Grain cargo loading without DOA
The following are the Stability requirements for a ship loading grain without a Document of Authorisation (DOA) :
It must be understood that ships without a DoA are most likely those not having a Grain Loading Booklet and heeling moment information. Hence it is difficult to find out the healing moments for such a ship. In such cases, the regulations take a safe course, as mentioned below:
1. The weight of grain loaded cannot exceed 1/3rd of the deadweight.
(This rule does not apply to ships built before 25 May 1980 which can load grain without limitation on the weight but must comply with the other requirements).
2. All grain surfaces in filled compartments must be restrained by a centreline division extending for the full length of the compartment from the underside of the deck or hatch covers to a depth below the deck line equal to or 24 m whichever is greater. Alternatively saucering or bundling be used, except for linseed.
3. All free grain surfaces in partly filled compartments must be trimmed, leveled and secured by overstowing, strapping or lashing or by wire mesh.
4. All hatch covers to tween decks must be in place and battened. This is to prevent the grain flowing into the lower hold and forming a large void at the top because two small void spaces in the tween deck and lower hold produce less heeling moments than one void space in the tween deck.
5. The GM, throughout the voyage should not be less than 0.3 or that obtained by the following formula:
6. The Master should demonstrate that the ship complies with these requirements prior to loading.
Ref: Cargo work & Maintenance by Capt Errol Fernandes
