- Obtaining a loading/discharge sequence prior to the cargo operation. If the provided sequence plan raises any stability or hull stress concerns which cannot be compensated by the use of ballast, this should be brought to the attention of the terminal immediately for rectification.
- Ensuring all ballast tank level measuring gauges are working and provide reliable soundings. For manual sounding, suitable sounding intervals and reporting should be agreed. If operating in Arctic areas, ensuring the sounding pipes and tank level gauges are not affected by the extreme cold weather.
- Maintaining and updating ballast water management records as required.
- Considering nearby vessels. This is important for bunkering purposes so the de-ballasting does not cause damage or impact its safety.
- Considering the locations of shore installations to ensure de-ballasting operations do not cause damage, particularly to electrical items.
- Taking care when ballasting in shallow waters as it can cause ballast pump strainers to choke and sediment deposits to gather inside tanks.
MONITORING
The ballast operation should be monitored throughout by a duly qualified deck officer, with the deck crew using a reliable means of communications. It should be verified that the ballast water is flowing as intended and the designated tanks are filled/emptied at the expected rate. If there is any doubt, the ballast operation should be stopped until the root cause is identified and rectified. To avoid potential fines, ballast tanks should not be allowed to overflow through airpipes. If manual soundings
Beware what is alongside before de-ballasting
are conducted, these should be carried out at agreed intervals and be reported to the officer in charge of the ballast operation.
During de-ballasting, frequent ‘over the side’ visual observations of the discharged ballast water should be carried out to determine if there are any signs of contamination. If it does, the ballast operation should be stopped immediately and the root cause investigated.
Furthermore, the officer in charge of the ballast operation should be familiar with all fitted alarms and react promptly if they are activated. They should also be aware of any alarm not being activated as expected. Some vessels may be installed with a gas
sampling system in its ballast tanks. This system is to provide an alarm should any cargo accidentally run into an adjacent ballast tank e.g., due to corrosion, and cause a potential dangerous atmosphere to develop within the ballast tank. While this system may provide a warning about ballast water contamination then it cannot solely be relied on for this purpose. Depending on the model it may be required to be disconnected when a ballast tank is full. Also, sufficient headspace within the ballast tank will be required for a dangerous atmosphere to develop and for the system to provide a warning of this.
Therefore, familiarisation with the ballast system and monitoring the operation by applying good
The ballast operation should be properly
monitored at all times THE REPORT | DEC 2023 | ISSUE 106 | 77
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