4.1 Principles
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - BLU Code - Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers – Resolution A.862(20) - Annex - Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers - Section 4 - Procedures Between the Ship and Terminal Prior to Cargo Handling - 4.1 Principles

4.1 Principles

  4.1.1 The master is responsible at all times for the safe loading and unloading of the ship, the details of which should be confirmed to the terminal representative in the form of a loading or unloading plan. In addition, the master should:

  • .1 ensure that the check list in appendix 3 is completed in consultation with the terminal before loading or unloading is commenced;

  • .2 ensure that the loading or unloading of cargo and the discharge or intake of ballast water is under the control of the ship's officer in charge;

  • .3 ensure that the disposition of cargo and ballast water is monitored throughout the loading or unloading process to ensure that the ship's structure is not overstressed;

  • .4 ensure that the terminal representative is made aware of the requirements for harmonization between deballasting and cargo loading rates for his ship;

  • .5 ensure that ballast water is discharged at rates which conform to the agreed loading plan and do not result in flooding of the quay or of adjacent craft;

  • .6 retain on board sufficient officers and crew to attend to the adjustment of mooring lines or for any normal or emergency situation, having regard to the need of the crew to have sufficient rest periods to avoid fatigue;

  • .7 ensure the loading or unloading plans have been passed to and agreed with the terminal representative;

  • .8 ensure that the terminal representative is made aware of the cargo trimming requirements;

  • .9 ensure that appropriate information about the cargo to be loaded (appendix 5) has been received to enable safe stowage and carriage to be achieved;

  • .10 ensure that there is agreement between ship and shore as to the action to be taken in the event of rain, or other change in the weather, when the nature of the cargo would pose a hazard in the event of such a change; and

  • .11 ensure that no hot work is carried out on board the ship while the ship is alongside the berth except with the permission of the terminal representative and in accordance with any requirements of the port administration.

  4.1.2 The terminal representative is responsible for loading or unloading cargo in accordance with the hatch sequence and tonnages stated on the ship's loading or unloading plan. In addition, the terminal representative should:

  • .1 complete the check list in appendix 3 in consultation with the master before loading or unloading is commenced;

  • .2 not deviate from the loading or unloading plan unless by prior consultation and agreement with the master;

  • .3 trim the cargo, when loading or unloading, to the master's requirements;

  • .4 maintain a record of the weight and disposition of the cargo loaded or unloaded and ensure that the weights in the hold do not deviate from the plan;

  • .5 provide the master with the names and procedures for contacting terminal personnel or shipper's agent who will have responsibility for the loading or unloading operation and with whom the master will have contact;

  • .6 avoid damage to the ship by the loading or unloading equipment and inform the master, if damage occurs;

  • .7 ensure that no hot work is carried out on board or in the vicinity of the ship while the ship is alongside the berth except with the permission of the master and in accordance with any requirements of the port administration; and

  • .8 ensure that there is agreement between the master and the terminal representative at all stages and in relation to all aspects of the loading or unloading operation.

Parent topic: Section 4 - Procedures Between the Ship and Terminal Prior to Cargo Handling
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