1.4 Cargo handling and stability

  1.4.1.1 Both during sea-transport and operations at the offshore installation, OSVs with an open stern, under certain conditions (e.g. certain weather and sea conditions, deeply laden), are troubled with incoming water on the exposed cargo deck. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially if cargoes with a tendency to float and/or with low friction coefficients are stowed on the exposed deck of the vessel. It is recommended that these vessels be provided with instructions to counter these dangers.

  1.4.1.2 The number of cargo handlers should be sufficient for safe and effective cargo operations.

  1.4.1.3 The crew of OSVs should be adequately trained.

  1.4.1.4 During deck cargo handling operations other activities on the cargo deck of the vessel should be avoided.

  1.4.1.5 "Safe havens" and escape routes for personnel from the cargo deck should be properly marked and kept clear at all times. A crash barrier, fitted along each side of the deck, could be one method of achieving a safe haven.

  1.4.2.1 A passage plan and sailing schedule should be made and taken into consideration when a loading plan is made. After departure the passage plan may only be changed by the responsible logistics co-ordinator in co-operation with the master. It is essential therefore that liaison, preferably by the logistics co-ordinator, is established between the OIM and the master prior to unloading or backloading of cargo.

  1.4.2.2 The master should be advised of expected delays to operations. Excessive stand-by times in close proximity to offshore installations should be avoided.

  1.4.3.1 The master should ensure coordination of all parties involved in the loading or discharging of cargoes or persons before transfer operations begin, to ensure that all those involved recognize their responsibilities and reach agreement on the equipment, communications and safety procedures to be used.

  1.4.3.2 Before loading, the master should be provided with details on dangerous cargoes, non-standardized cargoes and cargoes which are heavy or difficult to stow, secure, or unload.

  1.4.3.3 The master should not accept the loading of any cargo which is not safe for cargo handling, not adequately packed, not properly marked or not properly documented. The responsibility for ensuring that cargoes are properly prepared for carriage on board OSVs rests with the operator, shipper and/or owner of the items concerned.

  1.4.3.4 All cargo operations should be supervised by the officer in charge.

  1.4.3.5 Operators should ensure that as much cargo as possible is containerised to allow safer stowage and securing on deck. Where different container sizes are used, the need for safe securing should be considered when planning the stowage. For constructional requirements for containers reference should be made to the Guidelines for the Approval of Containers Handled in Open Seas (MSC/Circ.613).

  1.4.4.1 The master should ensure that the vessel has a sufficient quantity and types of lashing and securing materials for the safe operation of the vessel. The lashing and securing materials should be:

• .1 suitable for their intended purpose;

• .2 of adequate strength;

• .3 easy to use;

• .4 well maintained; and

• .5 periodically inspected,

and a record should be kept of the inspections

  1.4.5.1 Hoses used for the transfer of bulk substances should be colour-coded at the hose terminations to identify the product for which the hose is to be used. A recommended colour code is shown in appendix 2 to this Code.

  1.4.5.2 Before bulk cargo transfer operations take place the following should be established:

• .1 starting and stopping procedures;

• .2 quantities and categories of product to be transferred;

• .3 permitted pumping rate and pressure; and

• .4 emergency stopping procedures.

  1.4.5.3 During bulk cargo transfer a responsible crew member should be in attendance to monitor, direct and control the transfer operation.

 Reference should be made to the Guidelines for the design and construction of offshore supply vessels, 2006 (resolution MSC.235(82)).

  1.4.7.1 Each crew member and/or cargo handler should, during cargo operations, be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) in a high visibility colour, appropriate to the geographical area of operation and the work to be done. Sufficient spare equipment should be available.

  1.4.7.2 Crew members and/or cargo handlers working on deck should wear buoyancy aids and relevant PPE to protect head, feet and hands.

  1.4.7.3 Examples of PPE which may be required are:

• .1 working-life jackets;

• .2 working-exposure suits (for operations in extreme areas); and

• .3 hard hats, protective boots. safety glasses.