Merchant ships Cargo and Ballast operation Monitoring Cargo and ballast operation plans shall be carefully prepared and monitored on board. Such plans take the following into consideration and are verified by Superintendents during ship visits: Seasonal Load Line Zones Port restrictions Shipboard limits, e.g. Draft, Cargo capacity, Stability, Stresses, etc. Loading rates (Tankers) Responsibility The Chief Officer shall be responsible for ensuring careful preparation of Cargo and Ballast operation plans and their implementation taking all relevant factors into consideration. The Cargo and Ballast operation procedures ensure that adequate manning levels are maintained during such operation. ILO and STCW requirements for working hours and minimum rest periods shall be complied with. Cargo / Ballast Operation Plan Regardless kind of merchant ships, the Cargo Operation Plan shall be prepared, taking into account, the following factors: Cargo Information Any restrictions Ballasting / De-ballasting operations Cargo Stowage Trim and Draft of the vessel Number of tanks that may be slack at any time (if applicable) Any Bunkering and Storing operations Communication systems agreed and tested before operations Loading computer Where a class approved loading computer is fitted onboard, testing of the system using standard conditions shall be carried out at least Every Three Months to confirm accuracy of operation. If another loading computer is in use on board, regular checks shall be made to compare computed cargo & stability results against standard conditions in the Trim & Stability Booklet to confirm accuracy of operation. Any significant variance in results in comparison with standard conditions shall be reported to shore management for appropriate corrective action. Hull stress Hull stresses shall be carefully monitored during cargo and ballast operations onboard vessel. Loading computer is to be regularly updated for conditions on board. Where possible, comparison of actual and calculated draft & trim is also to be carried out in order to obtain warning of any unplanned or unobserved deviation from plan. Undue stresses on the hull shall be avoided and stresses shall be maintained within stipulated limits at all times. Training for Cargo and Ballast Operations The Master shall ensure that where practicable, Junior officers are actively involved in all phases of the preparation and execution of Cargo and Ballast operation plan with special emphasis on: Monitoring of Hull stresses including Shearing forces, Bending moments and Torsional stresses as applicable Safety operation against any hazards on cargo handling Cargo Loading / Discharging Plan Guideline for reading Bay Plan and General Stowage Plan & Verification of any Special Cargo/ Containers stowage (For Container Ships) Senior officers are encouraged to mentor their Juniors and provide them with on the Job Training in Cargo and Ballast operations. All such on the Job Training & Development shall be documented Mooring procedures Un-safe mooring or Defect on mooring systems shall cause the ship unexpected parting from the berth, which may lead Causality to Human, Ship and Shore facility. If such accidents occur on Oil Tankers, it will give rise to severe accident, including Major Oil Pollution and Fire hazard. Other Info Pages Home Our home page Container Ship Operation Basic guidance Cargo stowage and planning How to plan effctively Cargo care at sea Precautions to be taken Reefer cargo handling Troubleshoot and countermeasures DG cargo handling Procedures & Guidelines Cargo securing Check items prior departure port Safe navigation Various factors affecting ships navigation at sea Hull strength & stability Prior loading how to ensure hull strength & stability of ship stevedores injury How to prevent injury onboard Site Map Page listing for this site. Site Use and Privacy - Read our privacy policy and site use information. Contact us Copyright © 2009 Ships business.com All rights reserved.