What precautions will you take when Loading Bulk cargo?

1. Inspect the hold for suitability prior loading.

2. Ensure that bilge wells, strainer plates, sounding pipes, bilge suctions etc. are tested and satisfactory.

3. Protect deck machinery against dust.

4. The accommodation air-conditioning system must be screened or put on recirculation.

5. Take sounding of bilges before and after loading.

6. While loading high density cargo the cargo should not fall directly into the empty hold as the tank top may get damaged. A few slings of cargo should be gently lowered at first.

7. With a high GM, for a given transverse shift of cargo, the list will be less for a stiff ship than for a tender ship. Because of this, the entire cargo is to be loaded in the lower hold only.

However, if the lower hold tank top gets overstressed or if the vessel tends to become too stiff then some minimum amount of cargo may be put in the t’ween deck.

8. Bulk cargoes are loaded at a high rate so deballasting, loadingsequence, trim, list, gangway, moorings etc. must all be attended to.

9. While loading discharging or transporting bulk materials, all appropriate national and international safety regulations are to be observed.

10. Certain bulk materials are liable to oxidation, emission of toxic fumes and self heating, particularly when wet. The shipper should inform the Master prior to loading on all physical properties and chemical hazards of the cargo so that oxygen and toxic gas measuring instruments may be carried.

11. Bulk material may cause oxygen depletion in a cargo space. Entry of personnel into enclosed spaces should not be permitted until adequate ventilation and testing of the atmosphere is done with appropriate instruments. Emergency entry may be undertaken only with self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.

12. Dust created by certain cargoes may constitute a health as well as an explosion hazard.

13. Sampling and test procedures should be in place to determine cargo properties.