Cargo Handling and Stowage (NDG) Quiz

Cargo Handling and Stowage (NDG)

• Cargo handling and stowage (NDG) focuses on the preparation of vessels for inspections prior to loading.

Course Outcome/Learning Outcomes

• Students will practically apply theoretical knowledge of cargo inspections for ship safety and integrity.

Introduction

• Onboard inspections are crucial for maintaining marine safety and operational integrity.
• Inspections assess compliance with safety regulations, maintenance processes, and operational standards.
• The maritime industry faces increasing scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of legal and safety standards.

Introduction

• Cargo space, hatch cover, and ballast tank inspections are essential for maritime safety and efficiency.
• Regular inspections identify and prevent defects and damages that jeopardizes vessel safety and compliance with standards

Preparations Prior to Cargo Spaces

• Systematic examination of the cargo area before, during, and after loading is required.
• This process protects cargo integrity and enhances overall safety for personnel and equipment.
• Compartments, drainage, bilge suctions, bilge wells should be verified to be clean and functional.
• Prevent leakage from ballast tanks.
• Holds must be clean and free from rust.
• Ensure cargo battens (spar ceiling) are in place and undamaged.

Preparations Prior to Hatch Covers

• Hatch covers are the most vulnerable part of the vessel to water ingress during the voyage.
• Visual inspections for water tightness and proper operation at departure and arrival ports.
• Examine for damage, holes, and leak points to protect cargo quality.
• Conduct Chalk, Hose, and Ultrasonic Leak Detection (ULD) to detect any potential leaks.

Preparations Prior to Ballast Tanks

• Ballast tank inspections are critical for ensuring the safety, integrity and functionality of the vessel's ballast system.
• Ballast tanks control buoyancy, stability, and trim by taking in or expelling water.
• Regular inspections (visual checks, non-destructive testing, leak assessments) are required.
• Inspections help to identify corrosion, leaks, and blockages to maintain vessel performance and safety.

Why is Inspection and Preparation Important?

• Ensuring that cargo spaces and tanks are free of hazards reduces accidents like cargo shifting or leaks.
• Proper inspection identifies and prevents issues like contaminants or moisture.
• Ensures hatch covers remain watertight to prevent flooding.
• Proper management of ballast water is critical to maintaining ship stability.

Checklist: Cargo Spaces Preparation

• Ensure cargo holds are clean and free of debris (dust, dirt, rust, cargo residues)
• Confirm no water or foreign substances interfere with inspections
• Verify proper ventilation is in place and unobstructed.
• Inspect for any damage to bulkheads, floors, and sides.
• Ensure sealing between cargo holds and bulkheads is intact.
• Ensure inspection ports and hatches are clean and operational.

Checklist: Hatch Covers Preparation

• Check rubber seals for wear, cracks, or damage.
• Ensure hatch covers align and seal correctly when closed.
• Ensure all covers can be closed and locked securely.
• Test all securing devices for functionality.
• Inspect covers for any structural problems.
• Verify drainage holes are clear and functional.
• Inspect the drainage system.

Checklist: Ballast Tanks Preparation

• Inspect tanks for rust, pitting, or corrosion.
• Check for leaks or abnormal water accumulation.
• Ensure tanks are free from contaminants.
• Verify ballast tank valves, vents, piping free of corrosion or blockages
• Assess valve operation for smoothness and accessibility.
• Confirm ballast tank level indicators are functional.
• Assess that all seals around tank openings are functional.

Gas Freeing Procedures

• Establish a work plan for confined spaces (e.g. ballast tanks, cargo holds, engine rooms)
• Involves sequential steps to remove hazardous gases.
• Ensures a safe environment or personnel engaging in entry maintenance, or inspection activities.

Gas Freeing Procedures (Preparation)

• Identify potential hazardous gases
• Shut down equipment that contributes to gas generation.
• Ensure safety equipment is available (PPE, gas detectors, ventilation tools).
• Isolate the space by closing vents and suitable openings.

Gas Freeing (initial ventilation)

• Introduce fresh air to displace hazardous gases.
• Flush the space for a specified time to reduce hazardous materials to safe levels.
• Ensure all hatches, manholes, and other access points are open for maximum air flow.

Gas Freeing (Monitoring)

• Continuously circulate fresh air
• Check oxygen levels (19.5%-23.5%) and flammable gases (below lower explosive limits).
• Confirm safe atmosphere by issuing a gas-free certificate.

Gas Freeing (Inerting)

• Inert the space if highly flammable or explosive gases are present.
• Inert gases are used to displace oxygen. Example: Nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
• Oxygen levels must be monitored carefully. This is critical to prevent asphyxiation.

Importance of Gas Freeing

• Essential for the safety of personnel entering cargo tanks.
• Important for hot work or cleaning operations.
• It prevents accidents or fatalities.
• Provides an uninterrupted workflow to reduce operational disruptions.

Procedure Checklist: Pre-Operation Planning

• Review any prior work documents or permits required
• Verify personnel have received training in gas freeing.

Procedure Checklist: Isolation and Ventilation

• Isolate the area where gas freeing is required by closing all doors, hatches and valves.
• Implement lockout/tagout.
• Set up ventilation equipment like fans, blowers.
• Ensure air circulation is free.

Procedure Checklist: Atmosphere Testing and Monitoring

• Test for oxygen levels (19.5 to 23.5 %)
• Check for flammable and toxic gases.
• Use calibrated gas detectors for consistent monitoring.

Procedure Checklist: Gas Freeing Equipment and Tools

• Inspect ventilation equipment and ensure fire extinguisher equipment is available.

Procedure Checklist: Gas Freeing Process

• Implement ventilation and monitor gas concentrations.
• Continuously check oxygen levels and hazardous gas levels.

Procedure Checklist: Verification of Safe Conditions

• Confirmation of oxygen levels are within the safe limits (19.5% to 23.5%)
• Confirm that no hazardous gases remain.
• Perform final atmospheric tests before entry into the enclosed space.

Real-world examples

• Accidents resulting in death highlighting the risks of insufficient safety measures during gas freeing or space entry operations.
• Examples provided in the slides illustrate critical procedures, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the proper procedure (e.g., not leaving hatches/access points open).

Entry to Enclosed Spaces

• Entry into enclosed spaces (e.g. cargo holds, ballast tanks) requires strict safety procedures.
• Evaluate potential risks like toxic gases, low oxygen levels or explosive hazards.
• Prior to entry, detailed risk assessments must be conducted.
• Thoroughly test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases.

Importance of Inspections for Entering Enclosed Spaces

• Ensures worker safety.
• Validates legal and regulatory compliance.
• Prevents accidents and fatalities.
• Effective for inspections, maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Pre-Entry Planning for Entering Enclosed Spaces

• Notifying authorities (e.g., port authorities, vessel management) is necessary.
• Review previous reports (e.g. inspections, documentation)
• Ensure all necessary tools and equipment are available and properly functioning.
• Personnel safety (PPE) must be available (e.g., gas detectors, respirators)
• Trained personnel are required for confined space entry.
• Designate a safety officer to oversee the operation.

Atmospheric Testing for Entering Enclosed Spaces

• Continuous oxygen level monitoring (19.5%-23.5%)
• Testing for flammable and hazardous gases (e.g. H2S & CO)
• Using calibrated gas detectors to track gas levels continuously.

Isolation of Space for Entering Enclosed Spaces

• Access points (i.e. doors, hatches, valves) must be sealed.
• Lockout and tagout is necessary.

Communication and Safety Measures for Enclosed Spaces

• Two-way communication is critical between personnel inside and outside the enclosed space.
• Emergency exits, alarms and rescue plan reviews are essential.