The terminal should make every effort to avoid damage to the ship when using unloading or hold cleaning equipment. The ships officer should inspect each hold as soon as possible after the completion of unloading of cargo from the hold. Any damage found should be reported to the terminal representative immediately.Where immediate repair is considered necessary, it should be carried out to the satisfaction of the master before the ship leaves the port.
Inspection for ships damage
1) Inspect damaged area together with master.
2) Look for signs of fresh metal or freshly broken welds in the impact area.
3) Measure/estimate the damaged area, and length and depth of any indents.
4) Check for signs of previous damage i.e. rusted broken welds or rusted indents.
Equipment required for damage inspection: notebook, torch, camera, measuring tape.
Minor Scrapes and Indents
1) Photograph the required repair and estimate the cost.
2) Arrange for repairs if necessary, safe and practicable.
Alternatively agree a mutually acceptable means of resolving the issue with the ship's master. Ensure that such agreement is fully documented
Damage to ladders, handrails, steps which cause safety problems
In consultation with master and attending representative from the relevant authority, arrange for repairs to be carried out by a competent contractor.
Serious Damage
This includes holes in tank tops or wing tanks, hatch coaming or hatch cover damage, or damage to decks or fittings essential to maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. Repairs will have to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authorities. Normally the ship's Classification Society surveyor will be called in.
Requirements/Procedure for repair process
In order to avoid or minimize any delays to the ship, the terminal or the specialist repair contractor should have:
1) Steel plate of suitable grade and size for ship repair available:
2) A list of qualified welders, with certificates available. Plates of 12, 16 mm, 18mm, or 20mm grade 50D (or BS 4360/43 D or E) steel, complete with relevant mill certificates will meet most requirements. Have a list of the type of welding rods used.
Working procedure for repairing damage
Carry out the repair in accordance with the procedure and method specified by the surveyor. The following key points will normally have to be observed:
1) Ensure appropriate confined space entry and hot work procedures are followed before personnel begin any activities.
2) Where repair to a hatch cover is required, it should be positively secured in position, and the edges of the hatch cover cordoned off.
Have a competent person carry out an atmosphere test on the tank for explosive vapours/oxygen deficiency before doing any welding/burning or tank entry. Ensure gas detector is properly calibrated.
Signing Damage Report Forms
All damage reports should be signed and acknowledged.
1) Where the damage is repaired, ensure the master provides appropriate documentation acknowledging that the repair was completed to his satisfaction.
2) If damage cannot be repaired duly note estimated cost on the form, and attach signed notes of the agreement reached with the master for the completion of the repairs at another port or ship repair facility
In event of claims for damage which did not occur at this terminal: Record in terms such as "in dispute, old damage, did not occur at this terminal". Acknowledge for "receipt only". Where major damage is concerned the Terminal should appoint a competent independent surveyor to act on its behalf.
Related Information
Hazards involved for working in a confined space on board cargo ship and countermeasures
Our detail pages illustrated many safety aspects of Bulk carrier
Home page |||Bulk carrier types ||| Handling of bulk coal |||Cargo planning ||| Carriage of grain |||Risk of iron ores |||Self unloading bulk carriers |||Care of cargo & vessel |||Cargoes that may liquefy |||Suitability of ships |||Terminal guideline |||Hold cleaning |||Cargo cranes |||Ballast handling procedure |||Bulk carrier safety |||Fire fighting systems |||Bulk carrier General arrangement
