Chapter 9: Cargo Care and Monitoring During the Voyage

Once the hatches are sealed and the bulk carrier embarks on its sea passage, the focus of cargo operations shifts from active handling to diligent care and monitoring. The voyage, whether a few days or several weeks, exposes the cargo and the vessel to a range of environmental conditions and the dynamic forces of the sea. The Master’s responsibility for the safety of the cargo and the ship does not diminish once clear of the port; it simply enters a new phase. This chapter addresses the crucial aspects of cargo care during the voyage, including appropriate ventilation strategies, monitoring the condition of various cargoes, preventing cargo shifting, dealing with condensation issues, and taking necessary precautions in heavy weather. Effective cargo care minimizes the risk of damage, deterioration, or loss, thereby protecting commercial interests and ensuring the vessel’s safety. These practices are essential components of professional seamanship on bulk carriers.