I have a question about how to handle drilling mud in the oil record book onboard a drill ship. When fuel, oil based, or synthetic base mud is hauled out to a rig on a supply boat, I know it is considered cargo. However once the fuel comes onboard the drill rig, it is no longer cargo, it is considered machinery space operations. This is the same thing we do on our ROV boat. The drilling mud makes me wonder if it is still considered cargo and gets recorded under part II cargo/ballast operations, or does it go into the oil record book under part I as machinery space operations.
1 It is an oil product and has to be accounted for.
2 Sometimes it does get pumped back off the rig to the supply boats
3 Sometimes the well does drink and mud gets lost.
4 Under part I machinery space operations in the oil record book there is no sub title for unloading cargo. Only bunkering, storing, accidental discharges and automatic discharges. That is why it makes me wonder about mud belonging under part II cargo. Even though when mud is stored onboard a rig it is technically not cargo. ie sometihng they are making revenue by transporting.
5 If it is technically considred cargo should the engineers be required to have a tankerman pic endorsemant. My reading of the cfr’s seems like they would if it is considered liquid cargo in bulk.
6 Under part I machinery space operations the only place I could see being able to accuratley record getting rid of oil base mud is under section C collection and disposal of oil residues, (sludge, and other oil residues) This is the one we have always used for disposing of dirty oil, and recording the weekly tank soundings.
7 If it is considered cargo it would be under part II in the oil record book and they have a header for unloading, but not really for loosing it down the hole, unless it would be approiate to use header J, (disposal of residues and oily mixtures not otherwise dealt with) Most probably though header N ( accidental or other exceptional discharges of oil).
Maybe some of the guys on drilling rigs or ships can shed some light on this for me, or have a different opinion.