Barge Supervisor
  • Mooring Master
  • Marine Operators (deck)
  • Offshore Logistics personnel

        Ensure clear and accurate communication during critical operations critical operations.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate logs of cargo transfers, ballast operations, and events.
• Record deviations, alarms, and operational data.
• Conduct effective shift handovers, ensuring continuity of operations.