A Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC) should be appointed in advance to oversee and manage the operation. This may be one of the masters or a trained and experienced STS Superintendent generally known as a “mooring master”. If a master is inexperienced in STS transfer operations, the appointment of a STS Superintendent to provide advice and assistance is recommended. Unsuitable weather has been a major factor in many of the STS incidents experienced by the POAC, therefore it is essential that the current and anticipated weather, sea and tidal conditions are carefully evaluated before deciding whether or not to commence an STS operation.