| Why should the pH of the bilge water be measured? | the sulphur content of coal can cause corrosion of tank top plating, bilge well structure, and bilge piping.
if high readings are obtained, the bilge system should be rinsed. |
| Identify the hazards associated with coal cargoes | 1. may emit methane, creating a flammable atmosphere in the hold
2. may heat spontaneously = production of toxic gases
3. may liquefy
4. may react with water and produce acidic solutions
5. may oxidize = increase of CO and CO2 in hold
6. soft coal can stick to structures leaving oily residue after unloading |
| What is the importance of monitoring the temperature of the holds associated with carriage of coal cargoes? Why shouldn't you load when there is precipitation for Group A coals? | 1. coal should not be loaded if its temperature is above 55°C
-already undergoing self-heating at this temperature = methane production
2. precipitation may cause coal cargo to liquefy |
| When should ventilation of coal occur? | -ventilation should occur to reduce the methane content of the in-hold atmosphere and minimize the explosion risk (if methane level > 20% of LEL)
-if coal is self heating, cargo space should close and ventilation should cease to reduce oxygen flow |
| What measures should be taken before the loading of concentrate cargoes? | 1. should not accept cargoes that can liquefy without documentation certifying that the moisture content of the cargo is less than the TML.
2. cargo holds are clean and dry, and the bilges have been tested
3. hatch covers close correctly and are weathertight |
| Definitions of:
1. angle of repose
2. cargoes which may liquefy
3. flow moisture point | 1. Angle of repose : means the maximum slope angle of non-cohesive (i.e. free-flowing) granular material.
2. Cargoes which may liquefy: cargoes which contain a certain proportion of fine particles and a certain amount of moisture. They may liquefy if shipped with a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit.
3. Flow moisture point: percentage moisture content (wet mass basis) at which a flow state develops under the prescribed method of test in a representative sample of the material |
| Failure of proper inspection and preparation of cargo holds prior to loading bulk cargoes could cause? | 1. contamination (ex. could cause chemical reactions)
2. water ingress
3. shortage claims
it is important to always be fully aware of the requirements of each cargo and where
it is to be laden. Ignorance or assumptions can lead to delays, losses and disputes. |
| Describe how different bulk cargoes can be separated. | 1. bulk products in the base of the hold covered by a large tarpaulin in the centre of the hold, and four smaller strips of tarpaulin which cover the sides; these tarpaulins overlap by at least two metres in order to allow for additional protection. The strips can also be glued to the sides.
2. bags are then loaded into the centre of the hold containing different bulk cargo (there can be as many as 5 tiers of bags on top) |
| Some bulk cargoes may deplete the oxygen content of holds or produce toxic gases, what are some precautions to be taken before entry of holds? | oxygen depletion caused by factors such as self-heating of the cargo, oxidation of metal and ores or decomposition of vegetable oils, animal fats, grain and other organic material or their residues.
1. ventilation
2. the crew is aware of dangers and has sufficient protective equipment (SCBA) to enter spaces |
| What is the intent of the IMO International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMBSC)? | facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by:
1. providing information on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types of solid bulk cargoes; and
2. instructions on the procedures to be adopted when the shipment of solid bulk cargoes is contemplated. |
| Identify the content of the IMSBC Code. (sections 1-7) | 1. Introduction (identifies hazards, potential structural damage, loss of stability, and chemical reactions)
2. Section 1 (key definitions and references to SOLAS)
3. Section 2 (general precautions for over stressing, stability, unloading/loading, and distribution)
4. Section 3 (safety of the personnel of the ship)
5. Section 4 (provides an assessment of acceptability for safe shipment)
6. Section 5 (trimming procedure)
7. Section 6 (method of determining the angle of repose)
8. Section 7 (cargoes that may liquefy) |
| Identify the content of the IMSBC Code. (sections 8-13) | 1. Section 8 (test procedure for cargoes that may liquefy)
2. Section 9 (cargo possessing chemical hazards)
3. Section 10 (transport of solid bulk waste)
4. Section 11 (security of bulk cargoes in transport by sea)
5. Section 12 (stowage factor conversion tables)
6. Section 13 ( references to the IMO instruments relevant to the requirements in this Code) |
| What is the aim of the BLU code? | there should be clear and adequate communication and exchange of information when loading/unloading to prevent accidents or loss of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes |
| What are two actions to minimize the hazards associated with coal cargoes? | 1. possibility of an ignition source must be minimized by ensuring that all cables and electrical components in the holds or adjacent spaces are free of defects, are spark-free design and /or are isolated.
2. monitoring equipment must be provided; any emission of methane and any heating of the cargo can be detected |
| It is a master’s responsibility to ensure that his/her vessel is safely loaded.What should the master of a vessel ensure when loading of concentrate cargoes is taking place? | -manned deck for visual inspection of the cargo being loaded.
-awareness of of the build-up of water pools or splatter on the bulkheads - this indicates excessive moisture.
-not load during periods of rain fall.
-hatch covers of all non-working holds are kept shut.
-barges are shut during rain fall
-ensure cargo is trimmed |
| Is this an example of good or bad levelling? | good! :) |
| Is this an example of good or bad levelling? What is wrong? | bad >:(
the cargo does not reach the boundaries of the hold |
| Definitions of:
1. flow state
2. transportable moisture limit | 1. Flow state: a state occurring when a mass of granular material is saturated with liquid to an extent that, under the influence of prevailing external forces such as vibration, impaction or ships motion, it loses its internal shear strength and behaves as a liquid.
2. Transportable Moisture Limit (TML): the maximum moisture content of the cargo that can liquefy which is considered safe for carriage |
| What are the 5 usual standards for hold cleanliness? | 1. Stringent clean
- highest standard (100% intact paint coatings)
2. Grain clean
-washed down, free from insects, odour, paint flakes, etc.
3. Normal clean
-swept clean and residues from previous cargo removed
4. Shovel clean (no washing)
5. Load on top (for transport of same commodity) |
| Identify the types of pre-washing with sea water in the picture:
What should occur after sea water wash? Why? | 1. Hand held hose
2. Water gun
3. Fixed gun installation
4. Butterworth system
the hold should be rinsed with fresh water to prevent corrosion from salt residue. |
| How are holds dried? | 1. ventilation (natural or mechanical)
2. opening the hatch covers is helpful but depend on the weather conditions
3. mops and rags can be used.
4. to dry a tank top quickly use sawdust - absorbs all water and the surface will dry very quickly (good in winter) |
| How should a vessel prepare for loading? | 1. remove all previous cargo residues, loose rust and scale;
2. ensure that loose rust on under-side of hatch covers is removed;
3. wash holds with freshwater alone if required;
4. check for hairline cracks on internals and plating after the holds are cleaned;
5. ensure that holds are ventilated and dried;
6. inspect infestation, especially when grain and grain products are to be loaded;
7. hose test on hatch covers
8. bilges pumped out dry and sounding pipes closed |
| What are some loss prevention measures? | 1. ensure holds are cleaned to a minimum standard (ex. wash with freshwater after to prevent traces of chemicals)
2. precautions must be taken when dealing with chemicals during the cleaning process (ex. safe handling of chemicals and proper equipment required)
3. maintain the cargo carrying areas and equipment to a high standard (ex. inspection of bilge system)
4. monitor water ingress (ex. leaking hatch covers, condensation, bilge overflow, etc)
5. thorough inspection must be carried out on completion of the preparation |
| What are the advantages of separating bulk cargo with bags? | • less working capital tied up with each shipment
• higher frequency of smaller lots = “just-in-time” delivery
• higher flexibility in vessel planning
• no necessity to charter a full vessel
• less storage facilities needed at loading/unloading terminals |
