Watchkeeping: In Port - Cargo

Question 1

Must all ships carry a cargo securing manual?

Answer 1

All ships engaged in the carriage of cargoes other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes.

Question 2

Where would you look for further information on the carriage of cargoes other than cargo securing manuals?

Answer 2

SOLAS chapter 6 carriage of cargoes

SOLAS chapter 7 carriage of dangerous cargoes
Part A- Carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form.
Part B - Construction of equipment of goods carrying dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk (IBC code).
Part C - Construction and equipment of ships carrying liquified gases in bulk (IGC code).
Part D - Special requirements for carriage of packaged irradiated fuel, plutonium and high level radioactive waste (INF code) (2).

IMDG code and supplement for detailed information on substances such as packing, stowage and segregation.
Code of safe working practices for cargo stowage and securing.

Relevant M notices such as MGN 418 stowage and securing of vehicles on roll on roll off vessels.

Question 3

What are the key principles of the cargo stowage and securing from the ‘code of safe practice for cargo stowage and securing’?

Answer 3

Ship must be suitable to carry the intended cargo.
Ship must be equipped with proper securing means for the cargo.
Personnel undertaking the cargo securing must be properly qualified and experienced.
Personnel involved in cargo securing must have a sound knowledge of cargo securing manual.
Cargo which is improperly stowed may be hazardous to other cargo and ship.
Securing the cargo should be based on the most severe weather conditions expected.
Ship handling decisions should take account of the cargo securing arrangements (4).

Question 4

What cargo securing equipment did you use on your last vessel?

Answer 4

Lashing chains and tensioners.
Trestles.
Rubber Chocks.

Question 5

You are OOW on a containership conducting cargo watch, what are your duties?

Answer 5

Complying with the Masters standing orders.
Overseeing the discharge and loading of the cargo carried.
Ensuring the vessel stays within limits in regard to trim and list.
Taking visual draughts throughout the loading process.
Monitoring moorings against effects of tide/wind.
Maintaining efficient communications with all parties involved.
Ensuring all relevant parties are made aware of any deck work taking place.
Maintaining secure access to the ship.
Ensuring loading plan is followed as per plan in regards to IMDG.
Ensuring reefer units are performing as should be.
Ensure cargo is secured as per cargo securing manual.
Performance monitoring tank levels and gauges as appropriate and conducting ballast operations where appropriate.
Ultimately ensuring safe working practices are followed.

Question 6

You are on cargo watch and receive a report of an oil spill on deck, what action are you going to take?

Answer 6

Alert the Master/Engine room.
Plug all scuppers in the vicinity.
Muster response team.
Ensure correct PPE is worn, minimise exposure.
Use SOPEP equipment to minimise spread.
Keep a log of events.
Report to relevant parties.
MGN 231 for SOPEP information.

Question 7

You are OOW on cargo watch and you see a substance leaking from a container marked as hazardous, what are your immediate actions?

Answer 7

Immediately alert all relevant parties in the area and evacuate the area if necessary.
Plug scuppers and any openings in the vicinity.
Muster spill response team, ensure appropriate PPE is administered.
Consult the IMDG code volume 2 with UN number and extract emergency response code.
Consult IMDG code supplement for response procedures.
Follow safe procedures, minimise further risk to crew or ship.
Keep a record of events.

Question 8

Do you know the 9 classes of dangerous cargo?

Answer 8

Class 1 – EXPLOSIVES
Class 2 – GASES
Class 3 – FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Class 4 – FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
Class 5 – OXIDISING AGENTS 
Class 6 – TOXIC & INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES
Class 7 – RADIOACTIVE
Class 8 – CORROSIVE
Class 9 – MISC