Machine translation from English source
For the care of bulk cargo on board bulk carriers, masters and officers should be familiar with the relevant sections of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes.
A copy of this publication must be kept on board on all bulk carriers only and in the custody of the Master. All officers are encouraged to read and enhance their knowledge of bulk cargo operations.
ADDITIONAL STANDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BULK CARGOES
Please note that the following Chapter B - Section 4 provides additional instructions that apply to bulk carrier operations only.
Additional operating instructions for bulk carriers
BULK CARGO (maritime zone vacancies)
The IMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes provides information regarding materials carried in bulk and recommendations regarding safety, cargo distribution and cargo that may liquefy under certain conditions.
Masters are required to ensure that a copy of the latest edition of the IMDG Code is kept on board the ship.
Cargo Procedures
The purpose of this section is to serve as a reminder to shipboard personnel and ship and terminal operators to observe basic safety precautions and procedures before and during loading and unloading operations.
It is essential that the master and senior officers are familiar with the contents of the IMO International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code). The SOLAS Convention requires that information about the cargo to be loaded be provided to the master by the shipper, and the IMSBC Code provides guidance on the type of information to be expected, allowing for proper assessment of its carriage. Masters should insist that adequate information is always provided; The safety of the ship depends on this.
A detailed loading plan should always be prepared. In large bulk carriers it is necessary to make several passes, loading a portion of the cargo for each hold on each pass. The use of a loading device will allow for comprehensive calculations to be made and thus ensure that the number of passes is sufficient so as not to overload the vessel. If during loading operations difficulties or problems arise that could lead to significant deviations from the stresses provided for in the plan, then the loading of cargo must be suspended.
When unloading cargo, especially if impact methods are used to dislodge the residue, there is a possibility of damage to the vessel's structure. Even minor distortions or cracks, when repeated in many places in several holds, will have a cumulative effect on the overall strength of the ship. Craftsmen must be alert to the risk of potential harm from such practices and must intervene if necessary.
The Master must ensure that the ship's personnel monitor the cargo operation at all times to confirm compliance with the agreed plan. This will include regular draft checks to confirm the tonnage data provided, both of which should be recorded in the cargo log. If significant deviations are detected, cargo operations must be suspended and a safe plan designed to correct the situation must be developed before operations can resume.
A written agreement must be provided by the shipper accepting responsibility for unloading the transhipped cargo unless its equipment or personnel stop loading when requested to do so.
Vessel/Shore Safety Checklist(maritime zone vacancies)
Completion Instructions: The Master and Terminal Operator must jointly complete the Shore Vessel Checklist. Safe operations require that all questions be answered in the affirmative. If an affirmative answer is not possible, the reason should be stated and appropriate precautions should be agreed between the ship and the terminal. If a question is considered not applicable, a note to that effect should be included.
Providing information about the cargo
Although overall responsibility must rest with the master of the ship, the IMDG Code requires that written information concerning the characteristics and condition of the cargo be provided to him. The responsibility for providing this information lies with the shipper under the contract.
Transportation of dangerous goods (maritime zone vacancies)
While the IMDG Code recommends the need for strict compliance when loading
bulk cargo that may shift or leak during voyage must also be carried and protected from movement either due to their chemical composition or their inherently hazardous properties. For this reason, under clause 14 of the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Rules 1981, it is unlawful to load such goods in bulk and it is the responsibility of the owner, his servant or agents to ascertain whether the particular goods in bulk can be safely carried. Recommendations that should be strictly followed are contained in the section “carriage of dangerous goods on ships”.
Responsibilities of the master
It is the responsibility of the craftsmen before loading any cargo to ensure that:
Stability and stress for the ship's intended loaded condition are based on information contained in the ships' stated stability book and "limits" throughout the voyage.
will be in
Holds are clean and empty, string boxes are clean and pumps and holds are checked. That the shipper provides adequate information about the cargo, handling, packing and hazards associated with the cargo.
Precautions when entering cargo spaces
Some cargoes are known to absorb oxygen, particularly organic and natural ore cargoes, from the atmosphere and may release flammable, narcotic or toxic fumes. It is therefore important to find out whether the cargo behaves in this way and whether such possibilities exist. The cargo space should not be entered until it is open and properly ventilated and the procedures for entering a confined space (maritime zone vacancy) have been followed.
The recommendations given in Chapter 1, Part 3 of the Safety Management Manual should be followed.
