CARGO

DOCUMENTATION
KEY POINTS
 Cargo documentation comes in various forms
; some because they are mandatory and some
because of commercial necessity
 The documentation of a cargo consignment

always follows the cargo

 Each interchange of responsibility for the

cargo is covered by a document

 Some cargo documentation is mandatory and

required by legislation such as the IMDG code

Dock Receipts
 When the cargo consignment is delivered to
the terminal, a dock receipt is issued to the
person delivering it. It is used to calculate
freight and other handling cost, i.e. weight,
volume, No. of pieces.
Mates Receipts
 When the cargo is transferred to the carrying
vessel, the terminal issues a mates receipt
which is signed by the vessel. Is usually a
piece of receipt or paper for the goods
loaded, prepared and signed by the mate
hence the term ‘‘Mates Receipt’’. It contains
the quantity, marks and description of goods
and in addition the apparent condition may
be stated particularly if the goods appear to
be damaged.
Mates Receipts
 If the tallies of the ship and shipper do not
agree, the mates receipt should be signed for
the smaller amount which has been tallied
and claused Where there is the difference
between ship and shipper tallies.
Bill Of Lading
 The bills of lading are the consignee’s title to
the goods stated thereon and he or she
therefore expects to receive the goods as
they are described. It is therefore necessary
that the details of the cargo should be
correctly stated on the mate’s receipts as it is
from these that the bill of lading (B/L) will be
prepared
Bill Of Lading
 It performs three (3) main functions:
 Is a receipt for goods carried.
 Is an evidence of the contract of carriage.
 Is a document of title.
Cargo Manifest
 Is a document in which one will find at the
particulars of the cargo loaded, the shipper,
consignee etc. One copy to the shipper, one
to the agent of port of call, one to the ship. Is
a document used for customs clearance in
the destination Country.
Boat Notes
 Are the receipts for goods actually received
on board from a boat alongside given from
the boat and signed by the mate. The
advantage of the mate receipt over the boat
note is that, the chief officer starts with a
blank sheet, where as the boat note may
require amendment with associated crossing
out marks sailing in counter signing etc.
CARGO PREPARATION
KEY POINTS
 Before loading Charterers should give an
absolute warranty that ports to which they
will load & discharge the vessel will be good
and safe.
KEY POINTS
 The cargo space should be inspected and
prepared for the particular material that they
are intended to load.
KEY POINTS
Proper ventilation: moisture damage can be a
source of significant cargo claims
 Correct Lying of dunnage: permanent (spur

ceiling) and temporal.

HOLD PREPARATIONS FOR GENERAL
CARGO SHIPS
 How to prepare cargo holds prior loading
1. The compartment should be swept clean,
and all traces of the previous cargo
removed. The amount of cleaning is
dependent on the nature of the previous
cargo: some cargoes, such as coal, will
require the holds to be washed before the
carriage of a general cargo
HOLD PREPARATIONS FOR GENERAL
CARGO SHIPS
 How to prepare cargo holds prior loading
Washing is always carried out after the
compartment has been swept. Drying time
for washed compartments must be allowed
for, before loading the next cargo; this time
will vary with the climate, but two to three
days must be expected.
 Bilge areas should be cleaned and all ‘bilge
suctions’ seen to be working satisfactorily. All
‘holes’ in rose boxes should be clear to allow
the passage of water and the lines’ non-
return valves seen to be in a working
condition. Should the bilges be contaminated
from odorous cargoes, it may become
necessary to ‘sweeten’ them by a wash of
chloride of lime. This acts as a disinfectant as
well as providing a coating against corrosion.
  The fire/smoke detection system should be
tested and seen to function correctly.
 The holds drainage system and ‘tween deck

scuppers should be clear and free from

blockage.
 Spar ceiling (cargo battens) should be

examined and seen to be in a good state of

repair.
Steel hatch covers should be inspected for
their watertight integrity about any joints. If
hard rubber seals are fitted, these should be
inspected for deterioration.
 Ladders and access points should be

inspected for damage and security.


 Hold fitments such as built-in lighting and
guard rails should be checked and seen to be
in good order.
 Soiled dunnage should be disposed of. New

dunnage, clean and dry, should be laid in a

manner to suit the next cargo, if needed.
 Hold ventilation system should be operated

to check fan conditions.

CARGO CARE
 PREPARATION OF CARGO COMPARTMENTS

 The general preparation of a cargo

compartment will be the same for all types of
container and non-container vessels and is as
follows;
 DUTIES OF THE CARGO OFFICER BEFORE
LOADING, DURING LOADING AND AFTER
LOADING

 The safety of the cargo, stevedores and crew

must be ensured. The cargo handling gears
must be checked for efficiency.
Before Loading:
 1.The holds and tween decks
should be thoroughly swept down
to remove all traces of the
previous cargo. On occasions the
hold will need to be washed in
order to remove the heavy dust or
residue.
Before Loading:
 2. Bilges, bays and suctions should be
cleaned out while the hold is being
swept down.
 3. Tween deck scuppers should be

tested and strum boxes cleared of

dirt.
Before Loading:
 4. Test bilge pumping system and
non return valves must be
inspected to work satisfactorily.
 5. Check that all limber boards or

bilge bay covers are in good

condition.
 6. Spar ceiling (picture at pg) should be
examined and replaced where necessary
 7. Any soiled dunnage should be

removed and clean dunnage laid as

appropriate to receive the incoming
cargo.
 8. Check on the fire extinguishing

system and fire detection system

established.
During Loading:
 1. Log the times of commencement of
loading
 2. Ensure safety precaution in and around the

working hatch or on the deck eg. Lightening

system.
 3. Check stowage plan and ensure that port

destination cargoes are loaded into the

appropriate hold.
 4. Ensure proper dunnage and separation are

effected during the loading process

During Loading:
 5. The OOW to ensure proper dunnage and
separation are effected during the loading process.
 6. Check cargo gears constantly and if necessary
stop work and remedy the situation
 7. Tally special cargoes and secure the stowage
 8. Display dangerous cargo and precaution signals.
 9. Check stability of the ship at frequent intervals.
 10. Mooring should be attended to as often as
possible.
After Loading
 1. Note and log the time of completion of
cargo
 2. Check final draft, fore, midship and aft.
 3. Check the dock density and confirm

permissible draft.
 4. Inspect the lashing of the cargoes and

ensure that derricks are secured in place.

 5. Bill of lading / Manifest procedures must

be completed
 6. Notice of sailing posted.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION
 Cargo compartment provides assurance that
the hold is free of potential contaminants
prior to the loading of the cargo. Therefore
visual inspection of the cargo hold prior to
loading reduces the opportunity for cargo to
differ at the discharge port from the product
specification and quality requested by the
buyer.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION
 The officer responsible for loading is
responsible for verifying that the hold is
suitable and can receive the intended cargo.
The officer for loading is to check the hold
cleanliness, dryness and ventilation. And that
there is provision for cargo separation.
 The inspection will also verify the remnants

from other shipment will not affect your load.

 Buyers and sellers can request for a
visual inspection of the cargo hold
prior to loading and it will give both
parties the confidence that the cargo
will not be contaminated by any
material already in the hold.
FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT DURING STOWAGE
 Prepare a suitable and effective stowage plan
taking into account;
 List of destination
 List cargoes for destinations
 Colour codes

 
FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT DURING STOWAGE
 Distribute the cargoes so that they can be
discharged in correct order and quickly. Eg;
First port last and last port first.
 The weight should be distributed to ensure

proper trim and a good stability. Eg;

Adequate GM, Sufficient Trim.
 Avoid incompatible cargoes going into the

same hold and avoid contaminations. Eg,

cargoes that react and destroy.
FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT DURING STOWAGE
 Avoid incompatible cargoes going into the
same hold and avoid contaminations. Eg,
cargoes that react and destroy.
 Heavy cargoes should be conveniently stowed

with the view of avoiding crushing of other

cargoes. Eg, Light cargoes on top
 Group cargoes that are compatible and

require similar ventilation

  
FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT DURING STOWAGE
 Ensure that separation of dangerous cargo
and a special cargo are properly done.
 Tally systems should be initiated by the ship

party or requisite officer. It is important to

avoid disputes on quality and quantity etc
 Adopt a system to differentiate several

cargoes designated ports. Eg, Colour coding

  
DUNNAGE
 Is a sizeable piece of a second hand
timber used in the cargo operations.
New wood is scarcely used due to its
strong smell of a new wood and the
odour may affect the cargo
 Dunnage should always be free of

stains, odour, nails and large

splinters.
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
 When unloading a ship, sometimes there is a
problem as to what to do with the dunnage.
Sometimes the dunnage cannot be landed
because of customs duties on imported
timber, or quarantine rules to avoid foreign
insect pests getting offshore, and as a result
often the unwanted dunnage is later furtively
jettisoned over side and adds to the area's
driftwood problem.
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
 According to U.S. and International Law
(MARPOL73/78) it is illegal for ships to dump
dunnage within 25 nautical miles (46 km) of the
shore. Presently, the
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC),
an international regulatory agency, mandates its
134 signatory countries to comply with the
ISPM 15, (International Standards for
Phytosanitary Measures) which requires all
dunnage to be heat treated or fumigated with
pesticides and marked with an accredited seal..
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
 There are several instances where foreign
insects have entered by land and caused
devastation to the ecosystem, even ruining
crops and causing famine in Africa.
TYPES OF DUNNAGE
 Nonpermanent dunnage as
described above are moveable
and can easily be disposed off
when it is damaged or stained.
Top of the cargo is normally
protected by matting, wood
dunnage or waterproof paper
 Permanent dunnage are of a fixed type and
found in the ship side in the hold, known as
spar ceiling or cargo battens, fixed over the
side frames (Size – 150 x 50mm or 6`` x 2``)
 Permanent wooden ceiling not less than 65mm
or 21/2`` thick is often laid on the tank top at
the square of the hatch. It is to protect the tank
top and it is not replacing the non permanent
one.
  
EXAMPLES OF DUNNAGE
 Boards,
 Air bag ,
 Batten,
 Bamboo,
 plywood fibre board,
 hardboard,
 Kraft paper,
 plastic sheeting
 Coconuts or
 Wood etc.
Dunnage bags
Stabilizing capabilities of dunnage
bags in container
 Dunnage bags are air-filled pouches
that can be used to stabilize, secure
and protect cargo during
transportation. Dunnage bags are
placed in the voids between the cargo
items. Dunnage bags can be used in
all modes of transportation; road,
railway, ocean or air
 Originally rubber bags were used to brace
pallets inside trucks. They evolved into kraft
paper bags with a plastic bag interior. As
metal strapping became less popular, many
companies now use polyethylene or vinyl-
based bags because of their low cost. It is
important to match the size of the bag to the
void. If this does not match, the bags will not
function properly, with potential for damage
to cargo and people.
DUNNAGE SERVES THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES
 To protect it (cargo) from contact with water
from bilges, leakage from other cargoes or
from the DB Tank.
 To protect it from moisture or sweat which

condenses on ships structures.

 To provide air course for heated moisture

laddened air to ascend towards uptakes

(ventilator suchess.)
 To prevent chafing as well as to chop off and
secure cargo by filling in broken stowage.
 To evenly spread out the weight of loads of

deep stows.
 Dunnage in reefer cargoes also provide

channels for the thorough circulation of cool

air through the mass of cargo. To ensure
this, the dunnage should be in line with the
airflow.
STOWAGE SEPERATION AND
SEGREGATION OF CARGO
 STOWAGE
 1. Suitable and effective plan must be prepared for all
cargoes, listing destination, weights and volumes of
cargoes and appropriately coded for separation if
required.
 2. The cargo must be well distributed so that they can be
discharged in correct order and quickly.
 3. The weight should be distributed to ensure proper trim
and stability.
 4. Incompatible cargoes going into the same hold must be
avoided. It may result in contamination and reaction.
 5. Heavy cargo should be conveniently stowed with the
view of avoiding crushing of other cargoes.
STOWAGE SEPERATION AND
SEGREGATION OF CARGO
 6. Crushing of more fragile goods by heavier goods
must be avoided.
 7. If possible, a group in the same compartment
cargoes which require similar ventilation.
 8. Ensure segregation rules are appropriately applied
to dangerous cargoes and give special cargoes proper
attention.
 9. To avoid dispute on quality and quantity of goods
loaded or to be discharged, ship party to initiate a
tally system.
 10. Adopt a system for the identification of cargo for
the various ports.
SEPARATION OF CARGO
 Separation by identification is often necessary to separate
different parcels of the same cargo or different cargoes
but compatible in stowage.
 The method of separation depends on the type of cargo.
For instance bagged cargoes are frequently separated by
separation cloth made of burlap.
 Steel rails can be separated by chalk marks, water paint or
strands of wire.
 Bulk cargo is often separated by old tarpaulins and
separation cloths and bales can be separated by rope
yarns.
 Cargoes for different ports can be separated by polythene
sheeting made of different colours.
SEPARATION OF CARGO
 It is useful when large consignments of the same
cargo are to be discharged at different ports.
 To avoid different cargoes from mixing up,
adequate vertical or horizontal separation may
be given to the loading .
 All cargoes are subjected to proper stowage,
separation and segregation rules and these
includes;
 Dangerous goods (Separated from other goods
for protection against risk)
 Dangerous goods (Separated from other goods for protection
against risk)
 Dry cargo (eg. TV’s, separated from wet cargo to avoid damage in

case of leakage)
 Wet cargo (eg. Lubricating oil – wet cargo, separated from above for

similar reasons)
 Clean cargo (eg. Cotton – separated from dirty cargo in order to

preserve the quality of the clean cargo and to attract the appropriate
freight rated)
 Dirty cargo (Separated from the above for similar reasons given

above)
 Delicate cargo (Separated from the others for safe handling and

stowage)
 Valuable cargo ( eg. Bank notes, personal effects etc and normally

attract special freight rates, stowage and kept in special lockers)

Different materials that may be used
for the separation of cargoes:
 Thin netting with different colour
 Ropes
 Paint
 Marking pen (for carton and cased good)
 Chalk
 Layers of dunnage
 Construction of bulkhead from timber/ steel plate
 Separation cloth (burlap)
 Plastic sheet (ensure restricted vent would not result to
spoiling cargo)
 Natural separation (cargo of different from, shape or
packing)
SEGREGATION OF CARGO
 If there is any doubt about the reactivity or
compatibility of two cargoes, the data sheets
for each cargo and a cargo compatibility chart
should be checked and advice sought from
shippers or other authority. If this advice
seems inconclusive, the cargoes should be
treated as incompatible and positive
segregation provided.
The End