OUTLINE OF CONTENT OF EU

SAFE LOADING OF BULK

CARRIERS DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE FROM MARCH
2004
 OBJECTIVES
• To enhance the safety of bulk carriers
calling at terminals in member states in
order to load or discharge solid bulk
cargoes, by reducing the risks of
excessive stresses & physical damage to
the ship’s structure during these
operations.
• This is to be accomplished by harmonising
suitability requirements for ships &
terminals harmonising procedures for co-
operation & communication between these
ships & terminals.
CONTENTS OF SHIP SUITABILTY
CHECKLIST
• Holds & Hatches are suitable for cargo
handling operations.
• Holds clearly numbered.
• Opening & closing systems are safe &
operational.
• List indicating lights have been tested.
• Loading instrument is certified as being
capable of carrying-out stress calculations
during cargo operations.
• Propulsion & auxiliary machinery is in
good working order.
• Mooring equipment is in good working
order.
 SUITABILITY OF TERMINALS
• Terminals must provide a safe
environment for loading & discharging bulk
cargoes apart from grain.
• The above includes:
• Mooring facilities, depth of water & safe
access.
• Properly certified loading & unloading
equipment.
• Trained personnel to operate such
equipment, wearing the correct protective
clothing.
• Terminal representatives must be
appointed.
• Information books containing details of the
terminal are to be provided.
• A quality management system is to be
developed.
 Main responsibilities of the Master
• The master must provide certain
information to the Terminal
Representative. This includes for example:
• ETA, draught, ship’s dimensions, the
cargo handling plan & details of the ship’s
mooring arrangements.
 Duties of Master During Cargo
Operations
• Examples of the above are:
• Ensuring that a competent officer is in
charge of cargo & ballast operations.
• Checking that the cargo & ballasting
operations do not overstress the hull.
• Ensuring that the vessel is kept upright.
• Keeping the vessel securely moored.
• Keeping the Terminal Representative fully
informed at the various stages of the
loading operation.
• Completion of a cargo record form which
covers such details as the consignee, the
shipper, cargo specification & properties of
the cargo.
• This document is signed by the shipper.
 Responsibilities of the Terminal
Representative
• He/she must communicate details of the facilities
at the berth such as the minimum depth of
water, characteristics of loading/unloading
equipment & arrangements for access.
• He/she must monitor the cargo operation
carefully. For example, the agreed loading plan
must be followed, the ship must be kept upright,
the ship’s structure must not be damaged & the
cargo must be trimmed at the end of a loading
operation.
 Cargo Handling Procedures
• Before operations commence, the Master
& the Terminal Representative agree on a
loading or unloading plan.
• Both to sign.

• Before cargo operations commence, a

ship/shore checklist is completed.
 Ship/Shore Safety Checklist
• Examples of Content:
• Is there adequate depth of water on the
berth?
• Do mooring arrangements cover all
eventualites?
• Can the ship leave the berth in an
emergency at any time?
• Is access safe?
• Are communications operative?
• Is there adequate crew on board?
• Have any repairs to the vessel been
agreed?
• Is the atmosphere in the holds safe?
• Does the agreed plan cover all stages of
the cargo operation?
• Effective communications between the vessel &
the terminal will be established & maintained.
• Cargo operations will follow the agreed plan.
The Terminal Representative is responsible for
ensuring that the terminal personnel followe this
plan. No deviations with regard to hold order,
quantity & rate of loading or unloading without
prior agreement.
• When cargo operations are completed, the
Master & the Terminal representative will
agree in writing that the plan has been
followed, including any agreed changes.