Annex - Measures to Improve the Safety of Ships Carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.797(19) – Safety of Ships Carrying Bulk Cargoes – (Adopted on 23 November 1995) - Annex - Measures to Improve the Safety of Ships Carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes

Annex - Measures to Improve the Safety of Ships Carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes

  1 Port State authorities, whether acting independently or in regional co-operation, should take appropriate measures to ensure that, in respect of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes:

  • .1 terminal operators use the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist for Loading or Unloading Dry Bulk Cargo Carriers (MSC/Circ.690);

  • .2 port authorities are encouraged to permit repair and maintenance work by the crew in port;

  • .3 stevedores are required to ensure that cargo operations are carried out without damage to ships' structures but where damage is caused, it is reported without delay to the responsible ships' officers;

  • .4 port authorities and terminal operators are aware or areas of specific concern relating to loading and unloading operations so they can be investigated and, if necessary, rectified;

  • .5 locations, where shore-based cargo weighing equipment for the transfer of high density cargoes is inadequate, are identified and measures to improve such equipment are examined;

  • .6 terminal operators appoint a “terminal representative” who has responsibilities for operations conducted by that terminal or facility with regard to the particular ship. The person so appointed should be knowledgeable about operational aspects of dry bulk trades and should have the authority to intervene when safety is being compromised;

  • .7 confirmation is submitted to the Organization that loading and unloading terminals for solid bulk cargoes comply with the IMO codes and recommendations on ship/shore co-operation; and

  • .8 measures are taken by port State control officers specific to the safety of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes, as set out in the annex to Resolution A.787(19).

  2 Flag State Administrations should take appropriate measures to ensure that, in respect of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes:

  • .1 the documentation for the loading and unloading operations recommended by the Maritime Safety Committee to improve bulk carrier safety is included as an essential item in the International Safety Management Code certification;

  • .2 masters are provided with information on the strength of the hull girder system for representative scenarios of loading and discharging of intended loading conditions; and

  • .3 single hull ships of 20,000 tonnes deadweight and above over ten years of age are not permitted to carry high density cargoes (e.g. ore) unless prior to completion of the first annual survey adoption of this resolution:

  • .3.1 a survey of all cargo holds to the extent specified for the five yearly periodical survey in accordance with the guidelines on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers (Resolution A.744(18), annex A) has been successfully completed and appropriate documentation is carried on board; or

  • .3.2 a survey related to cargo holds has been successfully completed and appropriate documentation is carried on board; such survey should comprise:

  • .3.2.1 internal examination of all cargo holds including close-up examination, particular attention being paid to tank tops, transverse watertight bulkheads, stool construction, side plating, framing and attachments;

  • .3.2.2 internal examination of topside ballast tanks selected on the basis of survey records; when extensive corrosion is found the examination should be extended to other ballast tanks, as necessary; and

  • .3.2.3 thickness gauging to confirm the findings in 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2 above.

  3 Shipowners should take appropriate measures to ensure that, in respect of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes:

  • .1 such ships use the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist for Loading or Unloading Dry Bulk Cargo Carriers (MSC/Circ.690);

  • .2 such ships use weather routeing services to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on weather and sea conditions;

  • .3 a planned maintenance scheme is implemented;

  • .4 the restoration of damage to hold coatings caused by cargo operations is included in the planned maintenance scheme;

  • .5 damage to the structure of the ship's holds, caused by cargo operations is properly surveyed and repaired;

  • .6 only appropriately qualified personnel are authorized to carry out repairs involving welding;

  • .7 where practicable, the washing of the ship's holds is followed by a fresh water rinse as a measure to prevent corrosion;

  • .8 “owners surveys” of cargo holds are conducted before loading and after unloading and that an appropriate log of such surveys is kept on board; and

  • .9 such ships are manned by an adequate number of properly qualified and trained crew.

  4 Classification societies should appropriate measures to ensure that, in respect of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes:

  • .1 research and development is continued, in co-operation with shipbuilders and that an appropriate feedback mechanism with survey practices, class rules and design standards is maintained; and

  • .2 the practicability of the application of common principles in their computerized programmes for ships' design, construction and maintenance is reviewed.


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