INSPECTION PROCEDURE TO CARGO HOLDS

BEFORE LOADING AND DISCHARGE

OPERATIONS

Francisco, Jeffrey D.
Garcia, E-jay C.
When it comes to inspecting cargo holds before loading
and discharge operations, a thorough procedure is
essential to ensure the safety of the vessel, crew, and
cargo. Here is a report outlining the inspection
procedure:
1. Pre-Loading Inspection:
- Before loading any cargo, conduct a visual
inspection of the cargo hold to ensure it is clean, dry,
and free of any previous cargo residues.
- Check for any signs of damage, such as rust,
corrosion, or structural weaknesses that could
compromise the integrity of the cargo hold.
- Verify that all ventilation systems are in good
working condition and able to adequately ventilate the
hold during loading operations.
2. Loading Operations Inspection:
- As the cargo is being loaded, monitor the process to
ensure that it is being stowed properly and securely
within the cargo hold.
- Check the condition of cargo securing equipment,
such as lashings and dunnage, to prevent shifting of the
cargo during transit.
- Monitor the weight distribution of the cargo to
prevent overloading of any specific area within the hold.
3. Post-Loading Inspection:
- Once the loading operations are complete, conduct a
final inspection of the cargo hold to ensure that all cargo
has been properly stowed and secured.
- Check for any signs of damage or shifting of the cargo
during loading and ensure that corrective actions are
taken if necessary.
- Verify that all access hatches and ventilation systems
are securely closed and in good working condition
before departure.
4. Discharge Operations Inspection:
- Before commencing discharge operations, inspect
the cargo hold to ensure that all cargo has been
properly secured and that there are no visible signs of
damage or contamination.
- Monitor the discharge process to ensure that cargo is
being removed in a safe and controlled manner to
prevent damage to the vessel or cargo hold.
- Check for any discrepancies between the cargo
manifest and the actual cargo being discharged and
report any issues to the appropriate authorities.