Operator’s role in safe Carriage of Coal

Operator’s role in safe Carriage of Coal

1.   Make sure that Master is duly informed about the cargo and he should receive the material safety data sheet prior loading. The cargo information can be obtained from Shipper. Master should be advised not to start loading until & unless cargo information is supplied to him.

2.   The basis of cargo information/MSDS, Master can take all such precaution. If the cargo is liable to emit methane, the master should follow the guidelines as per IMDG code for loading/ stowage and other carriage information.

Ship’s staff should check details as listed prior loading:

a.    Last cargo fully removed, no sign of residual cargo.

b.   Bilge well should be properly cleaned, suction tested.

c.   Bilge well to be properly covered with doubled wrapped burlap.

d.   Ensured & check for insulation damage of all electric cables, electrical instruments if any, cargo hold lights. These items are safe for use in an atmospheric containing explosive gases. If no lighting is required, the fuses should be pulled to isolate electricity.

e.    Hatch top wheels and other related equipment should be greased to ensure that no sparks are caused during opening and closing.

f.     Ships that carry coal are required to carry instruments to measure: cargo holds temperature (between 0-100°C); the pH of bilge water; Methane, Oxygen and carbon monoxide levels in the cargo hold.

g. Calibrate & test these instruments prior use. Make sure these instruments can be used without entering the cargo space.

h.    Extra monitoring is required when coal is loaded in holds adjacent to hot areas, such as heated fuel DB tanks and engine room bulkheads.

i.   The best place to monitor the temperature of the load is the centre of the stow. Keep in mind that centre of the cargo will be several degrees higher compared to the side, top or corners of the hold.

j.    Master should post a no smoking notice and it should be fully implemented on the ship and hot work should not be allowed, particularly in the vicinity of cargo compartments.

k.    If there is a specific instruction receive from shipper to ventilate the cargo, all holds containing coal should only be ventilated for the first 24 hours after departure from the loading port. Ventilation should only be continued if the amount of methane rises above the acceptable level.

l.    There should be a regular checking of atmosphere with respect to the concentration of pH of bilge water. If there is a higher pH value reading that means the likelihood of increased corrosion. In such cases, the bilges should be kept dry by pumping out any accumulated water. It’s deck officer’s duty to keep all records bilges in the deck logbook for the quantity of bilge water discharged to justify any claims of cargo shortage.

m.    Coal should also be ventilated prior to unloading due to the danger of the build-up of gases that could be ignited by a spark from the opening of the hatches.The gases may escape the cargo holds to adjacent stores, mast houses, etc. These spaces should also be checked on a regular basis.

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