Definitions

Definitions contained in the BLU Code are on page 6. In addition, the following definitions refer to a number of other expressions used in these Guidelines.

"BLU Code" means the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, as contained in the annex to IMO Assembly resolution A.862(20) of 27 November 1997.
"Bulk carrier" means a ship which is constructed generally with single deck, top-side tanks and hopper side tanks in cargo spaces, and is intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk, and includes such types as ore carriers and combination carriers^footnote.
"Cargo air draught" means the distance from the surface of the water to the lowest point of the loader or unloader when in a fully raised position.
"Dry or solid bulk cargo" means any material, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination of particles, granules, or any larger pieces of material, generally uniform in composition, which is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any intermediate form of containment.
"Terminal" means any fixed, floating or mobile facility equipped and used for the loading and/or unloading of bulk cargo. The term includes that part of a dock, pier, berth, jetty, quay, wharf or similar structure at which a ship may tie up.

"Shipper/receiver" means any person in whose name or on whose behalf a contract of carriage of goods by sea has been concluded, or on whose behalf the goods are delivered to or received from the ship in relation to the contract of carriage by sea.
"Stowage factor" is the number of cubic metres which one tonne of the material will occupy.

Section 1 - Definitions

BLU Code	Guidelines
1.1 Air draught means the vertical distance from the surface of the water to the highest point of mast or aerial.	1.1
1.2 Combination carriers (OBO or O/O) means a ship whose design is similar to a conventional bulk carrier but is equipped with pipelines, pumps and inert gas plant so as to enable the carriage of oil cargoes in designated spaces.	1.2
1.3 Conveyor system means the entire system for delivering cargo from the shore stockpile or receiving point to the ship.	1.3
1.4 Hot work means the use of open fires and flames, power tools or hot rivets, grinding, soldering, burning, cutting, welding or any other repair work involving heat or creating sparks which may lead to a hazard because of the presence or proximity of flammable atmosphere.	1.4
1.5 List indication lights means lights, visible from the deck, which light up to show that a ship is listing.	1.5
1.6 Master means the master of the ship or a ship's officer designated by the master.	1.6 Standard shipping industry practise is that the Chief Officer (First Mate) is the designated officer in charge of cargo operations, and is the person with whom the terminal representative will normally liaise.
1.7 Pour means the quantity of cargo poured through one hatch opening as one step in the loading plan, i.e. from the time the spout is positioned over a hatch opening until it is moved to another hatch opening.	1.7
1.8 Terminal representative means a person appointed by the terminal or other facility where the ship is loading or unloading, who has responsibility for operations conducted by that terminal or facility with regard to the particular ship.	1.8 For reasons of practicality it is accepted that the role of terminal representative cannot be limited to one person throughout the entire loading or unloading period, and that provision must be made for shift patterns and compliance with hours of work agreements and regulations.
1.9 Trimming (loading cargo) is the partial or total levelling of the cargo within the holds, by means of loading spouts or chutes, portable machinery, equipment or manual labour.	1.9
1.10 Trimming (unloading cargo) is the shovelling or sweeping up of smaller quantities of the cargo in the holds by mechanical means (such as bulldozers) or other means to place them in a convenient position for discharge.	1.10
1.11 Trimming (ship) is the adding, removal or shifting of weight in a ship to achieve the required forward and aft draughts.	1.11

Section 2 - Suitability of ships and terminals

2.1 General	2.1
2.1.1 All ships nominated for loading should hold the appropriate valid statutory certification including, if required, the document of compliance^footnote for ships carrying solid dangerous goods in bulk. It is recommended that the period of validity of the ship's certificates be sufficient to remain valid during loading, voyage and unloading times, plus a reserve to allow for delays in berthing, inclement weather or both.	2.1.1
2.1.2 The ship owner, manager or operator, when offering a ship for a particular cargo or service, should ensure that the ship: - is maintained in a sound, seaworthy condition; - has on board a competent crew; - has on board at least one officer proficient in the languages used at both the loading and unloading ports, or has an officer available who is proficient in the English language; and - is free of defects that may prejudice the ship's safe navigation, loading or unloading.	2.1.2 Terminals should determine the suitability of a ship for compatibility with both loading and/or unloading terminal infrastructure as appropriate.
2.1.3 It is essential that a ship selected to transport a solid bulk cargo be suitable for its intended purpose taking into account the terminals at which it will load or unload.	2.1.3 It is important that the terminal operator keeps its relevant customers informed of current terminal standards, limitations and operating conditions in terms of any changes to relevant navigational conditions, water depths, loading/unloading equipment and rates.
2.1.4 The charterer and shipper when accepting a ship for a particular cargo or service should ensure that the ship: - is suitable for access to the planned loading or unloading facilities; and - does not have cargo handling equipment which would inhibit the safety of the loading and unloading operations.	2.1.4 In addition to the checks carried out by the charterer and/or shipper and/or receiver, the terminal operator should take reasonable steps to assure that all bulk carriers nominated for loading/unloading at the terminal are operationally suitable in all respects for the purpose. The following checks are examples of the type of checks that may be carried out: .1 Check appropriate sources of information to confirm that ship meets berth maximum and minimum size limits. - Length overall/Beam/Draft. - Number of holds. - Hatch lengths and widths. Compare dimensions with the most suitable hatch openings on the basis of the terminal's own experience. If hatches are less than the preferred size, loader/unloader operators should be informed and appropriate precautions taken. - Gearless/Geared/Gear Type. Location of gear. - Working length from foreward end No.1 hold to aft end aft hold. - Any equipment, design details or performance limitations that could affect the safety or efficiency of the operation. .2 The ship's owner, master or agent and the terminal representative should exchange Pre-arrival Ship/Shore Information, as per the examples in annex 1.
2.2 Ships	2.2
2.2.1 Ships nominated for bulk loading should be suitable for the intended cargo. Suitable ships should be: .1 weather tight, and efficient in all respects for the normal perils of the sea and the intended voyage; .2 provided with an approved stability and loading booklet written in a language understood by the ship’s officers concerned and using standard expressions and abbreviations. If the language is neither English, nor French, nor Spanish, a translation into one of these languages should be included; .3 provided with hatch openings of sufficient size to enable the cargo to be loaded, stowed and unloaded satisfactorily; and . 4 provided with the hatch identification numbers used in the loading manual and loading or unloading plan. The location, size and colour of these numbers should be chosen so that they are clearly visible to the operator of the loading or unloading equipment.	2.2.1 The ship should ensure the hatches are adequately identified.
2.2.2 It is recommended that all ships which are required to carry out stress calculations should have on board an approved loading instrument for the rapid calculation of such stresses.
2.2.3 All propulsion and auxiliary machinery should be in good functional order. Deck equipment related to mooring and berthing operations, including anchors, cables, mooring lines, hawsers and winches, should be operable and in good order and condition.
2.2.4 All hatches, hatch operating systems and safety devices should be in good functional order, and used only for their intended purpose.
2.2.5 List indication lights, if fitted, should be tested prior to loading or unloading and proved operational.
2.2.6 Ship's own cargo-handling equipment should be properly certificated and maintained, and used only under the general supervision of suitably qualified ship's personnel.
2.3 Terminals	2.3
2.3.1 Terminal operators should ensure that they only accept ships that can safely berth alongside their installation, taking into consideration issues such as: .1 water depth at the berth; .2 maximum size of the ship; .3 mooring arrangements; .4 fendering; .5 safe access; and .6 obstructions to loading/unloading operations.	2.3.1.1 Terminal representatives should ensure that the following matters are considered: .1 Tidal situation for the period concerned. .2 Weather forecasts. .3 Whether ship will berth port or starboard side-to. .4 Tug and line boat requirements. .5 Mooring requirements taking into account: .1 The size and type of ship; .2 Local tidal conditions and foreseeable weather conditions; .3 The nature of the cargo and ballasting operations; .6 Any obstructions to berthing/unberthing operations. .7 The terminal operator should assure an unobstructed and safe passage between the ship’s gangway and the entrance (gate) of the terminal.
	2.3.1.2 Pre-arrival Ship/Shore Exchange of Information should clarify: .1 Whether ship or terminal will provide the gangway. Responsibility for providing safety net, lighting and care of gangway. Generally the master is responsible for ensuring that there is safe access to and from the ship. Normally the ship provides the gangway and master and terminal representative jointly confirm that it is safe and suitable. Where the ship's own gangway is not suitable the terminal may provide one. However, the master is still obliged to ensure that it is maintained in a safe condition at all times. .2 If ship is geared, the ship/charterer should provide a plan of the ship giving the positions of the derricks or cranes, and the distances between them. The terminal representative should check the validity of test reports and certificates for cranes. .3 Loader/unloader booms should be raised clear of berth in good time when a ship is berthing/unberthing. .4 Loaders/unloaders should be parked clear of the normal angle of approach of a berthing ship, in case the bow overshoots the jetty.
2.3.2 Terminal equipment should be properly certificated and maintained in accordance with the relevant national regulations and/or standards, and only operated by duly qualified and, if appropriate, certificated personnel.	2.3.2 Maintenance refers not just to running repairs and upkeep of equipment, but to the planned and systematic inspection and maintenance of equipment at periodic intervals. This is normally carried out in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, national requirements, and industry codes of practice.
2.3.2.1 Where automatic weighing equipment is provided, this should be calibrated at regular intervals.	2.3.2.1 Examination and testing means the thorough examination of the crane or equipment at regular intervals, in accordance with relevant legislation and insurance requirements. Items needing particular attention include: .1 Lifting equipment. .2 Rotating equipment. .3 Access equipment. .4 Safety devices - alarms, anemometers, limit switches and controls, emergency stops, emergency escape and fire control equipment. .5 Structural steelwork for corrosion, fatigue or cracking. .6 Travel drive motors and braking systems, inc. storm anchoring arrangements. .7 Lubrication - adequate and regular application of correct lubricants.
	2.3.2.2 Good housekeeping means that the entire terminal area and all the equipment on it should be: .1 Kept in a clean and tidy manner, with everything in its place and a place for everything .2 Maintained to a high standard of safety and safety awareness. .3 Kept to a high standard of mechanical, electrical and structural maintenance.
2.3.3 Terminal personnel should be trained in all aspects of safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers, commensurate with their responsibilities.	2.3.3 Commensurate with their responsibilities, terminal personnel should be able to: .1 Understand the basic principles of bulk carrier construction. .2 Understand how loading/unloading operations can over stress and damage a ship and know why and how this must be avoided. .3 Understand the roles and responsibilities, as required under the BLU Code, of: .1 The terminal representative. .2 The ship loader/unloader operator, as applicable. .3 Ship's master, chief officer and crew. .4 Know the standard procedures and plans by which bulk carriers are loaded and unloaded. .5 Know the ship/shore communications and emergency procedures applicable. .6 Know how to access and work safely on board a bulk carrier. .7 Understand and know how to safely start up, operate and shut down the ship loading/unloading equipment on the terminal for which they are responsible. (See annex 4). .8 Terminal personnel should be knowledgeable of their responsibilities under other relevant codes for example the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports and the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Ports.
2.3.4 Terminal operators should ensure that personnel involved in the loading and unloading operations are duly rested to avoid fatigue.	2.3.4 In addition to assuring that terminal personnel are duly rested, terminal personnel involved in cargo handling work should be provided with personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, safety footwear, high visibility jackets, gloves, hearing and respiratory protection, as required.

Section 3 - Procedures between ship and shore prior to ship's arrival

3.1 Information exchange: General	3.1
3.1.1 It is important that the ship be provided with information about a terminal so the loading or unloading can be planned. Similarly, the terminal will need information about the ship to enable preparations to be made to load or unload the ship. It is important that the information be exchanged in sufficient time to allow preparations to be made.	3.1.1 (See annex 1).
3.1.2 Before loading commences there should be an agreement between the master and the terminal representative as to the rate of loading and order in which the cargo is to be distributed so as to achieve the final loading plan. In general, this agreement should be based on one or more of the following options: .1 the limitations or restrictions on loading procedures, if such are specified in the ship’s Loading Manual or Trim and Stability Booklet, or both; .2 if the restrictions mentioned in .1 do not exist, and the ship has a loading instrument which has been approved, the loading plan should be prepared on the instrument and there should be a protocol in place so that the loading remains, at all times, within the approved stress limits of the ship; and/or .3 if neither .1 or .2 can be satisfied, then a conservative procedure should be followed.	3.1.2 The master should forward the proposed loading/unloading plan to the terminal before the ship arrives: .1 The terminal representative should check the plan and ensure it corresponds to its expectations. If it does not the terminal may revert to the ship requesting a review of the proposed plan. .2 By giving the ship adequate time to prepare an alternative plan, in compliance with the ship's stability booklet and loading manual or instrument, it should be possible to identify a mutually acceptable loading sequence. .3 However, even where the load plan is not the terminal's preferred option, the terminal representative should co-ordinate and agree to a plan before starting operations. Operations should not start until agreement has been obtained.
3.1.3 Details should be provided of any necessary repairs which may delay berthing, the commencement of loading or unloading, or may delay the ship sailing on completion of loading or unloading.	3.1.3 The terminal should be informed if any proposed visits by ship repair contractors or service personnel, or if cranes or other equipment are required on the jetty.
3.1.4 The master should ensure he receives from the shipper of the intended cargo details of the nature of the cargo required by chapter VI of SOLAS 1974, as amended^footnote. Where additional details, such as trimming or continuous measurement of the water in the cargo, etc., are required, the master should inform the terminal accordingly.	3.1.4 Before commencement of loading of a solid bulk cargo, the shipper must provide the master with the characteristics and properties of the cargo, including: .1 Stowage factor, angle of repose, trimming procedures, and likelihood of shifting. .2 The transportable moisture limit and average moisture content where Appendix A of the BC Code (Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes) applies. .3 Flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, chemical, oxygen depletion and any other hazards of the cargo, as applicable.
	3.1.5 The terminal representative should verify that the master has received the relevant cargo declaration form information, as applicable, in good time. (See BLU Code - Appendix 5)
	3.1.6 The master should inform the terminal representative of any particular precautions to be taken with the loading or unloading of the cargo.
3.2 Information given by the ship to the terminal	3.2
3.2.1 In order to plan the proper disposition and availability of the cargo so as to meet the ship’s loading plan, the loading terminal should be given the following information: .1 The ship's estimated time of arrival (ETA) off the port as early as possible. This advice should be updated as appropriate. .2 At the time of initial ETA advice, the ship should also provide details of the following: .2.1 name, call sign, IMO Number of the ship, its flag State and port of registry; .2.2 a loading plan stating the quantity of cargo required, stowage by hatches, loading order and the quantity to be loaded in each pour, provided the ship has sufficient information to be able to prepare such a plan; .2.3 time required for de-ballasting; .2.4 the ship's length overall, beam, and length of the cargo area from the forward coaming of the forward-most hatch to the after coaming of the aft-most hatch into which cargo is to be loaded or from which cargo is to be removed; .2.5 distance from the water line to the first hatch to be loaded or unloaded and the distance from the ship’s side to the hatch opening; .2.6 the location of the ship’s accommodation ladder; .2.7 air draught; .2.8 details and capacities of ship’s cargo handling gear; .2.9 number and type of mooring lines; and .2.10 any other item related to the ship requested by the terminal. .3 Similar information in respect of ETA, unloading plan and details of the ship are required by unloading terminals.	3.2.1 See example of Pre-arrival exchange of information checklist (Annex 1) .1 It is important that the terminal receives updated ETAs. .2 Notifying the terminal of the proposed load or unload plan well in advance of arrival gives the terminal the opportunity to check that the information on which it is based is correct. For example, a plan may be based on a terminal having two loaders/unloaders where there is actually only one available. It also allows the terminal to check the plan against its preferred rotation, and to request a modification. .3 The master then has the opportunity to re-calculate the plan and clarify any questions so that a safe, correct and mutually acceptable plan is agreed preferably before the ship berths. .4 If the terminal's suggested plan is unsuitable for the ship, and does not meet its stability and hull stress criteria, then the terminal representative and master should co-ordinate and agree on a plan before operations begin. .5 Other items of information requested by the terminal may include: .5.1 Confirmation that ballast water is clean sea water ballast. .5.2 Any ship defects which could affect operations. .5.3 Ship's operational and navigational equipment safety status. .5.4 Details of any planned bunkering and storing operations, or repairs to be carried out. .5.5 Ballast handling rates. .6 Terminals should require both a cargo stowage plan and a plan indicating the order of loading/unloading and the quantity to be loaded/unloaded into/from each hold.
3.2.2 Ships arriving at loading or unloading terminals in a part loaded condition should also advise: .1 berthing displacement and draughts. .2 previous loading or unloading port. .3 nature and stowage of cargo already on board and, when dangerous goods in bulk are on board, the name of the material, IMO Class and UN Number or BC Number.^footnote .4 distribution of cargo on board, indicating that to be unloaded and that to remain on board.	3.2.2 Ship should provide the terminal with a load or unloading plan stating the cargo distribution plan for the cargo to be loaded/unloaded, the hold rotation and quantities to be loaded/unloaded per run.
3.2.3 Combination carriers (OBO or O/O) should advise of the following additional information: .1 nature of the preceding three cargoes; .2 date and place at which the last oil cargo was discharged; .3 advice as to content of slop tanks and whether fully inerted and sealed; and .4 date, place and name of authority that issued the last gas free certificate which includes pipelines and pumps.	During the unloading of dry bulk cargo it may be necessary to ballast one or more holds to reduce the cargo air draught of the ship. This is unlikely to introduce hazards if the pipeline system has been well washed. However if a pump or pipeline has not been adequately washed, the ballasting operation may discharge residual oil into the hold. Atmospheric tests in the hold should therefore be made before any hot work is carried out in, adjacent to, or above a ballasted hold.
3.2.4 As soon as possible the ship should confirm that all holds into which cargo is to be loaded are clean, and free from previous cargo residues which in combination with the cargo to be loaded could create a hazard.	3.2.4
3.2.5 Information on the loading or unloading plan and on intended arrival and departure draughts should be progressively updated, and passed to the terminal as circumstances change.	3.2.5
3.3 Information given by the terminal to the ship	3.3
3.3.1 On receipt of the ship's initial notification of its ETA, the terminal should give the ship the following information as soon as possible: .1 the name of the berth at which loading or unloading will take place and the estimated times for berthing and completion of loading or unloading; .2 characteristics of the loading or unloading equipment, including the terminal’s nominal loading or unloading rate and the number of loading or unloading heads to be used; .3 features of the berth or jetty the master may need to be aware of, including the position of fixed and mobile obstructions, fenders, bollards and mooring arrangements; .4 minimum depth of water alongside the berth and in approach or departure channels; .5 water density at the berth; .6 the maximum distance between the water line and the top of cargo hatch covers or coamings, whichever is relevant to the loading operation, and the maximum air draft; .7 arrangements for gangways and access; .8 which side of the ship is to be alongside the berth; .9 maximum allowable speed of approach to the jetty and availability of tugs, their type and bollard pull; .10 the loading sequence for different parcels of cargo, and any other restrictions if it is not possible to take the cargo in any order or any hold to suit the ship; .11 any properties of the cargo to be loaded which may present a hazard when placed in contact with cargo or residues on board; .12 advance information on the proposed cargo handling operations or changes to existing plans for cargo handling; .13 if the terminal’s loading or unloading equipment is fixed, or has any limits to its movement; .14 mooring lines required; .15 warning of unusual mooring arrangements; .16 any restrictions on de-ballasting; .17 maximum sailing draught permitted by the port authority; and .18 any other items related to the terminal requested by the master.	3.3.1 The terminal should furnish as applicable: (See example of Pre-arrival exchange of information Annex 1) .1 The expected maximum and average loading/unloading rates may be discussed and clarified during completion of the ship/shore checklist at the arrival meeting between the terminal representative and the master. .2 Information regarding draught survey requirements where applicable. .3 Information regarding any draught surveys to be carried out, usually requesting ballast tanks to be either full or empty, containing clean seawater ballast where possible. .4 Usual anchorage and pilot embarkation area. .5 Whether ships may berth/depart at any time, or if it is necessary to wait for certain tidal conditions. .6 If ship or shore gangway is to be used, clarification of responsibility for ensuring that it is maintained in a safe manner throughout the ship's stay in port. .7 Information on precautions regarding strong tides or currents, swell, "stand-off" effect at piled jetties, passing traffic, or high winds. .8 Arrangements for immobilization of ship's engines alongside. .9 Information on the characteristics and properties of the cargo to be loaded.
3.3.2 Information on estimated times for berthing and departure and on minimum water depth at the berth should be progressively updated and passed to the master on receipt of successive ETA advices.	3.3.2
3.3.3 The terminal representative should be satisfied that the ship has been advised as early as possible of the information contained in the cargo declaration as required by chapter VI of SOLAS 1974, as amended.	3.3.3 The shipper of the cargo is responsible for ensuring that this information is provided to the master in good time.

Section 4 - Procedures between the ship and the terminal prior to cargo loading/unloading

4.1 Principles	4.1
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.	4.1.1 The loading/unloading plan should preferably be agreed in principle prior to the arrival of the ship. .1 The terminal representative should ensure the loader/unloader operators and/or terminal control room personnel receive a copy of the agreed load/unload plan. They should also be immediately notified of any subsequently agreed changes. Copies should be retained in the terminal's file for that ship. .2 The total quantity to be kept for trimming should be clearly stated in the loading plan. .3 The quantity remaining on the belt should be accurately known, or else the belts should run off before trimming commences. .4 Where loading terminals insert empty gaps into the flow of material to allow for changing hatches, these gaps should be adequate and there should be good communications between loader and stockyard to ensure the loader can move safely. .5 For multi-unloader or loader operations the terminal should inform the master of its procedures for preventing collisions between the loaders/unloaders. The cargo plans should normally ensure that the machines will be separated by at least one unworked hatch. .6 The actual quantities to be trimmed should be determined by the master in good time as loading completes, and the distribution clearly specified to the terminal representative and to the loader operator. .7 Due allowance should be made for the belt run off on completion. .8 Where load/unload plans are programmed into the computerized control system of loader/unloaders, the operator should monitor these carefully, keep the programme updated as the operation progresses, double check if doubt, and be able to revert to a manual tally in event of any problems with the computer programme. .9 The terminal representative should notify the master when cargo conditions have changed due to weather.
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 the 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.	4.1.2 The terminal representative responsible for loading or unloading cargo should: .1 Inform the ship of all relevant information regarding: .1.1 Cargo operations. .1.2 Ship and terminal safety issues and regulations. .1.3 Arrangements for safe access to/from the ship. .1.4 Arrangements for access for crewmembers through the terminal premises. .1.5 Weather and tidal conditions. .1.6 Mooring management recommendations. .2 Understand and respond to the information provided by the master regarding particular safety and operational issues of concern to the ship. .3 Have sufficient personnel available to deal with any emergencies likely to affect the safety of its personnel and facilities. .4 Have details to be specified in the ship/shore checklist, and should also be provided with the terminal's regulations and information booklet. .5 Have a procedure for checking the origin, nature and extent of damage whether notified by terminal or ship personnel. .6 Have knowledge of hot work procedures to identify any risks, and be familiar with the control measures and precautions required, noting that it may be necessary to ballast one or more holds to reduce the cargo air draught of the ship. With combination carriers, this is unlikely to introduce hazards if the pipeline system has been well washed. However if a pump or pipeline has not been adequately washed, the ballasting operation may discharge residual oil into the hold. Atmospheric tests in the hold should therefore be made before any hot work is carried out in, adjacent to, or above a ballasted hold.
4.2 Procedures	4.2
The following are considered important procedures in respect of cargo loading: .1 the master and terminal representative should indicate agreement to the loading plan before commencement of loading by signing the plan in the spaces provided; .2 the master should state on the agreed loading plan, the order in which the holds are to be loaded, the weight of each pour, the total weight in each hold and the amount of cargo for vessel trimming purposes, if required; .3 the terminal representative, on receipt of the ship’s initial loading plan (see 3.2.1), should advise the master of the nominal loading rate at which the ship may expect to receive the cargo and the estimated time required to complete each pour; .4 where it is not practical for the ship to completely discharge its ballast water prior to reaching the trimming stage in the loading process, the master and the terminal representative should agree on the times at which loading may need to be suspended and the duration of such suspensions; .5 the loading plan should be prepared so as to ensure that all ballast pumping rates and loading rates are considered carefully to avoid overstressing the hull; .6 the quantities of cargo required to achieve the departure draft and trim should allow for all cargo on the terminal’s conveyor systems to be run off and empty on completion of a loading. The terminal representative should advise the master of the nominal tonnage contained on its conveyor system and any requirements for clearing the conveyor system on completion of loading; and .7 communication arrangements between the ship and terminal should be capable of responding to requests for information on the loading process and of prompt compliance in the event that the master or terminal representative orders loading to be suspended. Consideration should be given to the disposition of cargo on the conveyor systems and to the response time in the event of an emergency stop.	4.2.1 It is the master's responsibility to ensure the loading plan is prepared in accordance with the ship's loading manual. .1 For each step of the loading operation the loading plan should also show the amount of ballast and the tanks to be deballasted, the ship's draught and trim, and the calculated shear stress and bending moments. .2 The master should carry out draft checks at regular intervals during the loading, and particularly when between about 75-90% of the cargo is loaded. The tonnage loaded should be compared with the terminal's weight figure, and adjustments to the final trimming figures determined and agreed accordingly .3 Any changes to the loading plan required by either terminal or ship should be made known as soon as possible and agreed by the master and terminal representative. Stresses resulting from any changes must remain within the ship's hull stress limitations. .4 High impact cargo drops and exceeding maximum load limits on tanks tops should be avoided. .5 To avoid over-stressing the ship: .5.1 Cargo should be distributed evenly within each hold and trimmed to the boundaries of the cargo space to minimize the risk of it shifting at sea. .5.2 Cargo should not be loaded high against one hold bulkhead or one side, and low against the other. .5.3 Each hold should be loaded using at least two separate pours per hold. .5.4 The terminal should maintain an accurate record of the tonnages loaded in each pour into each hold. .5.5 Sudden increases in the loading rates causing significant overloading should be avoided. .6 The amount of cargo remaining on the belts depends on the loading rate at the time. This should be known by the loader operator and the terminal representative .7 Ship/shore communications arrangements should be confirmed when completing the ship/shore safety checklist, giving all necessary details and contact details for both ship and terminal including: .7.1 Language and terminology to be used. .7.2 Location of telephones and terminal offices, normal communications procedures and telephone numbers. .7.3 Emergency communications procedures and telephone numbers. .7.4 Designated port VHF Channels .8 Clarify procedures for providing the duty officer with the tonnage loaded and the loading rate as required. .9 Clarify arrangements for stops to carry out draught checks. .10 Clarify arrangements for reporting ship damage by stevedores.
4.2.2 The following are considered important procedures in respect of cargo unloading: .1 the terminal representative, when proposing or accepting the initial unloading plan, should advise the master of the nominal unloading rate and the estimated time required for each stage of the discharge; .2 the master should advise the hold order and the weight to be unloaded in each stage of the discharge; .3 the terminal representative should give the ship the maximum warning when it is intended to increase, or to reduce, the number of unloading heads used; and .4 communication arrangements between ship and terminal should be capable of responding to requests for information on the unloading process, and of prompt compliance in the event that the master orders unloading to be suspended.	4.2.2 The ship should provide the terminal with its proposed unloading plan in advance of the ship's arrival.
	4.2.3 The terminal representative should co-ordinate with the master and agree upon a plan before operations begin.
	4.2.4 Agreeing the unloading plan prior to arrival simplifies matters for all concerned when the ship does arrive, as there usually is little time for the master to re-calculate the unloading plan after the ship has arrived and is ready to commence unloading. .1 Master should ensure that the terminal representative is provided with accurate information in good time so as the loader/ unloader operator can be notified of the ship's requirements.
4.3 Implementation	4.3
4.3.1 The loading or unloading plan should be prepared in a form such as that shown in appendix 2. Worked examples of this form are also shown in appendix 2. A different form may be used provided it contains the essential information to meet the requirements of this Code. The minimum information for this purpose is that enclosed in the heavy line box on the sample form.
4.3.2 The loading or unloading plan should only be changed when a revised plan has been prepared, accepted and signed by both parties. Loading plans should be kept by the ship and terminal for a period of six months.
4.3.3 A copy of the agreed loading or unloading plan and any subsequent amendments to it should be lodged with the appropriate authority of the port State.	4.3.3 Records should be maintained in accordance with any national requirements.

Section 5 - Cargo loading and handling of ballast

5.1 General	5.1
5.1.1 When the cargo loading plan is agreed, the master and terminal representative should confirm the method of cargo operations so as to ensure no excessive stresses on the hull, tank top and associated structures, and exchange information to avoid any structural damage to the ship by cargo handling equipment.	5.1.1 For guidance for avoidance of damage during cargo handling, see annex 2.
5.1.2 The terminal representative should alert the master, when the cargo is heavy, or when the individual grab loads are large, that there may be high, localized impact loads on the ship’s structure until the tank top is completely covered by cargo, especially when high free-fall drops are permitted. As such impacts have the potential for causing structural damage, special care should be taken at the start of the loading operation in each cargo hold.	5.1.2 Special care needs to be taken with heavy cargoes such as iron ore, scrap iron, lead and other concentrates. .1 The loader chute, spout or grab should be kept as close to the tank top as possible and loading should be started at a low rate until the tank top in the loading area is covered with a layer of cargo. As the pile builds up on that area the cargo will roll down the pile and slowly spread over the rest of the tank top without any heavy impact.
5.1.3 Monitoring of the cargo handling operation, and effective communication between the terminal and ship, must be maintained at all times, and especially during final trimming of the ship.	5.1.3 Communications may be maintained by all or any of the following: .1 Direct verbal contact between the designated ship's officer and the terminal representative. .2 Portable radio communication between designated officer, terminal representative and/ or loader operator. .3 Telephone and/or easily accessible Talk - Back speakers on loader structure to allow surveyor/designated ship’s officer/terminal representative speak directly with loader operator during trimming operations.
5.1.4 Any requirement for cargo trimming should be in accordance with the procedures of the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code).	5.1.4 The master, the terminal representative and the loader operators at the load port should bear the unloading of the cargo in mind while they are loading the ship. They should, where possible, avoid trimming cargo on to beams or ledges from where it will be difficult or unsafe to remove.
5.1.5 In order to effectively monitor the progress of the cargo loading operation it is essential for both the master and terminal representative to have readily accessible information on the total quantity loaded, as well as the quantities per pour.	5.1.5 Trimming pours: .1 The loading belts should be run empty before the 90% survey if there is any doubt about the quantity of cargo remaining on them. .2 Where applicable scale weights should be checked against the draught survey estimates of cargo loaded and cargo remaining to be loaded, and allowances made for the balance to be loaded. .3 The quantity of cargo to be trimmed into the fore and aft holds should be delivered exactly as required to ensure the ship finishes with the required fore and aft draughts and trim. This will ensure it will be able to depart from the load port and proceed to and arrive at its unloading port safely and with the required under keel clearance.
5.1.6 On completion of loading, the master and the terminal representative should agree in writing that the ship has been loaded in accordance with the loading plan, including any agreed variations.	5.1.6 The ship's agent should assist in preparing the necessary documentation on completion of loading.
5.2 Ship duties	5.2
5.2.1 The master should advise the terminal representative of any deviation from the deballasting plan or any other matter which may affect cargo loading.	5.2.1 If the ship cannot deballast at the rate agreed in the loading plan, or if deballasting is causing the ship to list or trim incorrectly, the terminal representative should be informed in good time and arrangements made for the suspension of loading until the ship has resolved the problem.
5.2.2 The ship should be kept upright or, if a list is required for operational reasons, it should be kept as small as possible.	5.2.2
5.2.3 The master should ensure close supervision of the loading operation and of the ship during final stages of loading. The master should advise the terminal representative when final trimming of the ship has to commence in order to allow for the conveyor system run-off.	5.2.3 It is prudent that a draught survey is carried out with about 90% of the cargo loaded.
5.3 Terminal duties	5.3
5.3.1 The terminal representative should advise the master on any change to the agreed loading rate and, at the completion of each pour, the terminal representative should advise the master of the weight loaded and that cargo loading continues in accordance with the agreed cargo plan.	5.3.1 The weight of the cargo being loaded should be harmonized with the ballast water being pumped out, so that both remain in step. .1 The rate of loading into the holds should be maintained at a steady flow. The ship should be informed of any changes. .2 The load plan is normally designed to maintain the ship with a slight trim by the stern in order to strip out the ballast.
5.3.2 The ship should be kept upright with the cargo distributed so as to eliminate any twisting of the ship’s structure.	5.3.2 The ship should also ensure that the ballast is discharged in accordance with loading/unloading plan.
5.3.3 The terminal should use weight-meters which are well maintained and provide an accuracy to within 1% of the rated quantity required over the normal range of loading rates. The terminal should frequently monitor the weight of cargo that is being loaded and inform the ship so that it can be compared with the cargo loading plan and the ship’s calculation by draught marks.	5.3.3 A one per cent error on a 70,000-tonne cargo is 700 tonnes. .1 If the weigh scale is reading lower than the actual tonnage loaded, then the scale will be reading 69,300 tonnes when there is 70,000 tonnes on board. If no allowance is made for this then it may not be possible to complete the trimming of the ship as per cargo plan. .2 The terminal should co-operate with the master in carrying out the 90% draught survey and determining any weight meter error. Due allowance should then be made when loading the remaining balance of cargo.

Section 6 - Unloading cargo and handling of ballast

6.1 General	6.1
6.1.1 When the cargo unloading plan is agreed, the master and terminal representative must confirm the method of cargo operations so as to ensure no excessive stresses on the hull, tank top and associated structures, including any measures to reduce and eliminate any structural damage to the ship by cargo handling equipment.	6.1.1 In addition to the avoidance of structural damage to the ship, the health and safety of ship and shore personnel should not be compromised by the adoption of any unloading practice. .1 If the ship cannot be unloaded safely by the normal unloading methods due to design features of the particular ship or the way in which the cargo was loaded, then the master and terminal representative should carry out a risk assessment to identify a safe system of work. .2 Safety issues to be considered include: .2.1 Safe access for shore personnel; gangways should be secure with safety net fitted, adequately illuminated and with safe access from top of gangway to the deck. .2.2 Access on deck to be confined to the outboard side only. There should be no access for anyone on the inboard side of the ship where unloading equipment is working overhead. .2.3 Hold access ladders should be safe, secure and in good condition. .2.4 Hold access trunks should be adequately lit. .2.5 Adequate hold lighting. Holds cannot be cleaned properly and personnel cannot work safely if the lighting provided by the ship is inadequate. .2.6 Adequate ventilation of holds. .2.7 The risk of overhanging cargo that could fall on personnel working underneath. .2.8 Provision of safe access to cargo residue requires manual removal from ship's frames, pipes and structures. .2.9 Arrangements regarding ship's crew entering holds, or lowering clean-up tools/equipment into holds while shore personnel are still working there. .2.10 Arrangements for safe access to and erection of guard railings around hatch covers, where shore personnel have to remove spillage from top of hatch covers. .2.11 Ship's crew to ensure that hatch covers are fully opened clear of the line of the hatch coaming and secured in position, so that grab ropes/shackles cannot catch on overhanging lips. .2.12 Geared ships to have gear swung outboard and lowered as much as possible below the unloader gantry. .2.13 Hold manhole covers and bilge cover plates should be secured flush with the tank top. Paint marks on the bulkhead indicating their position are useful to machine drivers. .2.14 All personnel should keep well clear of the area where the unloader is working. .2.15 Respiratory protection should be worn by both ship and shore personnel when handling dusty cargo. .2.16 Reporting of defects - any apparent deficiency or hazard that could affect the safety of unloading operations should in the first instance be reported to the master. .2.17 All lifting appliances and lifting gear - whether provided by ship or terminal, should be used in a safe and proper manner, and have current test and examination certificates.
6.1.2 Monitoring and effective communication between the terminal and ship must be maintained at all times.	6.1.2 Contact details and procedures should be agreed and noted in the ship/shore safety checklist.
6.1.3 On completion of unloading, the master and the terminal representative should agree in writing that the ship has been unloaded in accordance with the agreed unloading plan, with the holds emptied and cleaned to the master's requirements, and should record any detected damage suffered by the ship.	6.1.3 Hold cleaning requirements are normally specified in the relevant charter party or contract of affreightment. The holds should be cleaned to the master's satisfaction in accordance with the contractual requirements. .1 Where the ship's crew members have commenced cleaning the holds as the terminal completes unloading in each one; the terminal, when appropriate and in conformance with national regulations, should assist the ship in removing hold sweepings and unloading all the available cargo residue ashore.
6.1.4 In order to maintain an effective monitoring of the progress of the cargo unloading plan, it is essential for both the master and the terminal representative to have readily accessible information on the total unloaded quantity as well as on the quantities unloaded per hatch.	6.1.4
6.1.5 When ballasting one or more holds, master and terminal operator should take account of the possibility of the discharge of flammable vapours from the holds. Suitable precautions^footnote should be taken before any hot work is permitted adjacent to or above that space.	6.1.5 This applies to combination carriers, where holds must be adequately ventilated to ensure that the atmosphere contains no flammable or noxious vapours, and is safe for personnel and heavy machinery to work. Ref: ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals) (Ch.12).
	6.1.6 During the unloading of dry bulk cargo it may be necessary to ballast one or more holds to reduce the cargo air draught of the ship. This is unlikely to introduce hazards if the pipeline system has been well washed. However if a pump or pipeline has not been adequately washed, the ballasting operation may discharge residual oil into the hold. Atmospheric tests in the hold should therefore be made before any hot work is carried out in, adjacent to, or above a ballasted hold.
6.2 Ship duties	6.2
6.2.1 The master will advise the terminal representative of any deviation from the ballasting plan or any other matter which may effect cargo unloading.	6.2.1
6.2.2 At the start and during all stages of unloading cargo, the master should ensure that frequent checks are made so that: .1 cargo spaces and other enclosed spaces are well ventilated, and persons are allowed to enter them only after they have been declared safe for entry in accordance with the guidelines developed by the Organization; .2 the cargo is being unloaded from each hold in accordance with the agreed unloading plan; .3 the ballasting operation is proceeding in accordance with the agreed unloading plan; .4 the ship is securely moored, and that weather conditions are being monitored and local weather forecasts obtained; .5 the ship's draught is read regularly to monitor the progress of the unloading; .6 the terminal representative is warned immediately if the unloading process has caused damage, has created a hazardous situation, or is likely to do so; .7 the ship is kept upright, or, if a list is required for operational reasons, it is kept as small as possible; and .8 the unloading of the port side closely matches that of the starboard side in the same hold to avoid twisting the ship.	6.2.2 Further guidance is contained in IMO Assembly resolution A.864(20), Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships. Special precautions should be taken and Enclosed space entry procedures observed where there is a risk of an unsafe atmosphere in ship's holds, particularly where: .1 The cargo has been fumigated en passage. .2 The cargo has oxygen depleting characteristics. .3 The cargo is liable to give off flammable or toxic vapours. The terminal representative should be familiar with the BC Code (Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes) recommendations for the specific cargoes that the terminal handles, and also with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for those materials. The terminal representative should ensure the master is made aware of: .1 Any local tidal or current conditions at the berth that could affect the safe mooring of the ship. .2 Details of any prevailing wind conditions that could affect the safety of operations. .3 Any forecasts of extreme wind conditions. .4 Limiting wind or tidal conditions for berthing/unberthing. .5 Limiting wind conditions for loader/ unloader operation. .6 Other conditions affecting operations such as wave or swell conditions, visibility, electrical storms. .7 The effects of either heavy rainfall or drought conditions on the berth or approach channels. Appropriate safety precautions should be taken while reading ship's draughts, including: .1 Safe access along jetty edge. .2 Wearing appropriate personnel protective equipment (including but not limited to life jacket, safety helmet, safety boots, high visibility clothing, respiratory protection, as necessary). Hold inspections should be carried out as soon as unloading of a hold is completed and it is safe to enter. Any stevedore damage reports should be presented to the terminal representative immediately to allow the claim to be verified and agreement reached with the master concerning the arrangements to be made for its repair. The terminal representative should be informed if the ship is being listed due to the distribution of ballast, or if there are problems on board with pumping ballast.
6.2.3 The master should ensure close supervision of the final stages of the unloading, to ensure that all cargo is unloaded.	6.2.3 The master should also ensure that: .1 Adequate and proper hold lighting is provided. .2 Bilge cover plates are properly secured so that they cannot be accidentally dislodged during hold cleaning.
6.3 Terminal duties	6.3
6.3.1 The terminal representative should follow the agreed unloading plan and should consult with the master if there is a need to amend the plan.	6.3.1 See annex 5: Guidelines for unloading from the holds so as to minimize listing, twisting, stressing as a result of cargo handling.
6.3.2 The ship is to be kept upright or, if a list is required for operational reasons, it is to be kept as small as possible.	6.3.2 The cargo should be removed in a methodical pattern across the hold so that any listing to one side and then the other is kept small and is constantly being corrected.
6.3.3 The unloading of the port side closely matches that of the starboard side in the same hold, to avoid twisting the ship.	6.3.3 Where grab operations are carried out in automatic or semi-automatic mode the unloader operator should: .1 Ensure the limits are set correctly for every hold. .2 That both ship and unloader are monitored constantly for any deviation from these limits. .3 That the pattern followed by the grab is systematic and even across the hold.
6.3.4 Unloading rates and sequences should not be altered by the terminal unless by prior consultation and agreement between the master and the terminal representative.	6.3.4 Where there is significant and unavoidable delays to the unloading, or a reduction in the expected rates due to breakdowns or problems with the terminal materials handling system, the master should be informed and the plan amended as necessary.
6.3.5 The terminal representative should advise the master when unloading is considered to be completed from each hold.	6.3.5
6.3.6 The terminal should make every effort to avoid damage to the ship when using unloading or hold cleaning equipment. If damage does occur, it should be reported to the master and, if necessary, repaired. If the damage could impair the structural capability or watertight integrity of the hull, or the ship’s essential engineering systems, the Administration or an organization recognized by it and the appropriate authority of the port State should be informed, so that they can decide whether immediate repair is necessary or whether it can be deferred. In either case, the action taken, whether to carry out the repair or defer it, should be to the satisfaction of the Administration or an organization recognized by it and the appropriate authority of the port State. Where immediate repair is considered necessary, it should be carried out to the satisfaction of the master before the ship leaves the port.	6.3.6 The master should inspect each hold as soon as possible after the completion of unloading of cargo from the hold. Any damage found should be reported to the terminal representative immediately.
6.3.7 The terminal representative should monitor the weather conditions and provide the master with the forecast of any local adverse weather condition.	6.3.7