Session 4: Bulk Carrier

Question 1

What publications are required for bulk carriers?

Answer 1

-IMSBC(International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code):
The primary aim of the IMSBC Code is to promote the safe stowage and shipment of bulk cargoes by:
-providing information on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain bulk cargoes
-Give instructions on procedures to be adopted

-BLU code: Bulk Loading and Unloading Code; Main objective prevent accidents and incidents during the loading and unloading.

-BLU manual: The BLU Manual complements the BLU Code by providing additional guidance and detailed procedures for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers for terminal representatives.

-IGC code(international code for the safe carriage of grain in bulk): The IGC Code provides rules to ensure the safe transport of grain in bulk by ships.

Question 2

What are some hazards related to bulk carriers if cargo not handled or transported properly?

Answer 2

1. Cargo Shifting: Improper loading or stowage can lead to cargo shifting during the voyage, which may cause the vessel to list or capsize, endangering the ship and crew.
2. Cargo Liquefaction: Some bulk cargoes, such as certain types of mineral ores, can liquefy if they contain excess moisture. This can lead to instability and potential capsizing of the vessel.
3. Toxicity: Bulk cargoes, especially chemicals and some minerals, can be toxic if there is exposure or contamination. Crew members need to take precautions when handling such cargoes.
4. Fire and Explosion Risks: Certain bulk cargoes, like coal, can generate flammable gases when exposed to air, increasing the risk of fires or explosions on board.
5. Cargo Contamination: Contamination of bulk cargo with foreign substances, such as oil or chemicals, can lead to environmental issues and damage to the cargo.

Question 3

What is liquefaction?

Answer 3

Liquefaction is a phenomenon that can occur with certain types of solid bulk cargoes, typically mineral ores like iron ore fines and nickel ore, when they contain excess moisture. Liquefaction can lead to cargo shifting and a loss of stability, posing a significant risk to bulk carriers.

Question 4

What are two causes of liquefaction?

Answer 4

1. Excess Moisture: The primary cause of liquefaction is the presence of excess moisture within the cargo. This moisture reduces the friction between individual particles of the cargo, causing it to behave like a liquid rather than a solid.

-Shipper will provide you a certificate stating moisture content and transportable moisture limit(TML)
-When the moisture content exceeds TML due to loading during rain or water ingress during in transit, then ship’s movement and vibration will lead the cargo to reach Flow Moisture Point(FMP)
-At FMP, the cargo will behave as a liquid
-this will cause the ship to have a negative GM or angle of Lol(upside down)

2. Vibration and Agitation: During the voyage, the motion and vibration of the ship can further compact the cargo and squeeze out water, leading to liquefaction.

Question 5

How would you as the OOW prevent liquefaction of your cargo?

Answer 5

1. Check moisture content before and during loading
   
   2. Send samples to the shore to get lab test results
   3. Stop loading during rain
   4. Cargo holds must be watertight

Question 6

to who SOLAS chapter 12 apply to?

Answer 6

Additional safety measures for bulk carriers ( Generally applies to vessels over 150 m in length)

Regulations on:

-Restrictions on bulk carriers carrying high density cargo of 1780 kg/m3

• Water ingress alarm(device on a ship designed to detect and alert the crew to the presence of water entering the vessel.)

Question 7

Bulk Cargoes are categorized into how many groups in the IMSBC Code?

Answer 7

1. Group A - Cargoes That May Liquefy:
   
   • Group A1: Cargoes that are known to liquefy, such as certain mineral ores like iron ore fines and nickel ore.
   • Group A2: Cargoes containing a certain amount of moisture and possessing similar properties to those in Group A1.
2. Group B - Cargoes That Possess a Chemical Hazard:
   
   • Group B: Cargoes that present a chemical hazard during transportation, such as certain fertilizers and ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers.
3. Group C - Cargoes That Are Neither Liquefiable nor Possessing Chemical Hazards:
   
   • Group C: Cargoes that do not liquefy and do not possess chemical hazards. These are considered the safest bulk cargoes for transportation and include various dry bulk commodities like grain, coal, and iron ore.

Question 8

what information to be included on a cargo damage report?

Answer 8

1. Date and time
   
   2. Ship’s position
   3. Location of the cargo
   4. Nature of damage
   5. Quantity of the damage cargo
   6. Weather report
   7. Statement of facts
   8. Evidences and samples
2. Cargo loading rate

Question 9

List me 5 physical check on a bulk carrier prior to cargo operations with reference to BLU code.

Answer 9

1. Hatch Covers and Seals: Ensure they are in good condition to prevent ingress of water into the cargo holds during the voyage.
2. Hatch Coamings: Check for structural integrity, ensuring they are free from damage and corrosion that could compromise their strength.
3. Ventilation Systems: Ensure they are clear and operational to prevent the build-up of hazardous gas concentrations in the holds.
4. Bilge Wells: Confirm they are clean, empty, and functional, with bilge alarms tested and operational.
5. Bulkheads and Frames: Check for structural damage or deformities, especially if the ship has carried heavy cargo previously.
6. Hold Cleanliness: Ensure the cargo holds are clean, dry, and free of previous cargo residues, ensuring no contamination risk to the new cargo.