Section 7.6 Managing Stevedore Performance and Safety
While the ship’s crew, under the Master and Chief Officer, meticulously plans and prepares for cargo operations, the actual physical loading (and discharging) of bulk cargo is predominantly carried out by shore-based personnel known as stevedores (or longshoremen/dockworkers). The interaction between the vessel’s command and the stevedoring team is a critical interface that significantly influences the safety, efficiency, and overall success of the port call. The Master retains ultimate responsibility for the safety of the vessel and its crew, and therefore has a duty to oversee stevedore activities to ensure they are conducted in a manner that does not compromise the ship’s integrity, the cargo’s condition, or the well-being of anyone onboard or in the vicinity. This section explores the key aspects of managing stevedore performance and safety during bulk loading operations.
1. The Role of Stevedores:
Stevedores are contracted (usually by the charterer, shipper, or terminal) to:
Operate shore-based loading equipment (shiploaders, conveyors, cranes with grabs).
Sometimes operate onboard equipment if agreed (e.g., bulldozers or trimming machines inside holds).
Direct the flow of cargo into the designated holds according to the ship’s stowage plan and sequence.
Perform trimming operations as instructed.
Secure the cargo (less common for bulk, but might involve some leveling or profiling).
While they are experts in cargo handling, their primary focus is often on speed and throughput. The ship’s officers must ensure this focus does not override safety or contractual requirements.
2. Master’s and Chief Officer’s Oversight Responsibilities:
Although stevedores are not the ship’s employees, the Master (and by delegation, the Chief Officer/deck watch officer) has the authority and responsibility to:
Ensure Adherence to the Ship’s Approved Stowage Plan and Loading Sequence: Stevedores must load cargo into the correct holds and in the agreed-upon sequence to maintain stability and keep hull stresses within limits.
Prevent Damage to the Vessel: Monitor stevedore operations to prevent damage to hatch coamings, hatch covers, hold structures (frames, ladders, tank tops), deck fittings, and any other part of the ship from loading equipment (spouts, grabs, bulldozers).
Ensure Proper Cargo Handling and Trimming: Verify that the cargo is handled in a way that minimizes degradation or dust, and that trimming is performed to the required standard to prevent shifting.
Uphold Safety Standards: Intervene if stevedore working practices are observed to be unsafe and could endanger the ship, its crew, or the stevedores themselves while on or near the vessel.
Maintain Clear Communication: Establish and maintain effective communication with the stevedore foreman or supervisor.
3. Key Aspects of Managing Stevedore Performance:
A. Adherence to Stowage Plan and Loading Sequence:
Pre-Loading Briefing: Before operations commence, the Chief Officer should have a clear discussion with the stevedore foreman, providing them with the approved stowage plan and the intended loading sequence (including quantities per hold/pour and any specific order).
Continuous Monitoring: The officer on watch must continuously monitor which holds are being loaded and compare this against the agreed sequence. Any deviations must be queried immediately.
Controlling Distribution: If multiple loaders are used, ensure they are distributing cargo as per the plan to avoid uneven loading, list, or localized stress.
Stopping Operations if Necessary: If stevedores persistently deviate from the agreed safe loading sequence despite instructions, the Master/Chief Officer must be prepared to order a stop to loading until the issue is rectified.
B. Prevention of Damage to the Vessel:
Vigilant Observation: Watch how shiploader spouts, trimming equipment (e.g., bulldozers in holds), or grabs (if used for specific tasks or by stevedores) are being operated.
Clearance: Ensure adequate clearance between loading equipment and ship structures (hatch coamings, ship’s rail, deck fittings).
Bulldozer Operations: If bulldozers are used in holds for trimming:
Ensure operators are skilled and careful.
Brief them on sensitive areas (ladders, pipe guards, sounding pipes, manhole covers).
Monitor for reckless driving or impacts against frames/bulkheads.
Tank top strength should be sufficient for the machinery.
Immediate Action on Damage: If any damage is caused by stevedores, however minor:
Stop operations in the affected area if necessary to assess.
Immediately inform the stevedore foreman and the ship’s agent.
Document the damage thoroughly (notes, sketches, photographs with date/time).
Issue a Letter of Protest to the stevedoring company holding them liable.
Inform the company (DPA/technical department) and P&I Club.
Arrange for a joint inspection of the damage with a stevedore representative if possible. Timely notification and documentation are crucial for recovering repair costs.
C. Proper Trimming of Cargo:
As discussed in the previous section, ensure stevedores trim the cargo to the required standard (e.g., reasonably level, filling voids) as per IMSBC Code and Master’s instructions.
If mechanical trimming (e.g., by bulldozer) is performed by stevedores, supervise it closely.
D. Minimizing Cargo Spillage and Dust:
While some spillage or dust may be unavoidable with certain cargoes/equipment, excessive amounts should be addressed.
Ensure loading spouts are correctly positioned over hatch openings.
Request adjustment of loading rates or spout height if excessive dust is being generated and causing pollution or visibility issues.
Spilled cargo on deck should be cleaned up regularly by stevedores (or ship’s crew if agreed) to prevent hazards and pollution.
E. Maintaining Agreed Loading Rates (Safely):
While the ship wants efficient turnaround, the loading rate must not compromise safety (e.g., by exceeding the vessel’s ability to de-ballast safely, or by preventing proper stress monitoring and trimming).
If the terminal is loading too fast for the ship to safely manage, the Master/Chief Officer must request a reduction in the rate.
4. Key Aspects of Managing Stevedore Safety (Onboard or Affecting the Vessel):
The Master has a responsibility for the safety of everyone onboard their vessel, including visiting stevedores, and for ensuring that stevedore operations do not create hazards for the ship or its crew.
A. Basic Safety Practices:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): While stevedores are usually responsible for their own PPE, the ship’s officer should observe if they are using basic appropriate gear (hard hats, safety footwear) when working on or near the vessel. Gross deficiencies might warrant a comment to the foreman.
Safe Access: Ensure the ship’s gangway or accommodation ladder is safely rigged and maintained. Stevedores must use the designated safe access.
Awareness of Shipboard Hazards: Stevedores should be made aware (e.g., during pre-op meetings or via signage) of any specific shipboard hazards in their work areas (e.g., mooring lines under tension, open manholes if any, specific ship procedures).
B. Coordination for Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS):
If ship’s crew are performing tasks on deck (e.g., tending moorings, preparing for departure) while stevedores are working, ensure clear separation of work areas and good communication to prevent interference or accidents.
C. Addressing Unsafe Acts or Conditions:
If the officer on watch observes stevedores engaging in clearly unsafe practices that could endanger themselves, the ship’s crew, or the vessel (e.g., smoking in prohibited areas, creating tripping hazards, misusing equipment in a way that risks damage or injury), they should intervene by first informing the stevedore foreman.
If the unsafe practice persists and poses an immediate threat, the Master/Chief Officer has the authority to stop that specific operation until it is made safe.
D. Communication Protocols for Safety:
Establish clear communication channels with the stevedore foreman for all safety-related matters.
The Ship-Shore Safety Checklist helps formalize this.
E. Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting is provided by the ship (or supplemented by the terminal) for safe working conditions during hours of darkness.
5. The Ship-Shore Safety Checklist:
Purpose: This checklist, often based on recommendations from ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, but principles are widely applied) or specific industry/company guidelines, is a formal tool to ensure key safety and operational aspects are discussed and agreed upon between the ship and terminal representative (often including the stevedore foreman) before operations commence.
Content: Typically covers:
Communication methods and language.
Emergency procedures and signals (fire, pollution, personnel injury).
Smoking regulations and other prohibitions.
Access to the ship.
Vessel stability and stress limitations.
Cargo handling procedures, rates, and sequences.
Environmental protection measures.
Security arrangements.
Responsibilities of ship and shore.
Process: Completed jointly by a responsible ship’s officer (e.g., Chief Officer) and a terminal/stevedore representative. Both parties sign it, acknowledging agreement.
Importance: It’s a vital tool for enhancing mutual understanding, clarifying responsibilities, and promoting a shared commitment to safety. It also serves as a documented record of pre-operational safety discussions.
6. Master’s Authority:
While stevedores are employed by other parties, the Master always retains overriding authority for the safety of their vessel and crew.
Right to Intervene: If stevedore operations are, in the Master’s professional judgment, endangering the vessel, its crew, or the marine environment, the Master has the right and duty to intervene, including ordering a stop to operations until the situation is rectified.
Issuing Letters of Protest: For unsafe practices, damage caused by stevedores, or significant deviations from agreed procedures that are not corrected.
Communication with Company/P&I: Keeping the company and P&I Club informed of any serious issues with stevedore performance or safety.
7. Dealing with Stevedore Damage:
This is a common and often contentious issue.
Prevention is Key: Vigilant oversight is the best prevention.
Immediate Action (as outlined above): Stop, notify, document, protest.
Joint Inspection: Insist on a joint inspection of any damage with the stevedore representative and, if possible, an independent surveyor before the vessel sails.
Quantify Damage: If possible, get an initial estimate of repair costs or the extent of the damage.
Do Not Sign “Clean” Receipts: If damage has occurred, do not sign any documents from stevedores stating that operations were completed without damage unless the damage is acknowledged and documented.
Repair Arrangements: Liaise with the company regarding temporary or permanent repairs. Class may need to be informed if the damage affects seaworthiness.
Analysis for the Master (Managing Stevedores): Effective management of stevedore performance and safety requires a blend of assertiveness, diplomacy, and constant vigilance.
Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations with the stevedore foreman from the outset regarding safety, adherence to plans, and prevention of damage.
Visible Presence: The visible presence of ship’s officers on deck monitoring operations often encourages more careful work by stevedores.
Professional Communication: Maintain a professional and respectful but firm line of communication. Avoid overly confrontational approaches unless absolutely necessary, but do not compromise on safety or critical operational requirements.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Be fully aware of the Master’s authority and the vessel’s rights under the charter party and general maritime law concerning stevedore operations and damage.
Teamwork Onboard: Ensure good coordination and communication among the ship’s own watch officers and crew in monitoring different aspects of the stevedore operation.
Managing stevedore performance and safety effectively is crucial for protecting the vessel from damage, ensuring the cargo operation proceeds efficiently and according to plan, and maintaining a safe working environment for everyone involved. It requires constant vigilance, clear communication, and a firm commitment to the vessel’s safety and commercial interests from the Master and the entire bridge team.