Machine translation from English source
Whenever a ship is to be loaded with finished steel products,
The master should always contact the office regarding the appointment of a surveyor.
In order to ascertain the condition of the steel cargo at the time of loading and to protect the owner's position in the event of claims arising after unloading, particular attention should be paid to the following:
Check manhole covers and associated packaging, compression rods, etc.
Check fans, access hatches, etc. Make sure the water seal is intact.
As a routine precaution, silver nitrate testing should be performed, especially on Steel that appears rusty and/or damp, or if the inspector suspects salt water or other salty contact with the steel prior to shipment.
Note: In this regard, be aware that salt is often used in cold weather ports to prevent icing and may land on cargo. Thus, when the test is carried out at the discharge port, it may give the impression that the cargo has been contaminated at sea. Salt may also be in the air due to local industrial gases (seafarer vacancies at sea).
The surveyor shall take such photographs as are necessary to best illustrate the condition of the cargo upon loading and shall include two sets of photographs with his representative rt.
As far as possible, the master should endeavor to keep survey costs to a minimum and monitor the surveyor's progress, advising management on the general condition of the cargo by telex at the start of loading and if problems arise subsequently.
From the above remarks it will be clear that it is necessary to annotate the mate's receipt and bills of lading with notes accurately reflecting the condition of the steel. These notes should properly record the visible state of rust, the presence of any chlorides and any mechanical damage. Great care must be taken when loading, stowing and unloading this cargo. In addition to any other normal comments made upon receipt of the mat, any positive reactions to the silver nitrate test must be noted with the following terms: "chloride contamination present upon loading."
The assigned surveyor can assist the master in preparing receipts and bills of lading. However, it should be emphasized that the appointment of a land surveyor does not replace the responsibility of the master to fulfill his duties. If shippers insist on clean bills of lading, then they must present reels in good condition that are dry and free of rust (seafarer vacancies at sea).
If all of the above precautions are taken, there should be sufficient evidence to allow the shipowner to reject any claim for fresh water treatment and damage. It is much more difficult to dismiss claims of salt water damage when chlorides are not detected during loading but are observed upon discharge. However, accurate records can greatly assist the owner in determining the claim. Photographs play a vital role in supporting evidence. Technicians should take a good set of photographs of any damage to both the loading and unloading openings.
The points to mark and look for are:
Finished steel, usually transported in coils, is a common cargo. It must be handled very carefully to avoid damage. This damage often occurs during loading or unloading when the side of the spool may hit an object, causing the edge of the plate to become clogged or torn. Avoid using chains or wires when lifting reels. Only devices such as wide braided wire slings and "c" hooks should be used. Forklifts must be equipped with round toothed bars.
Before shipping and after delivery, unrolled coils may spend significant time outdoors, exposed to rain and the salty sea atmosphere, causing rust.
Sea water has a destructive effect on steel products. It is therefore very important that the master ensures that the hatch covers are absolutely watertight and that the holds are thoroughly cleaned with fresh water before loading begins.
During sea passage, cargo must be stored in the dryest possible atmosphere. Any required ventilation, mechanical or natural, should be recorded in the deck logbook or ventilation log book with air and hold temperatures and dew points. If possible, the surface temperature of the steel coils should be recorded and the load should be ventilated according to psychometric values.
The technician must ensure that this load is properly handled and secured, and also pay attention to the permissible loads on the tops of the tanks to avoid excessive stress and buckling of the plates.
steel scrap(seafarer vacancies at sea)
This cargo typically packs an average of about 50 cubic feet per long ton and consists of motor blocks, shredded metals, and sometimes very fiddly metal parts. Typically, cushion layers must first be loaded before dumping is allowed.
The danger with this type of cargo is oxidation, which consumes the oxygen inside the hold and poses an obvious danger to personnel. Cargo spaces containing this material should only be entered with the main hatches open and after adequate ventilation.
For information on the hazards of steel and iron scraps, see the IMO BC Code.
