Carriage Of Bulk Cargo

Question 1

What certs are required for accepting a Coal Cargo onboard?

Answer 1

Shipper:
Dangerous Goods Declaration.
MSDS.
Shippers Deceleration (Includes Includes Approved Lab Cert re Type A Cargoes TML and MC)

Ship Owner:
DoC for the carriage of Dangerous Goods- (shows where it can be stowed)
Statement of Compliance for the Carriage of Cargo in Bulk.

Question 2

What must the master ensure before loading a Type A bulk cargo?

Answer 2

“Only accept for loading when the Moisture Content is less than the TML”

This test is carried out by the competent authority in the load port.

Question 3

What info is contained in the Cargo Declaration?

Answer 3

BCSN
Group of cargo: A, B or C (or A+B)
General Description of the Cargo (Similar to BoL)
Shipper and Consignee name.
Specifications of the cargo, inlcuding;
Stowage Factor
Trimming procedure
Angle of repose
Self heating properties
Harmful, or Not? to the Marine Environment (Relates to MARPOL Anx 5)

Question 4

How and when is the Moisture Content and TML tested for?

Answer 4

For group A or A+B cargos only.
Test by competent authority at load port.

6 months before loading TML is determined.

Moisture content test 7 days before loading. If it rains subsequent to that further testing is required.

Always ensure moisture content is below TML.

Question 5

What is MC, FMP and TML

Answer 5

Moisture content: is the portion of water expressed as the total wet mass of a sample.

Flow moisture point: Is the moisture content at which a flow state develops

Transportable moisture limit: is calculated as 90% of the FMP

Question 6

Hazards of carrying coal?

Answer 6

Flammable Atmosphere 
Liquefaction 
Asphyxiation 
Self heating
Corrosion

Question 7

What should you receive before loading coal?

Answer 7

Shippers Declaration
Certificate of MC and TML
Properties of of the cargo ie if liable to self heat or emit methane.

Question 8

What to do if shipper declares the coal is liable to emit methane?

Answer 8

Surface Ventilate for first 24 hrs.
Monitor methane levels, in adjacent spaces.
Methane lighter than air gathers at top of hold.
Caution of sparks when opening hold. May ignite the methane.
Do not enter holds without testing atmosphere. May enter in an emergency but only with SCBA.

Question 9

What indicates self heating in the hold?

Answer 9

Steady rise in Carbon Monoxide.

Question 10

What instrument must a ship carrying coal carry?

Answer 10

An instrument for measuring methane, oxygen and carbon monoxide gas.

Question 11

Precautions for carrying self heating coal?

Answer 11

Monitor Temperature before and during loading.
Close hatches immediately after loading and seal with tape.
Monitor carbon monoxide levels on passage.
Do not load of temp over 55’C
If on fire on passage boundary cool only. - note protest proceed to port of refuge. Contact P&I, Flag and Company

Question 12

Can all ships load coal?

Answer 12

Yes. Provided you have a Document if compliance for the carriage if cargos in Bulk. And it’s listed in the attached appendix.

Question 13

As Master you are presented with a Cargo that is not listed in the IMSBC what actions would you take?

Answer 13

I would ensure the shipper has presented the Competent Authority at the Port of Loading with a list of Characteristics and Properties of the Cargo.

Based on this the Authority will asses acceptability of the cargo for shipment.

If the cargo is Type A or B. Advice will also be sought from the Discharge Port and Flag on carriage of the cargo.

If the Cargo contains no Hazard. The carriage shall be authorised and Flag and Discharge port informed.

In any case; The competent authority will provide the master a Certificate stating the Characteristics of the Cargo, Handling and Carriage guidance.