Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan the stow
- Loading manual is interpreted to determine operational loading conditions
- Still water shear forces and bending moments in any load or ballast condition are known and not exceeded
- Load is planned to ensure stresses in vessel are minimised by evenly distributing cargo
- Load is planned to avoid incompatible cargo stowage
- Regulations relating to hazardous materials/dangerous goods are observed, where appropriate
- Load is planned for unloading sequence
- Vessel cargo carrying capacity is not exceeded for appropriate load line
- Vessel trim is calculated to allow for optimum vessel performance at sea
- Plan load/unload with stevedores
- Available port/vessel cargo handling gear and equipment is determined
- Handling capacity of cargo handling gear and equipment is established
- Pumping capacity of cargo pumps is verified
- Availability and status of human resources is resolved
- Cargo manifest is made available
- Cargo stowage plan is completed and agreed with stevedores
- Stability calculation is made and checked against vessel stability information manual
- Notice of readiness to load/unload is provided
- Prepare for loading
- Holds are checked to ensure they are clean, dry and free of smell
- Safety arrangements in holds are verified to ensure they are operational
- Supplies of dunnage and mats are reviewed to ensure there are sufficient available
- Bilges are covered with tarpaulins/wrappers before loading
- Checks are made to ensure cargo is correctly identified, inspected and confirmed against documentation
- Preparations for loading are monitored according to stowage plan and organisational procedures
- Control loading/unloading of cargo
- Instructions are given to crew and stevedores involved in cargo loading/unloading according to cargo stowage plan
- Compliance with regulations, procedures and instructions pertaining to type of cargo being handled is managed during loading/unloading operations
- Loading/unloading is monitored to ensure loading rate is not exceeded in the case of bulk or liquid cargo
- Vessel stability is observed during loading/unloading operations
- Loading/unloading operations are checked against stowage plan
- Cargo is secured and lashed according to lashing plan
- All cargo handling documentation is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Manage ballast management operations
- Monitor care of cargo during voyage
- Vessel plan for care of cargo during the voyage is implemented according to organisational and customer requirements, and relevant regulations
- Ventilation and humidity control systems are checked
- Action required to maintain the wellbeing of cargo during the voyage is initiated according to customer requirements and organisational procedures
- Compliance with safety and hazard minimisation procedures and regulations related to cargo care is managed at all times during the voyage to maintain safety of personnel, cargo and vessel
- Appropriate action is taken in the event of a cargo-related incident or emergency to rectify problem, secure cargo and maintain safety of vessel and personnel