Section 10.2 Readiness of Ship’s Gear and Holds

With the vessel securely alongside the discharge berth and all pre-arrival planning and communication completed, the final step before commencing cargo operations is to ensure that all relevant ship’s gear is fully operational and that the cargo holds are truly ready to be opened and discharged. This involves a series of last-minute checks and preparations by the ship’s crew, under the supervision of the Chief Officer and Master. While much of this might seem like a repetition of earlier preparations, this final verification confirms that all systems are go, no new issues have arisen during berthing or waiting periods, and that the vessel can seamlessly integrate with the shore-based discharge operation. This meticulous attention to final readiness minimizes start-up delays, enhances safety, and ensures the ship is an active and capable partner in the discharge process.

1. Purpose of Final Readiness Checks:

Confirm Operability: To verify that all equipment needed for discharge (e.g., hatch covers, mooring winches, potentially ship’s cranes if geared and to be used) is in immediate working order.

Ensure Safe Access and Working Conditions: To confirm that holds can be opened safely and that any necessary access for surveyors or initial entry by stevedores (if applicable for specific tasks, though rare for direct work in bulk cargo during discharge) is safe.

Prevent Delays: Identifying and rectifying any last-minute equipment glitches before discharge is scheduled to start prevents costly delays and potential claims.

Interface Smoothly with Shore Equipment: Ensuring the ship is configured correctly (e.g., hatches ready to open in sequence) to allow shore-based discharge equipment (grabs, CSUs, pneumatic unloaders) to commence work without hindrance.

Final Cargo Condition Check: A last opportunity to observe the surface of the cargo in each hold as hatches are opened, noting any changes that may have occurred during the voyage (e.g., settlement, sweat, discoloration).

2. Hatch Cover Operations:

The ability to open hatch covers efficiently and safely is paramount.

A. Pre-Opening Checks:

Power Systems: Confirm hydraulic power packs are running and pressures are normal (for hydraulic systems), or electrical power is available and breakers are on (for electric systems).

Securing Devices: Ensure all sea-fastening cleats, wedges, and any additional securing devices have been released.

Tracks and Coamings: Visually inspect hatch coaming tracks (for rolling covers) and the area around the hatches for any obstructions (e.g., loose gear, ice in cold climates, accumulated cargo spillage from previous voyages if not thoroughly cleaned).

Operating Personnel: Ensure designated crew members are at the operating controls and are familiar with the specific opening sequence and safety procedures.

Deck Area Clear: Confirm no personnel are on top of the hatch covers or in the path of moving panels.

B. Sequence of Opening:

Open hatches only for the holds that the terminal is ready to start discharging from, as per the agreed discharge sequence. Keeping other hatches closed minimizes exposure of cargo to weather and reduces potential dust/contamination spread.

If multiple loaders are working, coordinate the opening of hatches to match their deployment.

C. Safe Operation:

Operate controls smoothly.

Monitor the movement of panels for any binding, unusual noises, or misalignment.

If any problem is encountered, stop the operation, investigate, and rectify before proceeding.

D. Securing in Open Position:

Once fully open, ensure hatch cover panels are properly stowed and secured in their open position to prevent accidental movement, especially if the vessel might experience ranging at the berth or if wind conditions are a factor.

3. Cargo Hold Access (Limited during Discharge):

While personnel entry into holds during active bulk discharge is generally minimized or prohibited for safety reasons (risk from moving grabs, dust, unstable cargo surfaces), some access considerations remain:

A. Ladders: Ensure hold access ladders are clear and in good condition in case emergency access is needed, or for surveyors/ship’s staff to inspect the hold after discharge is complete or during breaks if safe.

B. Lighting: If any inspection or minor work is anticipated inside a hold during a stoppage (and after ensuring a safe atmosphere), ensure adequate portable lighting is available.

4. Deck Machinery Readiness:

A. Mooring Winches:

Critical for Maintaining Position: As cargo is discharged, the vessel’s draft, trim, and windage change, requiring continuous attention to mooring lines to keep the ship safely alongside and aligned with shore discharge equipment.

Winch Readiness: Ensure mooring winches are powered up and ready for immediate use. Brakes should be in good order.

Line Tending: Designate crew to monitor and tend mooring lines throughout the discharge operation.

B. Ship’s Cranes/Derricks (if Geared Vessel and relevant to discharge):

If Used for Discharge (less common for main bulk discharge, more for specific situations):

Full pre-operational checks (as detailed in Chapter 2).

SWL limitations understood and observed.

Certified operators.

If Used for Ancillary Tasks: E.g., lifting discharge equipment (small bulldozers, cleanup equipment) into or out of holds, handling stores. Ensure cranes are ready and safe for such tasks.

C. Gangway/Accommodation Ladder:

Must be safely rigged, properly tended as the ship’s freeboard changes, and well-illuminated. This is the primary means of access for all shore personnel and ship’s crew.

5. Bilge Systems in Holds:

A. Readiness for Pumping:

Ensure bilge suctions in each hold are clear (strum boxes clean and in place).

Bilge pumps should be ready for use.

If significant water accumulated during the voyage (e.g., from sweat) and was not pumped out, it should be pumped before discharge commences in that hold, provided it’s permissible and the water is clean.

B. Managing Water Used for Dust Suppression (if applicable and allowed):

Some terminals use water sprays for dust suppression during discharge. If this water collects in the holds, the ship’s bilge system must be capable of handling it.

Ensure such water does not contaminate remaining cargo or cause pollution if pumped overboard (consider if cargo residues make it oily or HME). Communication with the terminal about their dust suppression methods is important.

6. Ventilation Systems (Limited Use During Discharge):

Generally Off: Cargo hold ventilation systems are usually switched off and openings sealed during grab discharge to prevent dust from being drawn into fan systems or spread further.

Specific Circumstances:

If there’s a need to improve air quality on deck near open hatches due to dust or minor fumes from the cargo (and it doesn’t create a worse hazard), limited use of exhaust ventilation away from working areas might be considered with extreme caution, but this is rare.

Primarily, dust control is a terminal responsibility using their equipment (sprays, shrouded grabs).

7. Safety Equipment Readiness:

A. Fire-Fighting Equipment:

Fire main pressurized or fire pumps ready for immediate start.

Fire hoses and nozzles laid out or readily accessible on deck, especially near working hatches.

Portable fire extinguishers appropriate for the cargo type available.

SCBAs and fireman’s outfits readily accessible.

B. First Aid Equipment: Easily accessible.

C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ship’s crew on deck supervising or involved in any tasks related to discharge (e.g., mooring, hatch operation) must wear appropriate PPE (hard hats, safety shoes, high-visibility vests, gloves, eye protection, dust masks if needed).

D. Emergency Stops/Communication: Ensure ship’s crew know the location of any emergency stop buttons for shore discharge equipment (if part of the ship-shore interface agreement) and that communication channels with the terminal/stevedore foreman are clear for safety matters.

8. Final Visual Check of Cargo Surface:

As Hatches are Opened: The Chief Officer or deck watch officer should take the opportunity, as each hatch is opened, to make a final visual inspection of the cargo surface.

Note Any Changes: Look for:

Significant Settlement or Void Formation: Indicating the cargo has compacted during the voyage.

Signs of Cargo Shift: (Covered in Section 9.3) Any obvious displacement or unevenness that wasn’t present at the completion of loading.

Sweat or Moisture Damage: Any visible condensation on the cargo surface or signs of wetting.

Discoloration or Odors: Any unusual changes in appearance or smell.

Documentation: Any significant observations should be logged and, if necessary, photographed. This provides a record of the cargo’s condition immediately prior to the commencement of discharge.

9. Master’s and Chief Officer’s Role in Final Readiness:

Master:

Overall responsibility to ensure the vessel is safe and ready in all respects before authorizing the commencement of discharge.

Confirms with the Chief Officer that all checks have been completed and all equipment is satisfactory.

Ensures effective communication with the terminal regarding the ship’s readiness and the planned start of operations.

Chief Officer:

Directly supervises the final readiness checks of holds and deck equipment.

Ensures all relevant machinery (hatch cover hydraulics, mooring winches) is operational.

Liaises with the stevedore foreman regarding the sequence of hatch opening and initial discharge operations.

Makes the final visual inspection of cargo surfaces as hatches are opened.

Reports readiness status to the Master.

Ensuring the readiness of the ship’s gear and holds is the final link in the chain of preparation for discharge. It demonstrates the vessel’s professionalism and commitment to a safe and efficient operation, minimizing the potential for costly start-up delays and ensuring a smooth interface with shore-based discharge activities. This diligence protects the vessel, its crew, and contributes to a successful conclusion of the cargo voyage.