3 Loading Instrument

3.1 General requirements

3.1.1 Definition

A loading computer system is a system, which is either analog or digital, by means of which it can be easily and quickly ascertained that, at specified read-out points, relevant operational limitations, such as the still water bending moments, shear forces, and lateral loads, where applicable, in any load or ballast condition do not exceed the specified permissible values.

The loading instrument is ship specific onboard equipment and the results of the calculations are only applicable to the ship for which it has been approved.

An approved loading instrument can not replace an approved loading manual.

3.1.2 Conditions of approval of loading instruments

The loading instrument is subject to approval based on the Rules of the individual Society. The approval is to include:

• Verification of type approval, if any,
• Verification that the final data of the ship has been used,
• Acceptance of number and position of read-out points,
• Acceptance of relevant limits for all read-out points,
• Checking of proper installation and operation of the instrument onboard, in accordance with agreed test conditions, and that a copy of the operation manual is available.

Modifications resulting in changes to the main data of the ship (e.g. lightship weight, buoyancy distribution, tank volumes or usage, etc), require the loading manual to be updated and re-approved, and subsequently the loading instrument to be updated and re-approved. However, new loading guidance and an updated loading instrument need not be resubmitted provided that the resulting draughts, still water bending moments and shear forces do not differ from the originally approved data by more than 2%.

An operational manual is always to be provided for the loading instrument. The operation manual and the instrument output are to be prepared in a language understood by the users. If this language is not English, a translation into English is to be included.

The operation of the loading instrument is to be verified upon installation. It is to be checked that the agreed test conditions and the operation manual for the instrument is available onboard.

3.2 Requirements specific to bulk carriers

3.2.1 General

For BC-A, BC-B and BC-C ships, the loading instrument is to ascertain as applicable:

• The mass of cargo and double bottom contents in way of each hold as a function of the draught at midhold position,
• The mass of cargo and double bottom contents of any two adjacent holds as a function of the mean draught in way of these holds,
• That the still water bending moment and shear forces in the hold flooded conditions do not exceed the specified permissible values.

3.2.2 Condition of approval

For BC-A, BC-B and BC-C ships, the approval is to include, as applicable:

• Acceptance of hull girder bending moment limits for all read-out points,
• Acceptance of hull girder shear force limits for all read-out points,
• Acceptance of limits for the mass of cargo and double bottom contents of each hold as a function of draught,
• Acceptance of limits for the mass of cargo and double bottom contents in any two adjacent holds as a function of draught.