Ship Structural Damage Prevention

Ship Structural Damage Prevention

• Cargo Transfer Methods: Single-side skin bulk carriers have design challenges for efficient cargo handling (especially grab discharge). Improper grab operations can damage ladder, coamings, frames, hopper sides, and tank tops.
• Grab Operation Precautions: Grabs should be positioned evenly, avoid swinging into wings, stay parallel to the ship's side, and avoid landing on bare steel, forward/aft bulkheads, or hopper sides. Prioritize the highest cargo point for seizure. Avoid swinging at angles that create corner impacts.
• Tank Top Protection: Slowly and evenly lower the grab onto the tank top to prevent damage. Exercise caution around items on the tank top.
• Hatch Coaming and Cover Protection: Ensure hatch covers are fully open and clear of coamings to prevent swing control issues.
• Payloader Driver Procedures: Work carefully near ladders and projections. Avoid grinding payloader bucket corners. The master should indicate impediments on the tank top.
• Geared Ships Precautions: Lower unused derrick and crane jibs below unloader boom level. Ensure safe clearance above obstructions as the ship raises during unloading.

Severe Weather Damage Prevention

• Heavy Weather Definition: Heavy weather encompasses strong winds, high waves, rough seas, and poor visibility, posing safety and operational challenges.
• Personnel Precautions: Wear appropriate winter gear, exercise caution on ice decks, and work in groups of two or more on the lee side; seek shelter or tethering when possible.
• Machinery Precautions: Warm up deck hydraulic machinery thoroughly beforehand. Ensure emergency generator cooling water has antifreeze. Check cooling water recirculating valves, especially in North Atlantic/Pacific areas.
• Vessel Fuel and Cargo Security: Maintain adequate fuel reserves for the journey, secure loose materials, and fasten all watertight doors, hatches, and anchors. Tighten gangway lashings. Apply cargo security precautions (lashings, shoring/tomming, airbags, tight storage).
• Specific Vessel Precautions (Bulk Carriers): Correctly ventilate holds and adjust vents during heavy weather.
• Vessel Rolling Prevention: For container and PCC vessels, adjust routes and speeds to avoid parametric rolling.
• Lube Oil and Seawater Pump Levels: Monitor lube oil sump levels to avoid suction loss. Set seawater pumps to low suction to avoid loss during pitching.
• Engine Room Crane Security: Secure the engine room crane and its hook to avoid accidental movement.
• Provision Storage Precautions: Secure items in provision stores and cold rooms. Ensure proper restraint for cooking during rough weather.
• Anchoring in Rough Weather: Assess anchorage area safety before anchoring.
• Specialized Vessel Considerations: RoRo, PCC, and container vessels need specific consideration of high wind effects for maneuvering. Ballast prior to storms to reduce running aground risk.
• Cold Weather Protocols: Implement cold weather protocols to ensure crew and operational safety.

This quiz focuses on the essential methods for preventing structural damage during cargo transfers in single-side skin bulk carriers. It covers proper grab operation techniques, tank top protection measures, and guidelines for payloader drivers to ensure safe practices. Understanding these precautions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of ship structures.