1 SOLAS chapter VI, regulation
7.3 requires that before any solid bulk cargo is loaded or
unloaded, the master and the terminal representative shall agree on
a plan which shall ensure that the permissible forces and moments
on the ship are not exceeded during loading and unloading. To facilitate
the development of the plan, the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading
and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code)
(resolution A862(20), as amended)
is referenced.
2 The BLU Code requires co-operation and mutual
agreement between the terminal representative and master with regard
to how the ship is to be loaded and unloaded. The basic requirement
of the Code is an agreed plan detailing the loading, unloading, ballasting
and de-ballasting sequences. The preparation of a plan and maintaining
control of the loading and unloading process in accordance with the
plan and the BLU Code is fundamental to the
safe loading of dry bulk cargoes.
3 The BLU Code also advises
that charterers and shippers should allocate ships to terminals at
which the ship will be capable of safely loading or unloading. Ships
should be maintained in a sound, seaworthy condition and be free of
defects that may prejudice the ships' safe loading, unloading or navigation.
Terminal equipment should be properly certified, maintained and operated
by duly qualified and, if appropriate, certificated personnel. All
personnel, on board ship and terminal, should be trained in all aspects
of safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers, commensurate with
their responsibilities, including knowledge of the adverse effect
that failure to comply with the agreed loading/unloading plan may
have on the safety of the ship.
4 To supplement the BLU Code,
guidance for terminal representatives and others involved in the handing
of solid bulk cargoes is given in the Manual on Loading and Unloading
of Solid Bulk Cargoes for Terminal Representatives (MSC/Circ.1160,
as amended).
5 This document is intended to provide further
guidance for Member Governments, terminal representatives, shipowners,
ship operators, ship masters, ship charterers, shippers, receivers
and other relevant parties in the loading of bulk cargoes with the
aim of supporting the safe operation of ships and terminals.