What is the first step on arrival at a load port to avoid cargo disputes?
Accurate calculation of the vessel’s constant through a draft survey, and not relying on previous records.
How can a vessel ensure accurate draft survey calculations?
By using accurate and certified hydrometers to determine the exact density of the water.
What should be done if there is a shortage of cargo from the shore scale compared to the ship’s draft survey?
The draft survey quantity should be mentioned on the mate’s receipt. If a clean mate’s receipt or bill of lading is required, owners must ask charterers for a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) for the difference.
Why should a P&I club representative be arranged at the load port?
To verify the cargo quantity and hatch sealing, and to provide an opinion in case of a discrepancy between the ship’s and shore’s cargo figures.
What is the purpose of a protest letter in a multi-port discharge scenario?
The vessel should issue a protest letter stating it is only responsible for the total discharged quantity, not for individual port quantities or any over/short landing at any discharge port.
Why should U-tubes be used at load ports?
To check for accurate drafts.
What should be done to prevent errors in draft readings at discharge ports, especially in swell conditions?
Vessels should use wave dampers and record swell height in the draft survey report.
What is the master’s responsibility regarding ballast at load/discharge ports?
Ballast must be handled properly, as a discrepancy in ballast calculations can result in a cargo discrepancy.
What should the ship’s staff do to prevent cargo theft?
Be vigilant, take photographic evidence of any spillage, and issue a Letter of Protest (LOP) stating the vessel is not responsible for any short landing.
What is the first step on arrival at a load port to avoid cargo disputes?
Accurate calculation of the vessel’s constant through a draft survey, and not relying on previous records.
How can a vessel ensure accurate draft survey calculations?
By using accurate and certified hydrometers and carrying out exact draft survey calculations.
What should a vessel do if there is a shortage of cargo from the shore scale?
The draft survey quantity should be mentioned on the mates receipt. If a clean MR/Bill of Lading is to be issued, owners must ask charterers to provide a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) for the difference.
Why should P&I attendance be arranged at the load port?
To ascertain cargo quantity and hatch sealing, and to get their opinion in case of a ship/shore discrepancy.
How can a vessel safeguard owner’s interests in a multi-port discharge scenario?
By issuing a protest letter stating that the vessel is only responsible for the total discharged quantity and not for individual port quantities.
What should be used to check accurate drafts at load ports?
U tubes.
What is the recommended action during sailing to prevent cargo disputes?
Record cargo parameters, take fumigation precautions, and carry out ventilation based on parameters to avoid cargo damage.
What is the purpose of using wave dampers at anchorage discharge ports?
To avoid errors in draft surveys due to swell conditions.
What should be done to prevent over-discharging at discharge ports?
Frequent draft surveys must be carried out while discharging.
What should ship staff do to prevent cargo theft?
Be vigilant, take photographic evidence of any cargo spillage, and issue a Letter of Protest (LOP) stating the vessel is not responsible for any cargo short landing.
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Ever Questionnaire37
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Master Interview55
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Cargo Claims211
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Anchoring36
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Hydrometer Differences6
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Speed Through Water or Speed Over Ground8
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Ship Damage38
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Risk of Partially Filled Ballast Holds or Tanks of a Seagoing Bulk Carrier7
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Prevention of Disputes on Dry Bulk Cargo Quantities at Discharge Ports9
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Preparing a Ship7
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Passage Planning3
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IMSBC Code19
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Procedures8
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Charter Party9
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Cargo and Cargo Hold Ventilation13
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A Good Captain138
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Business37
