CHECKING CARGO CONDITION BEFORE LOADING

Being 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: 1357