Gents, I hesitate to mention this in case it detracts from the real issues here, but do you think the practice of remaining 'in contact' after fuel transfer is complete might have an impact on the seals in the AAR system? I understand that AAR enroute to the Falklands was generally 'offload complete, disconnect', but more recently receivers, in general (as I do not have knowledge of specific procedures/techniques of relevance), tend to stay in contact after fuel transfer, thereby burning the tanker's fuel, sort of, until some relevant point in time or space. Just a thought.
We certainly used to stay in contact after the tanks were full, indeed we used to take on fuel until it vented overboard! However, I can't remember that happening for many many years - going back to the early 90's and my Falklands Det for that one!
A perfectly accepted 'safe' procedure at the time - but who'd volunteerto do it now!!!??
