What are the main stability precautions when loading high density bulk cargo?
High density cargo must be carefully distributed to avoid excessive stresses, should preferably be loaded in lower hold cargo spaces rather than teen decks, and must not overload deck areas while maintaining minimum acceptable stability levels.
What essential cargo space inspections are required before loading?
Before loading, cargo spaces must be inspected for
1. Proper bilge well and strainer plate condition.
2.
What are the three main
categories of trimming
requirements based on angle
of repose?
The three categories are:
1. Cargoes with angle under 30° (treated like
grain).
2. Cargoes with angle 30° to 35° (maximum
unevenness B/10, up to 1.5m).
3. Cargoes with angle over 35° (maximum
unevenness B/10, up to 2m).
What is the angle of repose
and why is it important in bulk
cargo shipping?
The angle of repose is the internal angle
between a pile of bulk material and the
horizontal surface. It’s important because it
indicates how likely a cargo is to shift during
transport - materials with lower angles are
more prone to shifting, while higher angles
indicate more stable cargoes.
How is the angle of repose
properly measured onboard?
The measurement requires:
1. Usinga horizontal vibration-free table.
2. Testing three samples.
3. Measuring four points 90° apart on each
sample.
m
4. Taking the average of the twelve
measurementS.
5. Report to the nearest half-degree.
What special requirements
apply to cargoes with an angle
of repose of under 30°?
These cargoes must:
1. Be treated according to grain cargo
provisions.
2. Have appropriate scantlings and securing arrangements.
3. Consider bulk density in stability
calculations.
4. Follow International Grain code
requirements.
Who is responsible for
declaring the angle of repose,
and what are the
implications?
The shipper is responsible for declaring the angle of repose on the cargo information form. This declaration is binding and determines how the cargo must be loaded, trimmed, and carried, regardless of what the cargo schedule specifies.
What is the significance of
B/10 in cargo trimming
requirements?
B/10 (where B is the vessel’s beam in metres) represents the maximum allowed unevenness of the cargo surface, measured as the vertical
distance between the highest and lowest levels of the cargo. If the vessel’s beam is 20m then the B/10 value would be 2m.
What is the purpose of the Individual Schedule of Cargoes in Appendix 1 of the IMSBC Code?
The Individual Schedule of Cargoes provides detailed information about specific bulk cargoes, including their properties, hazards, and handling requirements, arranged alphabetically by Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN).
What key pieces of information provided for each cargo in is schedule?
Each schedule includes:
1. Physical properties (description, size, bulk density).
2. Safety classifications (hazards, MHB status, cargo group).
3. Handling requirements (stowage, loading, discharge).
4. Emergency procedures.
5. Weather precautions.
6. Clean-up requirements.
Why do some cargo entries have longer schedules than others
More hazardous materials require longer entries due to their complex safety requirements. For example, coal has an eleven- page entry because it’s classified as both Group A and B, requiring extensive safety measures and handling procedures.
What should vessels crew do before handling any bulk cargo?
Before loading, transporting, or discharging solid bulk cargo, crews must:
1. Consult the relevant schedule in Appendix 1
2. Review all safety requirements and
precautions.
3. Verify the cargo’s classification and
properties.
4. Ensure compliance with all listed handling procedures.
How is coal classified under the IMSBC Code and why?
Coal is classified by default as both Group A and B cargo, meaning it can liquefy (GroupA) and possesses chemical hazards (Group B). It can be classified as Group B only if proven by
competent authority testing or if it meets specific particle size criteria.
What are the main hazards associated with coal cargo?
Coal presents multiple hazards:
1. Liquefaction risk if moisture content
exceeds TML.
2. Self-heating potential leading to
combustion.
3. Methane gas emission creating explosion risks.
4. Corrosion through sulfuric acid formation.
5. Oxygen depletion in cargo spaces.
What are the key requirements for moisture control in coal cargoes?
Moisture control requirements include:
1. TML certificate valid within six months of loading
2. Moisture Content certificate issued within seven days of loading.
3. No loading during rain or other
precipitation.
4. Can test if moisture content is suspected to be excessive.
What ventilation procedures should be followed for coal cargoes?
Surface ventilation should be conducted for the first 24 hours after departure, with gas monitoring during this period. After 24 hours, ventilation should be stopped unless methane
levels exceed 20% of LEL, as unnecessary ventilation may trigger self-heating.
What monitoring is required during coal cargo carriage?
Required monitoring includes:
1. Methane gas levels.
2. Oxygen concentration.
3. Carbon monoxide levels (indicator of self-heating).
4. Temperature checks using infrared
thermometer.
5. pH levels of bilge water to detect acid
formation.
What immediate actions should be taken if coal self-heating is detected?
Key actions include:
1. Close all ventilation to the affected hold.
2. Alert coastal authorities.
3. Prepare firefighting equipment.
4. Consider CO, system activation, if fitted.
5. Monitor vessel’s stability.
6. Consider seeking a port of refuge.
What is the purpose of the BLU Code?
The Code promotes good communication between vessel and shore, encourages proper planning and monitoring of cargo operations,
and aims to ensure that bulk carriers are loaded and discharged in a manner that maintains the vessel’s structural integrity and stability at all times.
What key information must the vessel provide to the terminal?
- Vessel identification (name, call sign, IMO number).
- Loading plan with cargo quantities and stowage details.
- Arrival and departure drafts.
- Vessel’s dimensions and technical
specifications. - De-ballasting requirements.
- Cargo handling gear details.
What critical information must the terminal provide to the vessel?
- Berth details and estimated berthing times.
- Loading/unloading equipment
characteristics. - Water depth, density and air draft.
- Loading sequence restictions.
- Any cargo hazards.
- Mooring requirements.
Why is the ship/ shore safety checklist important?
The checklist helps prevent misunderstandings between the vessel and terminal personnel by ensuring both parties understand each other’s
capabilities and limitations. It serves as a tool to identify potential issues before operations begin.
What is important about the loading/ unloading plan requirement?
The loading/ unloading plan must be created and agreed upon by both vessel and terminal BEFORE operations begin.
What is the scope of the international grain code and what products does it cover?
The Code applies to all vessels carrying grain in bulk regardless of size, including vessels under 500 gross tonnage. It covers wheat, maize, oats, rye, barley, rice, pulses, seeds and their processed forms that behave similarly to natural grain.
