CHECKING CARGO CONDITION BEFORE LOADINGBeing aware that damage to cargo before loading results in one in ten major claims.
Taking care to establish the cargo's "apparent order and condition" - protecting lives as well as dollars.
Responsibilities of the ship's officers for spotting
obvious defects like mouldy grain, contaminated ores and unsuitably packed cargoes such as chemicals.
Appreciating the condition of steel varies so much that P&l Clubs have issued standard clauses for use on Bills of Lading.
Protecting the ship's interests by good record keeping.
Considering the effect one cargo can have on others, such as problems of taint, infestation or dangerous cargo.
Understanding the chemical hazards of bulk cargoes with the help of IMO publications.
Being aware of major problems from loading wet cargoes:
wet steel rusting dry steel
ore with excess moisture upsetting the ship's stability
Responsibility of the shipper to provide details of a
cargo's characteristics including any chemical hazards and both its permitted and actual moisture limits.
Checking for excess moisture using particular methods explained in the IMO Code of Safe Practice.
Realising that one in ten major cargo claims could have been prevented by spotting the cargo's poor condition before loading.
Insisting on information from the shipper and contacting the Club for advice
CARGO HANDLING AND STOWAGECargo Handling and Stowage
Being aware that defective cargo handling equipment can cause injury or death as easily as damage.
Knowing that most countries have strict rules about the condition of this equipment enforced by inspections.
Maintaining gear properly before arrivals:
keeping safe working loads clearly visible
checking all controls and safety features
lubricating moving parts
freeing wires and seizing shackle pins
safe access to control positions
alerting onshore specialists if needed to await arrival
Loading cargo after establishing its apparent good order and condition.
Responsibility of the master for the actions of
stevedores - how their different interests help explain why improper loading or poor stowage cause one in five cargo claims.
Avoiding problems with stevedores by telling them:
when to segregate cargo
to keep bags clean
not to use untreated dunnage
correct use of slings
Master's legal obligation to stop or protest any practices that threaten seaworthiness.
Loading problems caused by:
overfilled grabs
dropping high density cargoes on unprotected tank tops
fewer high tonnage pours
jump loading
-loading to a ship's mark to eliminate sag - loading in the rain
- taking short cuts
Overcoming challenges posed by the most common bulk cargoes including:
Grain - applying the IMO Grain Rules on filling and trimming holds
- sampling cargo regularly to detect sprouting, mould, infestation and dampness
Ores - preventing excess moisture from liquifying cargo
Coal -the hazards of exceeding the Transportable Moisture Limit
- stopping loading in the rain
- seeking expert advice if heating is suspected Steel - never letting cold rolled steel get wet
taking special care to remove water if loading hot rolled steel in moderate rain
avoiding the overloading of slings, landing coils too heavily, and stowing with moisture releasing cargoes
following detailed guidance on securing cargoes
Date: 2015-01-11; view: 1177
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