What are the procedures to follow when loading and discharging cargoes?

Cleanliness and dryness

For loading and storage, all spaces to be loaded with grain must be thoroughly cleaned and dry, free of odor, gas or fumes to be fit to receive grain cargo.

In particular:

• The holds and compartments, including the hatch, cover coaming, deck beams, frame knees, brackets, and pipe casings shall be free of all residues of previous cargoes which could contaminate the grain.
• Fumigation should be carried out if necessary to avoid any cargo contamination by insects.

Grain Tightness

When loading grain, all tank-top and fuel tank covers should be grain tight.

‘Tween deck and other scuppers must be covered with a permeable material in such a manner as to prevent the entry of grain but to permit the entry of any drainage water.

During Loading

The ship structure, including ladder rails, stanchions, rungs, and pipe protection fittings, can become damaged during loading. Any such damage should be noted and repaired on a continuing basis so that steel fittings such as lighting, ladders, tank tops, brackets tore from the ship’s structure by grabs or bulldozers do not contribute to cargo contamination. This can also result in damage claims to shoreside loading/discharging and conveyor machinery and equipment.

General Segregation & Stowage

The cargo must be spaced evenly within the hold, to ensure the stability of the vessel remains positive with the center of gravity in an efficient position as to produce a positive metacentric height.

Safety while loading/discharging

When loading/discharging, the hold should be free from personnel as a safety precaution, in case any cargo detaches from the lifting plant and impacts the personnel, perhaps fatally.