2.12.2.9 CARGO SAMPLING DRY BULK CARGOES
For further details please refer to
Gard News 153, Cargo sampling.
A. General
Cargo samples taken at load or discharge ports are important for
the safety of the vessel, i.e. to establish the properties of cargoes
likely to shift
identifying vessel or cargo problems before and/or during loading
and discharge, i.e. comparing shore with vessel figures and identifying any
possible deterioration of the cargo or any malfunction of the vessel’s
installations
the purpose of evidencing
– the cargo’s condition at load or discharge port
– bad or suspect outturn at the discharge port.
B. Sampling procedures
Sample taking should follow the Company’s written procedures. When taking
samples, the following points should be noted
applicable industry guidelines and/or procedures should be followed<
safety precautions should be taken, which include
– evaluation of the atmosphere in the tank or hold; please see section
2.8.5.8 Entry into enclosed spaces
– Personal Protective Equipment should be used – please see section
2.8.4.1 Safe working clothes – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– safe sampling equipment.
C. Sampling equipment
Sampling equipment
should be appropriate and be compatible with the cargo to be sampled,
and
only thoroughly cleaned equipment should be used.
D. Sufficient number and amounts
Representative samples and sufficient sample amounts need to be taken a number of samples taken at regular intervals and at different places
within the cargo spaces or continually during loading/discharging liquid cargoes
more than one set of tests may be required.
E. Labelling and sealing
Samples
must be properly labelled and sealed in the presence of the other
interested parties
to be tested or retained, must be taken by ship’s personnel
or their representatives in the presence of the other interested parties.
F. Retention of samples
Retention and storage of samples careful consideration should be given to which samples should be retained
and for how long
samples retained must be stored in a safe place where they cannot
be tampered with
samples taken must be stored in a dark, well ventilated place away
from heat and other sources likely to interfere with the sample.
G. Sample logs – protests – no tampering
A sample log should be kept recording which samples are stored where for the
purposes of identifying samples at a later stage for testing or for safe disposal.
Written protests should be lodged when the other interested parties refuse
to attend joint sampling, labelling and sealing.
A surveyor or analyst should be engaged when in doubt.
Samples should never be tampered with to prevent jeopardising the reliability
of the sample and allegations of fraud.
Safety and environmental aspects should be fully considered when disposing
of samples.
If the Master is in doubt or difficulties arise during joint sampling operations
between the vessel and the other party, the Master should request assistance
from the local P&I correspondent.
For sampling bulk liquid cargoes, please see section 2.12.2.2.E Cargo samples.