The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 1997

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.

(1)

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