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  6. 2.12.3 Liquid bulk cargoes
  7. 2.12.3.2 Preparations prior to loading
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2.12.3.2 Preparations prior to loading

Gard Guidance Masters

2.12.3.2 PREPARATIONS PRIOR TO LOADING

A. General
Due to the increased risks inherent in the carriage of liquid cargoes, the Master and crew must be aware of any regulatory and/or particular requirements in the charterparty regarding the carriage of the cargo to be loaded.

Prior to tendering notice of readiness and commencement of loading, the tanks should generally be clean, free from odour and any residues of previous cargoes carried and in all respects suitable for the next cargo to be loaded. For detailed guidance on the best cleaning methods, the Master and his/her officers should refer to
  • the Company’s standing instructions
  • the standard industry guidelines
  • the tank coating manufacturer’s specifications and instructions
  • the shippers’/charterers’ instructions.

    If loading or discharge operations involve ship to ship transfer at sea, it is strongly recommended that the same be carried out in accordance with the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (OCIMF/ICS) or similar guidelines.

    If the Master is requested by the shipper/charterer to carry out on board blending or commingling of cargoes, it is very important that approval to do so is sought from the shipowners before the commencement of any such operations.

    B. Edible oils
    When involved in the carriage of edible oils it is important to comply with applicable regulations laid down under national law, European Union or industry standards such as the requirements stipulated by The Federation of Oils, Seed and Fats Associations (FOSFA), The National Institute of Oilseeds Products (NIOP) or similar trading organisations.

    Previous cargoes must be carefully checked against the List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes and the List of Banned Immediate Previous Cargoes. Leaded petroleum or other leaded products shall not be carried as the three previous cargoes! When considering what the last immediate cargo was it should be noted that under FOSFA it is a requirement that the percentage of the last previous cargo in the tank to be loaded was not less then 60 per cent by volume of the tank.

    Depending on the type of vessel the following items should among others be considered when planning a voyage
  • are the previous cargoes acceptable
  • health hazards/personal protection needed
  • inert gas requirements
  • cargo compatibility
  • tank coating suitability
  • heating/cooling requirements
  • special cargo handling requirements under SOLAS/MARPOL/IBC/IGC/BCH
  • trim and draft restrictions at both load and discharge ports.

    The Master is responsible for properly and carefully loading, handling, stowing, carrying, keeping, caring for and discharging the cargo. He/she, together with the Chief Officer must carefully study the cargo orders received and ensure that the cargo care procedures do not depart from the latter or content of those instructions. If there is any doubt as to whether the proposed loading meets the requirements of the cargo orders, clarification must be requested.