3.

1 State that cargoes, other than in containers, commonly carried on deck

are: (K)
- Dangerous goods not permitted below decks
- large units, difficult or impossible to stow below deck, which can safely be
exposed to the elements
- Cargoes which can be exposed to the weather, and which would occupy a
very large space below decks
- livestock in limited numbers
This is done for the safety reasons to prevent potential hazards from affecting the ship
UD11T6105 Cargo Work-1 internally, and to ensure proper ventilation and access in case of emergency.
Eg: explosions, gases flammable liquid etc.

Notes 3.2 Explain why efficient securing of cargoes is essential for the safety of
the ship as well as the cargo (U)
• Reduces risk of damage to cargo and ship
• Ensures safety and stability in adverse conditions
Unit 3 Deck Cargo, Bulk Cargo (other than grain),
• Cargo should be properly loaded and balanced to prevent shifting which destabilize
Bulk Grain Cargo, Ventilation and Control the ship or cause damage.

Compiled by: Capt. Yogesh Shah

Assisted by: Sparsh Goyal (M1334)

Figure 1: Securing of cargo by means of Lashing

Video for understanding: https://youtu.be/JebcH4_LVEU?si=BaRpyVmpAMXw-zy1
3.3 State that stowage and securing of deck cargo should be adequate for Maintain access to: -
the worst conditions which could be experienced (K) • Sounding pipes to tank and bilges
• Prepare for the worst conditions that could experience • Devices for remote operation valves
• Use appropriate securing methods and materials. • Mooring arrangements
• Ensure that the cargo is properly lashed and supported to prevent movement during • Firefighting and lifesaving appliances
transit. • Crew accommodation
To ensure safe access to essential equipment on a ship, you should implement protocols

3.4 State that hatches should be securely closed and cleated before loading
over them (K)
• Ensure hatches are closed and cleated to prevent water from going inside and the
cargo

Figure 3: Mooring arrangements and Sounding Systems

3.6 State that deck cargo should not obstruct the view from the navigating
bridge or over-side at the bow (K)
• Deck cargo should not come in the view of navigating bridge. Happening so will
hinder proper navigation
• Proper placement ensures equipment and storage areas are positioned in a way that
does not block bridge visibility.
Figure 2: Ship hatches

3.5 State that stowage should leave safe access to essential equipment and
spaces needed to navigate and operate the ship such as: (K)
– sounding pipes to tanks and bilges
– Devices for the remote operation of valves
– Mooring arrangements
– firefighting and life-saving equipment Figure 4: Unobstructed view from Bridge

– crew accommodation and working spaces 3.7 State that the weight of deck cargo should not exceed the maximum
permissible load on the deck or hatches (K)
– protection for the crew
 1. Safety
a. Exceeding the limit can compromise the stability and structural integrity of the
vessel, putting the crew, cargo, and ship at risk.
2. Damage prevention
a. Overloading can cause damage to the deck, superstructure, and cargo handling
equipment.
3. Insurance and liability
a. Exceeding permissible limits can void insurance coverage and increase
liability risks.
Figure 6: Shoring
It's essential to calculate and monitor deck cargo weight carefully to ensure safe and
Positioning of girders, transverse and longitudinal under the tank top:
compliant operations.
1. Transverse girders
a. Placed perpendicular to the load, they help to distribute the load across the
width of the tank.
2. Longitudinal girders: Placed parallel to the load, they help to:
a. Support the tank top and prevent bending.
b. Distribute the load along the length of the tank.

Figure 5: Capsizing ship due to instability/overloading

3.8 Describe how the effects of a concentrated load can be spread over a
wider area by the use of dunnage and deck shoring taking into
consideration the positioning of girders, transverses and longitudinal under
the tank top (U)
1. Dunnage: Placing dunnage materials (e.g., wood, mats) under the concentrated load
helps to:
a. Increase the contact area, reducing pressure on the tank top.
b. Absorb shocks and vibrations.
c. Prevent direct contact between the load and tank top.
2. Deck shoring: Installing shores (e.g., beams, posts) between the tank top and the load
helps to:
Figure 7: Transverse and Longitudinal Bulkhead
a. Transfer the load to the shores, reducing direct pressure on the tank top.
b. Distribute the load across a wider area, utilizing the strength of the shores.

3.9 Describe the guard lines or rails to be provided at the sides of a deck
stow and at openings in the stow (U)
Guard lines or rails are safety features required on deck stows to prevent personnel from
falling or cargo from shifting. Here's a description of the guard lines or rails to be provided:
 1. At the sides of a deck stow: Figure 10: Ladder and Gangway
a. Height: Guardrails should be at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high, measured from
the deck.
3.11 Describe the method of safe stowage and securing of containers on
b. Material: Sturdy material, such as steel or wood, is recommended. deck on vessels not specially designed for the carriage of containers (U)
c. Construction: Rails should be securely attached to the deck or stanchions. Safe stowage and securing of containers on deck involve:
d. Spacing: Rails should be spaced at intervals not exceeding 3.6 meters (11.8
feet) apart. • Stowage Planning
e. Tensioning: Guard lines or wires should be tensioned to prevent sagging. o Ensure even weight distribution, with heavier containers stowed lower and
f. Illumination, maintenance and regular inspection. near the centreline for stability.

Figure 9: Guard lines

3.10 Describe the provision of means of safe access between the deck and
the top of the stow (U)
Figure 11: Stowage Planning software
The provision of safe access between the deck and the top of the stow is crucial for crew
members to safely climb up or down when inspecting, maintaining, or working on the cargo. • Lashing Systems
Here are the typical provisions: o Use appropriate lashing gear (e.g., twist locks, lashing rods, turnbuckles) to
secure containers, preventing movement due to ship motion.
1. Ladders: Sturdy ladders with:
a. Non-slip rungs
b. Secure attachments to the deck and stow
c. Handrails or grab lines for support
2. Gangways: Elevated walkways with:
a. Non-slip surfaces
b. Handrails or guardrails
c. Secure attachments to the deck and stow

Figure 12: Turnbuckles and Twistlocks

• Container Stacking
o Follow height and weight restrictions, stacking in a way that maintains balance
and minimizes stress on the containers.
• Regular Inspections
o Continuously monitor and tighten lashings as needed, especially in rough seas.
3.12 Describe in outline the contents of the IMO International Maritime
Solid Bulk Cargo (IMBSC) Code (U)
– Defines:
– angle of repose
– cargoes which may liquefy
– flow moisture point
– flow state
– transportable moisture limit
– Describe in detail the preparation of cargo holds prior to loading bulk
cargoes
The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code is a mandatory set of rules
that helps ensure the safe transport of solid bulk cargo by sea. The code was adopted in 2008
and went into effect in 2011.

• Angle of Repose: The maximum angle at which cargo remains stable without sliding.

Figure 13: Angle of Repose formula

• Cargoes that May Liquefy: Cargoes that can flow when their moisture content
exceeds a certain level. Requires specific testing and precautions. Flow Moisture
Point (FMP). Critical for determining safe handling conditions.
NOTE: Flow moisture point is the percentage moisture content which a flow state develops.
Moisture content = (weight of water/ total weight of sample)*100

• Flow State: The condition where cargo acts like a fluid, influenced by moisture and
other factors. Requires careful management to ensure stability.

Figure 14: Iron liquefied in cargo hold

Preparation of cargo hold prior to loading bulk cargo:

 1. Ensure that bilge is clean 3.14 Explain that some bulk cargoes may deplete the oxygen content of
2. Ensure that bilge pump is in working condition holds or produce toxic gases and describe the precautions to take before
3. Cleaning: Remove all dust, residues from previous cargoes, and contaminants from
entry of holds (U)
the hold's surfaces. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and pressure washing.
4. Ventilation and Drying This phenomenon occurs when the cargo itself consumes oxygen or releases gases that
5. If necessary, use dunnage accordingly displace oxygen.
6. Cargo Characteristics
Why Does This Happen?
7. Stowage Plan
• Respiration:
3.13 Explain that separation between certain bulk cargoes and other than Some organic materials, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, continue to
bulk cargoes or package of dangerous goods is required (U) respire even after being harvested. This process involves consuming oxygen
Separation between bulk cargoes and other types of cargo, particularly dangerous goods, is and releasing carbon dioxide.
crucial for safety and regulatory compliance. Here's why: • Decomposition:
Over time, organic matter can decompose, leading to the release of gases that
1. Risk of Contamination: reduce oxygen levels.
a. Bulk cargoes, such as coal or iron ore, can generate dust or debris that might • Chemical Reactions:
contaminate packaged goods or dangerous materials. This contamination can Certain cargoes, like metals or chemicals, can undergo reactions that consume
affect the quality and safety of sensitive cargo. oxygen.
Precautions before entry:
1. Ventilation:
Ensure proper ventilation of the cargo hold to replace depleted oxygen and
remove harmful gases.
2. Gas Detection:
Use gas detectors to check for oxygen levels and the presence of toxic gases
before entering.

Figure 15: Cargo Separation

2. Hazard Mitigation:
a. Dangerous goods often require specific handling and storage conditions. For
example, bulk materials might react with chemicals or other hazardous
substances, potentially causing fires, explosions, or other safety issues.
3. Safe Access and Handling:
a. Proper separation ensures that each type of cargo is handled according to its
specific needs and safety protocols. This helps in efficient management of
Figure 16: Oxygen Analyser
cargo operations and minimizes risks during loading, transit, and unloading.
3. Safety Gear:
In summary, maintaining proper separation helps to prevent contamination, manage hazards
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks or
effectively, and comply with regulations, thereby ensuring the safety and integrity of all
respirators, if necessary.
cargo onboard.
 Coal can self-heat due to oxidation, which might lead to spontaneous
combustion. This is particularly dangerous in confined spaces like cargo holds.

Figure 17: Safety Gear

4. Entry Permits:
Follow safety protocols and obtain necessary permits for entry, ensuring that Figure 19: Self Heating of Coal
all safety measures are in place.
3. Gas Emissions:
Coal can emit harmful gases, such as methane or carbon monoxide, which can
be toxic and pose a risk of breathing
3.15 Describe the hazards associated with coal cargoes (U)
4. Liquefaction:
Coal cargoes have several hazards during handling and transport: process where moisture in cargo migrates to the surface resulting in the
formation of flow state.
1. Dust Explosions:
Coal dust is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures in the air.
Accumulation of dust can lead to dust explosions if ignited.

Figure 20: Coal Liquefaction

5. Spontaneous Combustion:
coal absorbs oxygen and then forms carbon monoxide and C02. this process is
exothermic thus releasing heat. this heat can lead to fire

Figure 18: Dust explosion

2. Self-Heating:
 (WHEN)

Measurement Frequency:

1. Regular Intervals: Temperature readings should be taken at regular intervals

throughout the voyage. The frequency depends on the type of coal, its history of self-
heating, and the ambient temperature.
2. Initial Loading: Detailed measurements should be taken during the initial loading
process to establish a baseline temperature.
3. Critical Areas: Special attention should be paid to areas prone to self-heating, such as
Figure 21: Spontaneous combustion of Coal near the engine room or areas with high ambient temperatures
Proper management, including ventilation, dust control, and monitoring, is essential to
3.17 Describe the precautions to take during loading and discharging coal
mitigate these hazards.
(U)
• Inspection
3.16 Describe the importance of monitoring the temperature of the holds o cargo hold and ventilation system
associated with carriage of coal cargoes (U)
(WHY)
Monitoring the temperature of holds carrying coal cargoes is crucial to prevent spontaneous
combustion and ensure the safety of the crew and vessel.
Coal can undergo self-heating, a process that can generate enough heat to ignite the cargo. By
closely monitoring the temperature, potential hotspots can be identified and addressed before
they escalate into a fire
(HOW)
Monitoring Equipment:

1. Portable Thermometers: Portable infrared thermometers can be used to measure the

surface temperature of the coal cargo.
2. Fixed Sensors: Some vessels may have fixed temperature sensors installed in the
cargo holds for continuous monitoring.

Figure 23: Ventilation of Cargo hold with Coal

• Monitoring dust level

o use dust suppression techniques such as water sprinklers
• Temperature monitoring
o coal can self-heat, leads to risk of fire
• Gas monitoring
o regularly check presence of toxic gases like CO and CH4
• Safe access
o Ensure safe access to holds during discharge. Use proper lifting and proper
Figure 22: Temperature Monitoring by sensors gear
 • Trim Control
o Maintain proper trim of the vessel to ensure stability and prevent shifting of
the cargo

Figure 24: Trimming of coal

3.18 Explain how coal should be ventilated (U)

Figure 25: Ventilation of upper and lower cargo hold
Ventilation
Surface ventilation is an important necessity during the carriage of coal for two reasons:
3.19 Define the following terms as used in the International Grain Code:
1. To carry away any methane gas which may be given out (K)
2. To dissipate any heat formed by oxidation of the coal.
– grain
Through ventilation must in no way be carried out as introduction of air into the cargo
promotes oxidation and thereby spontaneous combustion. It is recommended that for the first – filled compartment
five days after loading all ventilators should be utilized for removing the gas; thereafter the
ventilators to the lower holds are to be plugged and opened only for 6 hours every two days. – partly filled compartment
Each hold containing coal should have at least two ventilators - one forward and one aft and • Grain: Includes wheat, corn, barley, oats, rice, maize, seeds and similar cereals.
tween deck and lower hold ventilators should be independent.
• Filled Compartment: Cargo hold filled with grain to its full capacity. Grain should be
Before discharging careful ventilation should be directed towards removing the gases from levelled and smoothed out (it minimizes the risk of cargo shift)
both between deck and lower hold. A sudden influx of air into coal compartments before • Partly Filled Compartment: Hold partially filled with grain, leaving significant
discharge may have disastrous results. In fine weather hatches may be opened to facilitate void/space with respect to the code compliance
surface ventilation. Attention is to be paid to storerooms, tanks and other spaces where
methane or carbon monoxide can accumulate.
 • If required, Fumigation preparations (gas to kill pests that can damage the grain)

Figure 28: Fumigation of Cargo Holds

Figure 26: Partly Filled and Filled Compartment
3.21 State that a thorough check for insect or rodent infestation should be
3.20 Describe the cleaning and preparation of holds and decks for the made (K)
carriage of grain (U)
• Inspection of holds:
Cleaning of holds visual inspection, use of flashlight, trap placement
• Removal of residues • Inspection of deck & surroundings:
• Washing (with salt water to remove dust & dirt) deck & hatch covers, ventilation opening
• Rinsing with fresh water to remove salt residues • Inspection of equipment & machinery:
cargo handling equipment, machinery spaces.
• Drying (to prevent moisture and other contaminants)
• Verification of previous cleaning:
• Inspection (to ensure that hold is free from contamination and suitable for carrying)
residual check
• Documentation & reporting:
do all the necessary documentations of any evidence of pest and measures
taken to address them.

Figure 27: Washing of Cargo Hold

Figure 29: Inspection of Cargo Holds
Preparation of hold
3.22 Describe the dangers associated with using insecticide in cargo holds
• Rust treatment
(U)
• Bilge preparation (cleaned and covered to prevent ingress of grain)
• Ventilation systems (maintain proper air quality) • Health risk to crew
 if inhaled or came in contact with skin

Figure 32: Trimming

How it is done:
Figure 30: Health risks of Insecticides
1. By spout trimming: a method of loading cargo where the material is poured into the
• Chemical reactions cargo holds through a spout or chute and is allowed to level out or “trim” naturally
it may react with certain type of cargo like food products and pharmaceuticals. under the force of gravity
• Fire hazards
some of them are flammable or can create explosive atmosphere

Figure 33: Spout Trimming

2. By machines like bulldozer
Figure 31: Insecticides may give flammable gases

• Ventilation issues
inadequate ventilation can lead to an accommodation of fumes in cargo hold.

3.23 Explain the importance of trimming and states how it should be made
(U)
Trimming: It means the partial or total levelling of cargo in a cargo hold Figure 34: Trimming by Bulldozer
3. By manual labour

Importance of trimming: -

• Weight of cargo gets spread evenly over the tank top

• Possibility of shifting is reduced
• Reduced surface area permits less entry and contact with air thereby reducing the
possibility of spontaneous combustion.
 Figure 35: Manual Trimming

3.24 List the factors involved in the control of sweat by ventilation (K)
Figure 37: Ship Sweat
• Careful watch should be kept on the air inside and outside the hold
• Ventilation design Cargo Sweat
• Air circulation • Cargo sweat occurs when ventilation is carried out while going from a cold place to a
• Humidity warm place.
• The cargo is cold, and the incoming air is warm, which when comes in contact with
the cargo, gets cooled below its dew point and water droplets condense on the cargo.

Figure 36: Mushroom Ventilator Figure 38: Cargo Sweat

3.25 Distinguish between ship’s sweat and cargo sweat and explains the 3.26 Describe the system of natural ventilation and how it should be
conditions in which each is experienced (U) controlled to minimize the formation of sweat (U)
Ship Sweat Natural Ventilation: Utilizes the natural flow of air to circulate within the cargo hold, often
through vents. It's typically used when the outside air conditions are favourable for the cargo.
• Ships sweat is formed when a ship goes from a warm place to a cold place.
• The air in the cargo hold is warm but the air surrounding the ship is cold. This cold air
cools the ship's structure and the warm environment inside the hold. Now that the
hold is in contact with the ships side, it gets cooled below its dew point.
• This causes the formation of water vapour which condenses in the form of water
droplets.

Figure 39: Ventilation unit onboard ship

 Figure 40: Natural Ventilation

Factors to minimize formation of sweat:

• Proper ventilation
• Cargo stowage
• Humidity control
• Regular monitoring
• Preventive measure
Figure 41: Forced Ventilation with Lee Ventilators
3.27 Describe forced ventilation and humidity control for cargo holds and Properties Measured and Recorded at the Control Panel:
states the properties measured and recorded at the control panel (U)
• Temperature
Mechanical / forced Ventilation: Involves the use of fans or blowers to force air into or out of • Relative humidity
the cargo hold. This method is used when natural ventilation is insufficient or when specific • Airflow
air changes per hour are required. • CO2 content
If the dew point temperature in the cargo compartment can be retained below the temperature • Pressure
of the ship’s structure, i.e. decks, sides, bulkheads and the cargo, there would be no risk of • Dew point
sweat forming. Such a condition cannot always be achieved without some form of
3.28 Explain how to operate the ventilation system described in the above
mechanical (forced) ventilation from fans or blowers.
objective (U)
NOTE:

1. Indiscriminate ventilation causes more damage than no ventilation at all

2. Dew point outside > dew point inside = do not ventilate

3. Dew point outside < dew point inside = ventilate

How to operate ventilation system: -

1. Prestart inspection
2. Set parameters
3. Monitor system
4. Routine check
 • Hazardous materials
substance that emits fumes like paint, solvents, some types of batteries
• Live animals
Animals require fresh air to breathe and may also produce waste that needs to
be ventilated away.
3.29 State that ventilation is also required for the removal of heat, gases
• Organic materials
and odours (K) Items like wood, leather, or textiles that can develop mold or mildew if not
properly ventilated.
• Bulk cargoes
Coffee, Rice, Rubber, Wool, Grain, coal, or other bulk materials that can emit
gases or generate heat when stored in large quantities.
• Humanitarian aid
Medical supplies and other sensitive materials that must be kept in specific
environmental conditions.
• Petroleum products
Crude oil, gasoline, or other fuels that emit flammable vapours

Video for explanation: https://youtu.be/Xein99Ve2BI?si=u3U_95MxCU4GChJZ

3.30 State examples of cargoes requiring special ventilation (K)

• Perishable goods
Fruits, vegetables, fish meal and other items that can spoil without proper air
circulation