See also under “Watchkeeping in Port”
At least one Officer must be on deck when cargo is being worked. The Duty Officer when taking over deck watch must familiarise himself with the agreed cargo plan and ensure that it is complied with. Should any doubts arise he should communicate with the agent or local manager, his deputy or representative of stevedores.
The Duty Officer has a particular responsibility to ensure that he carries out an efficient cargo watch. In order to do so he must remain on deck, unless his presence is urgently required elsewhere, during the period of his watch that cargo is being worked. No paperwork should be done on the bridge except that relating to cargo operations.
He should ensure that regulations of the port. required.
He is properly dressed in a safe manner complying with the Hard hats and high visibility clothing must be worn where Particular attention should be given to:
(a) The loading or discharging of refrigerated cargo/reefer containers.
(b) The opening and closing of hatches should be anticipated and the Duty Officer must ensure that the crew are standing by to carry out the operation in order to minimise any delay to cargo operations. It is imperative that prior to operating hydraulic or chain hatch cover closing mechanisms, a thorough visual check is made obstructions exist between cover and coaming.
Crewing recommends to ensure no
(c) The securing of both containerised, loose stowed and palletised cargo.
(d) The loading, discharging and stowage of expensive cargoes.
(e) The use of ship’s cranes, derricks, fork lift trucks, container slings and frames. Any defect should be reported and the gear taken out of use immediately.
(f) The rigging of hatch safety lines where appropriate.
(g) No unauthorised personnel to be allowed on main deck or hatches during cargo operations. Personnel should be encouraged to use the offshore side of the main deck.
(h) To see that the cargo gear is at all times kept in good working order and is not abused by careless working. Should any defect be observed the use of the respective gear should be stopped immediately and the Chief Officer notified at once.
(i) Ensuring that the cargo is handled in an efficient and safe manner so that:
(i) No damage is done to cargo or vessel or its equipment.
(ii) Quickest possible loading/discharging achieved.
(j) Keeping careful records of cargo loaded and stowage of same.
(k) Making frequent draft checks and cargo loaded calculations which shall be compared with the shore figure.Any significant differences should be immediately brought to the attention of the Chief Officer. Shore figures should be treated with caution.These checks are particularly important when the vessel nears completion of loading. On no account shall the ship be loaded beyond its marks or agreed draft.
