Preparing a Ship

Question 1

What must the master ensure before loading bulk cargoes?

Answer 1

The Master must ensure he has as much information as possible about the nominated cargoes, including dangers, precautions, and ventilation/instrumentation requirements. If in doubt, he should contact the Management Office for advice.

Question 2

What should be considered when declaring the amount of cargo a vessel can load?

Answer 2

Due attention must be paid to limitations and draft restrictions at discharge ports, bunkers to be taken, and trim required for adequate maneuverability during the voyage.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a Pre-Loading Meeting with the Shore facility?

Answer 3

To discuss the Chief Officer’s Cargo/Ballast Load Plan, communications, and any relevant Port Regulations.

Question 4

What must be carefully regarded during loading operations?

Answer 4

The ship’s stability, bending moments, and shear force limitations.

Question 5

What is the risk of carrying bulk cargoes like coal, sulphur, and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) near heated surfaces?

Answer 5

These cargoes can spontaneously undergo a chemical reaction and ignite or catch fire when in contact with heated surfaces from fuel oil tanks.

Question 6

What happened in the example of the soya bean meal cargo?

Answer 6

Soya bean meal in contact with an overheated double bottom fuel oil tank was charred and turned into a hard layer, resulting in cargo damage and a heavy claim.

Question 7

What is the responsibility of crew members when transporting such cargoes?

Answer 7

Besides controlling the heating of fuel oil tanks, the recommendations of the IMSBC Code should be strictly followed.