Before loading


It is important that the master should not accept concentrates or other cargoes which may liquefy for loading without being provided with the appropriate documentation certifying that the moisture content of the cargo is less than the TML.


Prior to the commencement of loading the master should satisfy himself and confirm that:


– The cargo holds are clean and dry, and the bilges have been tested.


– The hatch covers close correctly and are weathertight.


The following should also be carried out by the shipper and the master:


– The shipper should provide the master well in advance with the appropriate information on the cargo as per requirements found in Section 4.2.2 of the IMSBC Code.


– This information should be accompanied by a declaration by the shipper (Section 4.2.3).


– The master should check, based on the information provided on the cargo declaration, whether


the cargo can be safely carried on board the vessel or whether additional information is required.


– The shipper should provide the master with a signed certificate of the TML, and a signed certificate or declaration of the MC issued by an entity recognized by the Competent Authority of the port of loading (Section 4.3.2).


– The master should check that the laboratory test undertaken ashore to determine the TML of a cargo has been conducted within six months of the date of loading the cargo3 (Section 4.5.1).


– The master should check whether the testing of the MC of the cargo that is being presented is as near as practicable to the time of loading, and not more than seven days (Section 4.5.2).


– If there has been significant rain or snow between the time of testing and loading, check tests (laboratory tests, not can tests) should be conducted to ensure that the moisture content of the cargo is still less than its TML.


It is a master’s responsibility to ensure that his/her vessel is safely loaded. If a shipper’s declaration has not been provided and has not been forthcoming, then the


master should not start loading and immediately notify the vessel’s owners.


During loading


Loading should only commence when the shipper has fulfilled the requirements outlined above and the master is satisfied with the information he has been provided with. The master should also complete the ship shore safety checklist as recommended by the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code4).


The master and owners may consider the appointment of an experienced, independent cargo surveyor in order to check the shore-side stockpile and if necessary, take samples. In most ports, the master may not be allowed to go ashore to inspect the stockpile.


During loading the master should:


– Arrange for the deck to be adequately manned so as to carry out a visual inspection of the cargo being loaded.


– Be aware of the build-up of water pools or splatter on the bulkheads – this indicates excessive moisture.


The Report • December 2020 • Issue 94 | 87


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