If open sampling is carried out on a cargo that is inerted or has a nitrogen blanket, the atmosphere in the tank may be displaced with the normal atmospheric conditions putting the crew drawing samples at risk of asphyxiation. If open sampling is used for corrosive cargoes, they may cause harm to the crew, damage the vessel or the environment. Toxic cargoes carry health risks to crew if open sampling is carried out.


Manifold sampling can be considered restricted sampling as there is a small quantity of cargo and vapour exposed to the atmosphere.


It is worth mentioning that not all portable sampling equipment that uses dedicated sampling/ullage points are considered closed samplers, some are restricted samplers. The correct type of sampling method should always be undertaken.


Depending on the cargo, incorrect sampling method could result in the cargo becoming off-spec, pose health risks to the crew drawing the samples, or cause damage to the vessel or the environment.


SAFETY CONCERNS


The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the cargo must be supplied to the vessel prior to commencing loading. It should be supplied to the vessel as early as practicable so the crew can familiarise themselves with the safety aspects and health hazards of the cargo. Also to ensure the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is in place for safe handling of the cargo.


The level of PPE required for taking samples depends on how hazardous, corrosive or toxic the cargo is.


Example for coveralls:


- non-hazardous and hazardous cargoes require flame proof coveralls.


- corrosive and toxic cargoes require additional chemical splash suits.


- very toxic cargoes require a gas tight chemical suit.


Static accumulating cargoes should be sampling at least thirty minutes after completion of loading. This gives time for the static electricity to dissipate.


Sampling equipment must be earthed in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions properly adhered to.


Personal gas meters must be worn by crew working on deck throughout cargo operations but in particular when sampling. Gas meters must be certified and calibrated to manufacturer’s standards.


Cargo sample bottles should not be filled more than 85% of their capacity, this is to allow for the safe expansion of the cargo.


All samples drawn must be labelled, sealed, recorded and retained onboard in the designated sample locker. Labels should be written directly onto the samples or on sample labels immediately after the samples have been drawn. Furthermore, samples must be sealed with individual seal numbers. At least one full set of sealed samples must be retained on board the vessel. These act as the owner’s evidence of the condition of cargo carried onboard if there is a claim raised against the cargo.


EQUIPMENT


Do not use a bottle under 500ml in size.


The size of the sample bottles should be 500 ml to 1000 ml. Always use the correct sample bottle required for the nominated cargo. The sample bottle material depends on the cargo being sampled. Generally speaking, for crude oils and fuel oils use metal or plastic sample bottles and product cargoes or chemical cargoes are suited to glass bottles.


LABELLING, SEALING AND RECORDING


76 | ISSUE 113 | SEP 2025 | THE REPORT


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