Deterioration of ships hull / structure through corrosion, fatigue and damage is identified as a principal factor in the loss of many ships carrying cargo in bulk . Failing to identify such deterioration may lead to sudden and unexpected accident. Bulk carrier crews may be unaware of the vulnerability of these vessel types. The consequential loss of a ship carrying heavy cargo can be expected to be very rapid, should a major failure occur.
The following precautions associated with ships structural problems need to be considered:
Solas Chapter XI-1, requires bulk carriers to comply with the enhanced survey programme (ESP) of inspections, including regular inspection of the cargo hold by ship's personnel. However, owing to the time constraints in port, ships' manning levels and charterers' requirements, it is recognised that this may not always be feasible.
Fig:Cargo hold ladders in good condition
- Ladders
- pipe guards
- manhole and bilge covers
- hatch coamings
- compression bars
- ship's rails.
This damage can easily be identified and should be repaired before departure. Officers observing such damage should immediately put the foreman on notice of their obligation to repair the damage. A stevedore damage report form should be completed.
To overcome the problems associated with operational factors such as stresses during loading and discharging, the ship's officers should prepare and plan a sequence for loading/discharging and deballasting/ballasting. Contingencies should be planned by identifying hazards and carrying out and documenting risk assessments. The control measures identified in risk assessments should be closely monitored.
A thin layer of high density cargoes should be spread on the tank top before fixing the loader in a central position within the hold. This will help protect the tank top from damage.
Typical bulk carrier cross section
Fig: Watertight hatch covers on bulk carrier
