2.12.2.6 CONCENTRATES
A. Concentrates are dangerous
Concentrates are particularly dangerous if loaded wet or if there is water ingress
into the holds. Water ingress causes the cargo to shift which could lead to
the vessel losing her stability and capsizing. Such cargoes should only be accepted
for loading when the actual moisture content of the cargo is less than its transportable
moisture limit (TML).
B. Precautions prior to loading concentrates
Prior to loading concentrates which may shift or liquefy, the Master should
take the following precautions
carrying out a visual examination to assess the extent and duration
of exposure to moisture during storage
obtaining and keeping properly labelled and sealed samples for possible testing
later.
Prior to the vessel’s arrival at the loading port, the Master should request
from the shipper the following details about the cargo
flow moisture point (FMP)
TML
moisture content
angle of repose
any chemical hazards and details which may require additional safety
precautions.
If such information is not forthcoming in documented form, the Master should
refuse to load the cargo and seek assistance from the Company.
Further precautions to be considered by the Master prior to loading are
checking and verifying the shipper’s declarations
rejecting cargo with a moisture content above the TML
filling cargo spaces as much as practicable, within stability, stress
and deck loading constraints
using longitudinal separation to limit the shifting distance of the
cargo, the shift amount and forces involved
trimming the cargo so it is level and trimmed out to all sides of
the compartment
not stowing other cargoes containing moisture in the same compartment
not loading during rain
ensuring that tanks adjacent to the compartment are empty
maintaining an adequate and approximate metacentric height to prevent
excessive rolling
ensuring that bilges and wells are clean, empty and covered with burlap
obtaining weather routing information to avoid areas of adverse weather
conditions during the passage.
The Master is also advised to consult the relevant authorities in the ports
of loading and discharge and the flag State administration to ascertain whether
any stricter safety regulations apply than those internationally accepted.