Cargo Handling Safety
1. Why cargo gear should be inspected visually before the start of cargo operation?
All cargo handling gears should be inspected before the cargo operation is commenced to ensure that all
gears are in good working condition in order to prevent any accident and/or damage to cargo, ship, and/or
injuries and loss of human lives.
2. Why SWL of equipment should never be exceeded?
Safe Working Load (SWL) is the allowable load of block, wires, ropes, derrick booms, crane jibs, hooks and
lifting beams. Therefore, the SWL of the equipment should not be exceeded, otherwise, the safety of
cargoes and the crew will be jeopardized.
3. Explain the importance of frequently checking cargo gears during cargo operation.
During cargo operation process, routine inspections on all cargo gears must be conducted for any sign of
wear and tear. If found defective, cargo operations are immediately stopped and corrective actions and
preventive maintenance must be carried out.
4. Why a mechanically or hydraulically operated hatch should be close or opened by ships
crew under the supervision of a responsible office?
When operating hydraulic hatch, opening or closing it should be done with the presence of a responsible
officer for safety purposes.
Care of Cargo During the Voyage
1. Why lashing of cargoes shall be checked and tightened everyday?
Cargo lashings should be checked and tightened everyday for security and safety purposes. When the ship
is put to sea, it is subject to external forces, which result in six modes of motion. Cargo stowed on deck is
also exposed to the forces of wind and of seas breaking on deck. If the cargo is insufficiently secured, it
may move freely and be damaged or cause damage to other cargo or to the ship’s structure and fittings
due to the motion of the ship at sea. Cargo stowed on deck with insufficient lashings may be lost at sea in
adverse weather. It may be washed overboard, causing loss to its owner, possibly damage to the marine
environment, and hazard to people when it washes up on a beach.
2. Explain the proper action to take to prevent condensation.
Condensation can occur when the ship passes from cold to warmer climates. Warmer outside air, by the
process of ventilation, will in all probability, deposit its moisture on the cooler cargo within the ship. If the
temperature of the cargo is below the dew point of the external atmosphere and air is admitted to the
holds, condensation on the cargo will surely result. As to prevent this to happen, proper ventilation is
required.
3. How proper ventilation shall be exercised when sailing from cold to hot areas and vice
versa?
Under such conditions, it would be better to keep the ventilators closed. It should be the goal of every
chief officer to arrange the ventilation of the holds in such a way that the original temperature of loading is
changed slowly as the ship passes into other climates. With this, there is little or no difference between the
temperatures inside the holds and that of the outside air, thus, preventing condensation on the ship’s
cargoes.
When the dew point of the outside air is lower than or equal to the dew point of the air in the hold,
ventilate. Otherwise, when the dew point of the outside air is greater than the dew point of the air in the
hold, do not ventilate with outside air.
4. Explain which checks shall be carried out when carrying frozen or refrigerated cargoes.
Hold preparations – Cargo space or cargo holds must be thoroughly cleaned, otherwise, heavy molds
will develop on commodities despite optimum conditions of temperature, humidity, and air motion. Fungus
growth and rotting may occur on fruits and vegetables infected by imperfectly cleaned spaces.
Pre-cooling and Proper Dunnaging – Pre-cooling of cargo spaces is universal while pre-cooling of the
cargoes is not. Holds and lockers are then cooled to carriage temperature. The cargo hold should be
inspected ashore by the ship’s officer before loading to see that it is in good condition and has been
properly pre-cooled where it is required. A sample of the cargo should be thoroughly inspected for signs of
damages. A record of inspection and temperatures should be kept and similar random inspections of the
cargo should be made during the loading. Any damaged products verified during loading should be rejected
or loaded separately.
Use of Brine in Compartment Drains – Brine trapped in compartment drain line must be heated
especially when loading frozen products in order for the excess water to run freely into the bilges.
Recording Hold Temperature – The purpose of recording the hold temperature is the basis of decision
made when to regulate the temperature inside the hold through ventilation and it is important that the
temperature is monitored constantly during the voyage.
Operation of cooling fans – Delivery air temperature must be brought down to the minimum
specification for the particular cargo within the shortest possible time. The length of reduction period is to
be calculated for each deck and the average of these values applies as the reduction period. Normal
reduction period is 36 hours.
Ventilation – It is to be maintained throughout the voyage unless such action affects the control of
delivery air temperature. When the dew point of the outside air is lower than or equal to the dew point of
the air in the hold, ventilate. Otherwise, when the dew point of the outside air is greater than the dew
point of the air in the hold, do not ventilate with outside air.
Daily cargo inspection during the voyage – During the voyage, it is most important that the cargo is
inspected at approximately the same time every day from the cooler room. Like the bananas, check the
pulp temperature and abnormal cargo conditions such as ripe smell and physical changes in the
appearance of the fruit and especially, change of color. When abnormal conditions are observed, it must be
reported to the parties concerned immediately.
