7.1.1 The purpose of this section is to bring
to the attention of masters and others with responsibilities for the
loading and carriage of bulk cargoes, the risks associated with liquefaction
and the precautions to minimize the risk. Such cargoes may appear
to be in a relatively dry granular state when loaded, and yet may
contain sufficient moisture to become fluid under the stimulus of
compaction and the vibration which occurs during a voyage.
7.1.2 A ship's motion may cause a cargo to shift
sufficiently to capsize the vessel. Cargo shift can be divided into
two types, namely, sliding failure or liquefaction consequence. Trimming
the cargo in accordance with section 5 can
prevent sliding failure.
7.1.3 Some cargoes which may liquefy may also
heat spontaneously.