Navigating AMSA Marine Order 32(ship cargo handling gear) inspections

Marine order 32(Cargo handling equipment) has been implemented by AMSA (Australian Maritime safety agency) under the Navigation Act 2012 with the primary focus of ensuring adequate Operation, Maintenance, Inspection & Testing of Machinery & equipment belonging to the ship which are used for cargo loading or Discharging in any Australian port.

In-depth understand of the requirements & criteria which are deemed acceptable by the Inspecting Authorities (Normally these inspections are undertaken by the Stevedoring company who are responsible to deploy the shore-based manpower to use the vessel cargo gears for loading & unloading of cargo) is key to successfully undergoing the MO32 inspections.

In this post I will try to highlight some of the important points (Non exhaustive) which can be considered crucial for MO 32 inspections.

1.Means of access to vessel & cargo areas-Safe access to vessels is of paramount importance (even before the MO32 inspection begins).

Poor condition of Gangway or unsafe deployment of the gangway can trigger more detailed inspection (along with possible reporting to AMSA by the Stevedoring company & further detailed inspection).

The walkways on deck (for accessing the cargo areas should be clean, with Anti slip paint coatings.

2.Cargo gear Documents-Maintaining proper documentation for cargo gears like-5 yearly load test certificates for cranes, Endorsement of Annual inspection of cranes & loose gears by competent Authority (Class society), Manufacturer certificates for- crane wires, crane hooks & all loose gears used in cargo operation.

Records of Testing/inspection of cargo gears by vessel staff (preferably along with photographic evidence with date stamps)

It is also highly beneficial if the vessel staff are quickly able to demonstrate their knowledge about the cargo gear by referring to specific requirements in SMS(safety management system) & supplement it with records of training imparted to vessel crew about the ?safe operation, Maintenance & inspection of cargo gear.

3.Cargo cranes-When ship cranes are used cargo loading & discharging, they are thoroughly inspected prior operation, some of the vital pointers are-

·?????? Condition of the crane wires (wires without proper greasing, surface rust or some broken wire strands are deemed unsafe for use & are often needed to be renewed before cargo operations)

·?????? Proper condition & lubrication of wire sheaves.

·?????? Proper operation of all safety limits & cutouts.

·?????? Good condition of crane wire wrapping drums

·?????? Good condition of Hydraulic/electrical operating mechanism

·?????? Good condition(well-greased) condition of gear mechanism

·?????? The physical condition of the crane operator cabin should be good (without heavy corrasion of platforms, holding down bolts)

·?????? ?The fail-safe mode of operating levers of the carne should be functional (the lever should come bac to neutral position when external force is released causing stoppage of operation of the crane)

·?????? Crane operating instructions to be present inside the operator cabin, Fire extinguisher to be present inside operator cabin, the fan in operator cabin to be operating condition, the windows of the cabin to be clean & provide good visibility.

·?????? The emergency escape from the crane operator cabin & the escape ladder should be in good condition

·?????? ?The serial no/SWL marking to be visible on crane hook (& cross referred with the certificate). SWL marking to be present on the crane boom.

·?????? The overall structure of the crane is in good condition without excessive corrosion.

?4. Cargo spaces-During cargo operations the cargo spaces are accessed by the shore stevedoring personnel, hence the condition of these spaces forms a vital part of the inspections. Some of the important pointers are-

·?????? ?Good condition of cargo space access arrangements (access hatch cover condition & securing, condition of ladders & platforms, internal lighting, unobstructed access etc)

·?????? Proper enclosed space entry procedures/precautions to be followed while entering cargo spaces (atmosphere inside the space should be acceptable)

·?????? Secure fencing for open access hatch covers, moving machinery etc.

·?????? Ventilation fans fitted in cargo access spaces should be in good operating condition.

·?????? For bulk carriers, good condition of access ladder as well as Australian ladder.

·?????? ?Good Condition of hatch cover operating & securing mechanism

·?????? For container vessels good condition of cross deck walkways, container securing ISO sockets, quick acting cleats, securing bars etc.

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While this article gives a broad overview of the MO 32 requirements, the granular details of the requirement and inspection are best realized, case to case based on the type of ship & Cargo operation being undertaken.