Section 6 Flashcards
Classification of bulk carriers
IMSBC code contains
IMSBC, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, provides safe stowage and shipment of dry bulk cargoes. There’s 13 sections and 4 appendices,
Sections 1 to 12, provides some general info including the definitions, general precautions to be taken during carriage of solid bulk cargoes and the methods for various tests and procedures.
Section 13, a table is provided giving references to related info and recommendations.
What are Group A, B & C bulk cargoes?
Group A - cargoes which may liquefy if it;s moisture is in excess of the transportable moisture limit.
Group B - cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on the ship.
Group C - cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy (or possess chemical hazards.
Short notes on TML, FMP & Angle of repose
TML, Transportable Moisture Limit, is calculated as 90% of the flow moisture limit.
FMP, Flow Moisture Point, is the moisture content at which a flow state develops.
Angle of Repose, the angle between the plane of the tank top and the gradient of the product loaded.
- Angle of repose 30 or less, unstable.
- Angle of repose 30 to 25, needs trimming.
- Angle of repose greater than 35 - stable: less trimming.
What is notice of intention (M.O. 34)(Section 4.2 - IMSBC Code)
At least 48 hours before starting to load onto a vessel at a port in Australia, the shipper must give to a inspector a signed notice with the following info:
- name and IMO No. of vessel
- port and berth of loading
- cargo info prescribed in section 4.2 of the IMSBC code.
What are material hazardous classes? (MHB)
Cargoes which possess certain chemical hazards when transported in bulk, but do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the IMDG classes. They present significant risks when carried in bulk and require special precautions.
What are the precautions to take when loading high density cargo?
To ensure that cargo weight is evenly distributed during loading so that the tank top is not over-stowed.
Precautions when use of pesticides. (Guidance when fumigation)
Fumigation should always be carried out in port and shall not leave port until a gas-free certification has been received from the fumigator-in-charge.
- Prior to fumigation all crew should be ashore until the vessel is gas-free.
BLU code and manual
BLU code, The Code of Practice for Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, a code with 6 sections that sets out procedures and practices to be followed loading and unloading on board and ashore.
BLU manual, The Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives, which provides a more detailed guidance for personnel ashore at the terminal.
What are the ship-shore info exchanges before & after loading or discharge?
- Depth of water and air draft at berth adequate for operations.
- Mooring arrangements adequate for the weather and current being experienced when alongside.
- In an emergency, would the vessel be able to leave the berth on time.
- Safe access between wharf and ship
- Communication agreements
- Liaising personnel identified
- Adequate crew onboard for emergency
- Bunkering operations agreement
- Any repairs
- Reporting and recording damage
- Port and Terminal Regulation
- Information on the properties of the cargo
- Atmosphere safe to enter enclosed space
- Are there any limitations for the loader/ unloader
- Cargo loading plan accounted for ballast
- Cargo holds being worked on being identified
- Trimming of cargo
- Suspend ops for ballasting
- Removing cargo residue procedures
- Procedure to adjust the final trim
- Time required to compete ops
How will you prepare a cargo loading plan? (M.O. 34)
I will consult the following documents when preparing a cargo loading plan:
1. Parts A and B of Chapter VI of SOLAS;
2. If the cargo is dangerous, goods are in solid form in bulk — regulation 7-3 of Chapter VII of SOLAS;
3. The IMSBC Code;
4. The BLU Code;
This order includes any additional requirements in Schedule 1 for cargo of its kind.
- Communicate with the terminal to confirm the loading sequence.
- Make sure the loads are within stress limits.
- Prior to loading, complete the 21-point checklist with the terminal representative.
- Establish a clear ‘let go’ procedure in case of emergency.
- Plan for ballast, if needed.
What are the stress & stability concerns when loading cargo?
- The stillwater, shear, and bending forces are working permissible limits.
- When block loading is adopted, 2 successive holds are within the allowable sea going limits for the draft.
- The load limit for the tank top not exceeded.
What is an enhanced survey program on bulk carriers.
A guideline for shipping companies to prepare their vessels for a special survey to maintain the safety of the vessel at sea or in port.
D1 & D2 standards (BWM)
D1: Requires the ships to exchange ballast water in open seas, away from coastal areas. Few organisms survive.
D2: Specifies the max. amt. of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, including specified indicator microbes harmful to human health. Usually involvement installing ballast water management system.
What is dynamic separation?
- Happens during the voyage when the cargo moisture migrates to the surface.
- FSE is increased within the hold.
- The sloshing moment will deposit the loose cargo unevenly.
- Over time the loose cargo is collected on 1 side.
- As the list increases, the FSE increases and thus capsizing the vessel.
