Bulk Carrier Safety Clause 1996
07 December 2023Terminal operators engaged in the loading and discharging of high density solid bulk cargoes are not always aware of the increased stress, torsional, bending and shear forces to which a vessel may be subjected during these operations, Very often speed of loading or discharging is the only consideration and thus this may result in a wrong distribution of cargo, which may damage the vessel. The loading or discharging plan prepared by the ship's officers takes into account the various factors which may cause undue stress and should be adhered to. However, supervision by the ship's officers is often difficult and, even with almost instant communication, the high loading speeds can cause overloading and thus damage in a very short time. It is therefore important that the Charterers instruct Terminal Operators to closely follow the loading or discharging plans and IMO has recently issued a Ship/Shore Safety Checklist to ensure that there is proper co-operation between Terminal Operators and Vessel's Command during cargo operations.
