The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 1997

PART III Special Provisions For Bulk Cargoes Other Than Grain

Acceptability for loading

9.—(1) Prior to loading a bulk cargo the master shall be in possession of approved stability information, as required by the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules 1968(1), containing comprehensive information on the ship’s stability and on the distribution of cargo and ballast for the standard loading conditions.

(2) The master shall not accept for loading concentrates or other cargoes which may liquefy unless either the moisture content of the cargo indicated in the certificate referred to in regulation 4(1)(b) is less than its transportable moisture limit or appropriate safety arrangements are made to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority to ensure adequate stability in the case of cargo shifting, and the ship has adequate structural integrity.

(3) Prior to loading a bulk cargo referred to in regulation 4(1)(c), appropriate special precautions for its safe carriage shall be taken.

(4) The operator shall ensure that the master is furnished with the information referred to in paragraph (1).

(5) The master shall not accept cargo for loading unless:

(a) he has in his possession the information required by paragraph (1),

(b) he is satisfied by calculations that the proposed loading arrangements would not breach the stability information provided under paragraph (1), and

(c) he is satisfied that, in the case of a cargo to which paragraph (3) applies, the precautions required by that paragraph have been taken.

(6) An operator who contravenes paragraph (4) shall be guilty of an offence.

(7) A master who contravenes paragraph (2) or (5) shall be guilty of an offence.

Stowage of bulk cargo

10.—(1) The master shall ensure that bulk cargoes are loaded and trimmed reasonably level, as necessary, to the boundaries of the cargo space so as to minimize the risk of shifting.

(2) When bulk cargoes are carried in 'tween decks, the master shall ensure that the hatchways of such 'tween decks shall be closed in those cases where the loading information indicates an unacceptable level of stress of the bottom structure if the hatchways are left open. The cargo shall be trimmed reasonably level and shall either extend from side to side or be secured by additional longitudinal divisions of sufficient strength. The safe load-carrying capacity of the 'tween decks shall be observed to ensure that the deck-structure is not overloaded.

(3) A master who contravenes paragraph (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence.

(1)

S.I. 1968/1053; to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.