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Back to ChaptersChapter 7

Cargo and Ballast Systems

Cargo handling, ballast operations, tank management — 40 questions

CB-01

Walk me through how the cargo loading plan for this port is developed, and show me evidence the Master reviewed and approved it before operations started.

What the inspector looks for
Objective

Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Loading/discharge plan development & approval

What the Inspector Expects
  • Establishes a documented cargo plan exists covering sequence, rates, and valve line-up, tailored to the actual terminal nomination rather than a generic template
  • Confirms the Master's review and approval is evidenced by signature and timestamp before cargo operations commenced, per ISM Code Section 7
  • Checks the plan is available to and understood by all watchkeeping officers, not held only in the Master's cabin
  • Verifies the plan references stability and stress limits alongside the sequence, not just tank order and rates
  • MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
    CB-02

    Can you show me how you confirm the vessel's stability and hull stress figures stay within approved limits at every stage of loading, not just at the final condition?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Stability & stress at intermediate stages

    CB-03

    What evidence do you have that the loadicator installed onboard is the class-approved version for this ship, and how do you periodically verify it against a known test condition?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Loadicator class approval & verification

    CB-04

    Walk me through how the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist is actually completed and re-verified during a long cargo operation, not just signed once at the start.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Ship/Shore Safety Checklist repetitive checks

    CB-05

    Show me the cargo watch handover record and tell me what specific information must be passed to the relieving officer before they take over.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Cargo watch handover

    CB-06

    How do you ensure a dedicated, competent person is continuously present at the manifold throughout cargo transfer, and what are they specifically watching for?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Continuous manifold watch

    CB-07

    If the actual loading sequence has to deviate from the approved cargo plan mid-operation, what's the process for reassessing stability and stress before continuing?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Operation Planning & Ship/Shore Interface — Managing deviation from the cargo plan

    CB-08

    Can you show me the inert gas oxygen content records and confirm both the gas delivered from the plant and the atmosphere inside the cargo tanks meet the required limits?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — IG oxygen quality — delivered vs tank

    CB-09

    Walk me through the condition and testing regime for the deck seal and non-return devices, and how you'd know if hydrocarbon vapour was migrating back toward the machinery space.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — Deck seal & non-return devices

    CB-10

    How do you confirm the pressure/vacuum breaker is in good working condition and set correctly to protect the cargo tanks from over- or under-pressurization?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — P/V breaker condition & setting

    CB-11

    What records prove the inert gas system's high-pressure, low-pressure, high-O2, and low deck-seal alarms and trips are actually tested, not just left at their default settings since commissioning?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — IG alarms & trips tested

    CB-12

    During cargo discharge, how do you confirm inert gas is being supplied continuously to replace the volume of cargo pumped out and maintain positive tank pressure?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — IG operation during discharge

    CB-13

    Walk me through your purging and gas-freeing sequence for a tank going to hydrocarbon-free condition, and how you confirm each stage before moving to the next.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — Purging & gas-freeing sequence

    CB-14

    Show me how ullaging, sampling, and temperature dipping are carried out without opening tanks to atmosphere, and confirm the vapour-lock fittings are maintained leak-tight.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — Closed gauging & sampling

    CB-15

    What's the servicing and function-testing regime for the pressure/vacuum valves on each tank, and how do you confirm they lift and reseat at the correct set pressures?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — PV valve servicing & testing

    CB-16

    Show me how the mast riser (high-velocity vent) and any secondary venting arrangement protect the tank against both over- and under-pressure if the primary PV valve fails.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — Mast riser & secondary venting

    CB-17

    How do you demonstrate that the independent high-level and overfill alarm system is genuinely independent from the primary gauging system, and when was it last function-tested?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — Independent overfill alarm testing

    CB-18

    What certification do you have that the portable ullage, temperature, and interface (UTI/MMC) measurement tapes are calibrated and traceable, and how often are they checked against each other?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Inert Gas, Tank Atmosphere & Venting — UTI/MMC tape calibration

    CB-19

    Walk me through how bearing and casing temperatures on the cargo pumps are monitored during operation, and what triggers you to reduce rate or stop a pump.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Cargo pump bearing/casing temperature monitoring

    CB-20

    Show me the test records for the cargo pump emergency stop system, including the remote stops outside the pumproom, and confirm they've each been physically exercised recently.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Cargo pump emergency stops tested

    CB-21

    Walk me through the full authorization and gas-testing sequence before anyone enters the pumproom, including who signs the permit and what atmosphere criteria must be met.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Pumproom entry procedure

    CB-22

    How do you confirm the pumproom's mechanical ventilation and fixed gas detection system are both functioning correctly before and during cargo operations?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Pumproom ventilation & fixed gas detection

    CB-23

    Show me the pumproom bilge high-level alarm test records, and walk me through how you keep the bilges free of oil accumulation between soundings.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Pumproom bilge alarms & cleanliness

    CB-24

    How does the vessel confirm that remote hydraulic cargo and ballast valves actually move to the position shown on the control room indicator, not just that the indicator light changes?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Cargo Pumps, Valves & Pumproom Safety — Cargo/ballast valve operation & position indicators

    CB-25

    Walk me through the vessel's crude oil washing programme for this discharge, and show me the COW checklist confirming pre-arrival machine and line tests were completed.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — COW programme & pre-arrival checklist

    CB-26

    How do you ensure electrical bonding/continuity is managed correctly across cargo hose connections, and what's your policy on portable electronic equipment during static-generating operations?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — Static electricity — bonding & portable equipment

    CB-27

    What controls are in place to limit the initial loading rate to control static charge generation, and does the crew understand when anti-static additive use changes that requirement?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — Initial flow rates & anti-static additives

    CB-28

    How does the vessel monitor and control crew exposure to H2S during cargo operations, and what's the escalation if a fixed or portable detector alarms?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — H2S exposure management

    CB-29

    Can you show me how benzene vapour exposure is monitored during tank gauging and sampling, and do the crew involved understand the exposure limit they're working to?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — Benzene exposure & TLV awareness

    CB-30

    Walk me through how the manifold is presented for this cargo transfer, including reducer and blank flange standards, and show me the drip tray arrangement underneath.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — Manifold presentation, reducers, blanks & drip trays

    CB-31

    How do you verify that the cargo hoses or the terminal's loading arms are compatible with this cargo and rated for the pressures and temperatures you'll actually be working at?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Crude Oil Washing, Static Electricity & Personnel Exposure — Cargo hose/arm compatibility

    CB-32

    Show me the cargo heating log for this voyage and confirm the temperatures achieved match the cargo requirement without exceeding the cargo's or coating's safe maximum.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Cargo heating logs

    CB-33

    Walk me through how a tank cleaning operation is planned, including how it links into your enclosed space entry procedure once cleaning is complete.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Tank cleaning planning & enclosed-space linkage

    CB-34

    Show me how slops are managed onboard, and if load-on-top or decanting is practiced, walk me through how you ensure it's done within MARPOL limits.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Slops, load-on-top & decanting

    CB-35

    How does the ballasting/deballasting sequence during this operation stay coordinated with cargo loading or discharge to keep stress and stability within limits at every stage?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Ballast sequence coordinated with stress

    CB-36

    What's the inspection regime for ballast tanks, and how do findings such as coating breakdown or structural issues get tracked and closed out?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Ballast tank inspection regime

    CB-37

    How do you confirm the segregated ballast system remains genuinely segregated from the cargo/fuel oil system, with no cross-contamination path?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Segregated ballast integrity

    CB-38

    Can your officers demonstrate, using the approved stability booklet, how free surface effect in slack tanks is accounted for in the current loading condition, and where the damage stability booklet is kept for emergency reference?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Manifold, Hoses, Heating, Tank Cleaning, Slops & Ballast — Stability booklet use & free surface awareness

    CB-39

    For chemical cargoes, walk me through how you use the Procedures and Arrangements (P&A) Manual to confirm compatibility and segregation before loading, and how stainless steel tanks are protected from corrosion or contamination between cargoes.

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Chemical & Gas Carrier Specific Cargo Systems — P&A Manual compatibility & stainless tank care

    CB-40

    On this gas carrier, how do you monitor cargo containment system integrity day to day, and how is the Emergency Shutdown system tested and cross-checked with custody transfer measurement?

    What the inspector looks for
    Objective

    Chemical & Gas Carrier Specific Cargo Systems — Gas containment monitoring, ESD testing & custody transfer

    Chapter 6Chapter 8
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms intermediate-stage stability and hull stress are checked throughout loading, not only the departure condition, consistent with the ship's approved loading manual
  • Establishes that GM and shear force/bending moment figures stay within class-approved limits at each planned stage
  • Checks the officer proceeds to the next stage only after confirming the previous stage is within limits
  • Verifies loadicator output for intermediate stages is retained as a record, not overwritten
  • MasterChief Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the loadicator is the specific class/flag-approved instrument for this vessel, per SOLAS II-1 Reg 5-1, not a generic or superseded version
  • Establishes a routine cross-check against a known test condition from the stability booklet to catch data or software errors
  • Checks any hull modification (tank conversion, lightship change) has been reflected in the loadicator database and re-approved
  • Verifies officers know how to reconcile a discrepancy between loadicator output and the reference condition
  • MasterChief Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms joint completion by ship and terminal representatives, with each item genuinely walked through rather than pre-ticked
  • Establishes that repetitive/periodic items are re-verified at the checklist's own stated intervals throughout a multi-day operation
  • Checks a pre-transfer conference or equivalent meeting occurred before commencing
  • Verifies any item marked not applicable carries a stated reason
  • MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms a documented handover between watchkeeping officers covering tank levels, valve line-up, pump status, rate, and any abnormalities
  • Checks the outgoing officer physically walks the relieving officer through current status rather than a verbal-only handover
  • Establishes handover occurs even for short reliefs, not only full watch changes
  • Verifies handover records are contemporaneous, initialed by both officers
  • Chief Officer2nd Officer3rd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Establishes a continuous, dedicated manifold watch during transfer, monitoring for leaks, hose/arm strain, and presentation flange condition
  • Checks the watchkeeper is briefed on the emergency shutdown communication method with the cargo control room
  • Confirms drip tray condition is part of what the manifold watch is checking
  • Verifies manning isn't diverted to other tasks (gangway, mooring) during peak transfer, leaving the manifold unmanned
  • 2nd Officer3rd OfficerAble Seaman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms a management-of-change process exists for terminal-driven deviations from the original cargo plan (sequence swap, rate change, delay)
  • Checks the loadicator is re-run and the Master or Chief Officer re-approves the amended plan before resuming
  • Establishes deviations are documented, not just verbally agreed with the terminal
  • Verifies watchkeeping officers are informed of the amended plan before continuing operations
  • MasterChief Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms inert gas delivered to the deck main is maintained below 5% oxygen by volume and cargo tank atmosphere is kept below 8% oxygen with positive pressure
  • Checks continuous monitoring records are retained, not only spot checks at shift change
  • Establishes the fixed O2 analyzer is periodically cross-checked with a calibrated portable analyzer
  • Verifies deck seal and IG main pressure are logged alongside the O2 readings
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerETO
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the deck seal and non-return device prevent backflow of flammable vapour into the IG plant and engine room
  • Checks routine inspection and topping-up of seal water level (or equivalent) is scheduled, not only reactive to a low-level alarm
  • Establishes periodic function testing of the non-return valve is recorded
  • Verifies crew can describe the visual or pressure indications of seal failure
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerETO
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the P/V breaker is inspected for correct liquid level and type (if liquid-filled), and free of blockage or corrosion
  • Checks the breaker is set within the relief range consistent with the tank's design pressure
  • Establishes the item is covered under planned maintenance, not only checked at survey
  • Verifies any deficiency found is corrected before further cargo operations
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerBosun
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms periodic functional testing of the full IG alarm/trip suite: high pressure, low pressure, high O2%, and related seal/flow parameters
  • Checks the trip that stops the blower or isolates on a genuine fault is exercised, not only the audible alarm
  • Establishes results are logged with dates and any fault tracked to closure
  • Verifies test frequency matches the manufacturer's recommendation
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerETO
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Checks the IG plant runs throughout discharge, not only during loading or gas-freeing, to prevent a vacuum forming as cargo is removed
  • Confirms deck main pressure is monitored and maintained positive at the tank furthest from the IG supply
  • Establishes a contingency procedure exists for loss of inert gas supply mid-discharge
  • Verifies IG running hours are logged and match the actual discharge duration
  • Chief Officer2nd Officer2nd Engineer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Establishes the correct staged sequence — inerting/purging to reduce hydrocarbon content below the critical dilution line before introducing fresh air — rather than mechanical ventilation while still within the flammable range
  • Checks hydrocarbon (%LFL) and O2 measurements are taken and recorded at each stage
  • Confirms the sequence links directly to the enclosed-space entry procedure before anyone is authorized to enter
  • Verifies readings are taken at multiple levels within the tank, not a single point
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms closed operations — fixed gauging and closed sampling via vapour-lock/PV valve fittings — are used as the default method, per ISGOTT's closed-operations principle
  • Checks vapour-lock valves and glands are maintained free of leaks
  • Establishes open ullaging is restricted to genuine contingency use with a documented reason
  • Verifies sampling equipment is intrinsically safe and maintained accordingly
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Checks each tank's individual PV valve is inspected, cleaned, and function-tested for lift and reseat pressure at the interval set by the manufacturer or class
  • Establishes records identify the valve by tank rather than a blanket entry covering all valves
  • Confirms a valve found sticking or corroded is repaired before the next cargo operation, not deferred
  • Verifies test method actually measures lift/reseat pressure, not just a visual check
  • Chief OfficerBosunPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the venting system design includes a secondary means sized to prevent structural damage if the primary PV valve is blocked or fails
  • Checks crew can distinguish which valve is primary vs secondary and how each is tested
  • Establishes riser height, velocity design, and flame screen condition are maintained free of obstruction or corrosion
  • Verifies the secondary means is function-tested independently of the primary valve
  • Chief Officer2nd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms a separate, independent overfill alarm sensor and circuit exist from the primary level gauge, per ISGOTT and industry good practice
  • Checks independence extends to the sensor and power supply, not sharing the same probe or stilling well as the ullage gauge
  • Establishes function testing (not just an alarm-panel lamp test) is performed at the required interval
  • Verifies any defect found is reported and tracked to closure, not silenced
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerETO
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms UTI/MMC tapes carry current calibration certificates from an approved supplier or workshop
  • Checks periodic cross-check between portable tapes and the fixed gauging system to detect instrument drift
  • Establishes intrinsically-safe condition of probe and cable is inspected before each use
  • Verifies certificate numbers and expiry dates match the actual equipment onboard
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms regular or continuous monitoring of cargo pump bearing and casing temperatures with a remote readout or scheduled manual check
  • Checks defined trip/alarm thresholds exist and are known to the watchkeeping officer
  • Establishes the escalation sequence — reduce rate, stop pump, investigate — is understood before a bearing failure or hot-surface risk develops
  • Verifies trend data is reviewed, not only instantaneous readings at the moment of an alarm
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms all emergency stop points — local, cargo control room, deck, pumproom entrance — are function-tested at the interval set by the SMS or manufacturer
  • Checks the test actually stops the pump, not just illuminates a stop-requested indication
  • Establishes each location is logged individually, not as a single blanket entry
  • Verifies any fault found is rectified before further use
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms pumproom entry is treated as an enclosed/confined space evolution requiring a permit-to-work and prior ventilation
  • Checks multi-gas testing (O2, LFL, and toxic gases as relevant) is performed at multiple levels before entry, not just at the entrance
  • Establishes a standby person and rescue arrangements are in place for every entry, not only longer-duration ones
  • Verifies the permit is signed by the responsible officer and closed out on completion
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms continuous mechanical ventilation runs during cargo operations and pumproom occupancy, per SOLAS II-2 Reg 4.5.7
  • Checks fixed hydrocarbon gas detectors alarm at the set %LFL threshold, with audible/visual repeaters at the cargo control station and the navigating bridge
  • Establishes calibration records exist for the fixed detection heads
  • Verifies ventilation fan running hours during operations are logged and match actual occupancy periods
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerETO
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms bilge high-level alarms in the pumproom are tested and function correctly as early warning of a leaking gland or seal
  • Checks routine bilge sounding/pumping-out frequency and visual inspection for oil sheen during rounds
  • Establishes any transfer of pumproom bilge contents is routed via the oily bilge/slop system, not overboard
  • Verifies Oil Record Book Part I entries reconcile with actual bilge transfers
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Checks periodic physical verification that valve position indicators in the cargo control room match true valve position
  • Confirms hydraulic system pressure, oil condition, and leak-free operation are part of routine maintenance
  • Establishes a documented valve line-up check precedes each cargo operation
  • Verifies any valve found sluggish or not fully seating is repaired, not accepted as a known quirk
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms COW is conducted per the vessel's approved COW Operations and Equipment Manual, including required pre-arrival line/machine testing
  • Checks the washing pattern and tank selection match what the approved manual specifies for that voyage
  • Establishes inert gas positive pressure is maintained throughout washing
  • Verifies the COW checklist is completed contemporaneously by the responsible officer, not after the fact
  • MasterChief OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the company procedure follows ISGOTT guidance on static electricity, including how electrical continuity across the manifold connection is actually achieved on this vessel's design
  • Checks restrictions on non-intrinsically-safe portable electronics near open gauging or sampling points during static-generating operations
  • Establishes crew know whether bonding wires are fitted, required, or deliberately not used per the ship's arrangement
  • Verifies any insulating flange fitted at the manifold is inspected/tested as intended
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the cargo plan specifies a restricted initial flow rate before opening up to full rate, per ISGOTT static electricity precautions
  • Checks the officer overseeing commencement actually times and monitors the initial low-rate period rather than opening to full rate immediately
  • Establishes awareness that anti-static additive treatment doesn't automatically remove the need for initial rate control unless additive effectiveness is verified
  • Verifies static-accumulator classification of the cargo is checked before setting the rate profile
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms fixed and/or portable H2S monitoring is in place appropriate to the cargo, particularly sour crude or H2S-bearing grades
  • Checks alarm thresholds are referenced against exposure limit guidance in ISGOTT/company safety data
  • Establishes escape breathing sets and, where required, supplied-air equipment are available and crew briefed before operations on cargoes known to contain H2S
  • Verifies MSDS/cargo information is reviewed before loading any suspect cargo
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms benzene-specific monitoring is used during closed operations on cargoes where benzene content is a concern even when general LFL/O2 readings look normal
  • Checks personal or area exposure monitoring is used during higher-risk tasks, including any open-gauging contingency
  • Establishes crew can explain the difference between LFL/O2 safety limits and health-based exposure (TLV) limits
  • Verifies MSDS benzene content is checked before the cargo is loaded
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms manifold presentation follows recognized standard dimensions and spacing so terminal connections align without excessive strain
  • Checks reducers and blank flanges in use are rated for the cargo/pressure and properly bolted with full gasket sets
  • Establishes drip trays are fitted, kept clean, and drained via the proper slop routing rather than directly overboard
  • Verifies unused manifold connections are properly blanked during transfer
  • Chief OfficerPumpmanBosun
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms hose certification (working pressure, test pressure, manufacture date, periodic pressure test/visual inspection) matches the cargo type and operating pressure
  • Checks chemical compatibility of hose lining material with the specific cargo grade where flexible hoses are used, especially for chemical cargoes
  • Establishes loading arm presentation and compatibility is confirmed jointly with the terminal, as part of the ship/shore checklist
  • Verifies hose/arm rated capacity matches the planned transfer rate
  • Chief OfficerPumpmanBosun
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms heating coils or thermal fluid/steam heating are logged at defined intervals against a target temperature range set by the cargo requirement
  • Checks temperatures don't exceed the tank coating manufacturer's stated maximum safe temperature
  • Establishes heating is monitored, not left running unattended after reaching target
  • Verifies steam/thermal oil coil integrity is checked for leaks that could contaminate the cargo
  • Chief Officer2nd EngineerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms tank cleaning is planned with a documented method and a cargo compatibility check for the cleaning agent against the previous cargo
  • Checks completion of cleaning triggers gas-freeing and atmosphere testing before entry is considered, linking directly into the enclosed-space entry permit
  • Establishes washing machine coverage pattern and duration follow the manual, not shortened under time pressure
  • Verifies the entry permit is based on an actual atmosphere test result, not an assumption that cleaning finished
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms slop tank retention and any decanting practice complies with MARPOL Annex I requirements, decanting water only from beneath a settled oil layer into a controlled receiving arrangement, not overboard without meeting discharge criteria
  • Checks Oil Record Book Part I entries match actual slop tank operations
  • Establishes load-on-top calculation, where practiced, is genuinely tracked rather than assumed
  • Verifies any overboard discharge event is supported by Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment records where fitted
  • Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms ballast operations run in parallel with cargo operations under the same integrated loadicator plan, not as a separate, unrelated task
  • Checks shear force/bending moment and trim stay within limits throughout the coordinated sequence
  • Establishes the officer overseeing ballast communicates rate/sequence changes to whoever is running the cargo plan
  • Verifies deballasting doesn't continue after cargo operations pause without reassessing the resulting condition
  • Chief Officer2nd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms ballast tanks are inspected at intervals consistent with the Enhanced Survey Programme/condition-based maintenance requirements and company PMS
  • Checks coating condition and structural defects are recorded and reported to class/company
  • Establishes a defect found during a routine inspection is tracked through to repair, not just noted and left
  • Verifies inspection scope covers structure, coating, and any anodes/cathodic protection
  • Chief OfficerMaster
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms the segregated ballast tank arrangement, where fitted, has no permanent connection to cargo or fuel piping
  • Checks periodic verification of the segregation, such as inspection of blank flanges/spool pieces maintaining separation
  • Establishes ballast water is visually checked for oil sheen before discharge
  • Verifies crew know the procedure if oil contamination in a ballast tank is ever suspected
  • Chief Officer2nd Engineer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms officers can practically apply the approved intact stability booklet's free surface correction for slack cargo/ballast tanks, not just know it exists
  • Checks the damage stability booklet/information is readily accessible and officers know how to reference it in a flooding scenario
  • Establishes free-surface moments are actually included in the loadicator's GM calculation
  • Verifies documentation reflects the vessel's current tank arrangement after any conversion
  • MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms every chemical cargo carried is checked against the ship-specific P&A Manual for permitted tank, category, and prewash requirement before nomination is accepted
  • Checks the cargo compatibility chart is used to prevent loading reactive cargoes into adjacent or connected tanks
  • Establishes stainless steel tank care practices — passivation after certain cargoes, avoiding chloride-contaminated wash water, correct cleaning chemicals — are followed and documented
  • Verifies each grade carried is correctly classified and recorded per its MARPOL Annex II pollution category
  • MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
    What the Inspector Expects
  • Confirms routine monitoring of hold/interbarrier space atmosphere (temperature, gas concentration) to detect any containment or insulation breach, per the IGC Code
  • Checks boil-off/reliquefaction plant operation is logged and managed to keep tank pressure within design limits without unnecessary venting
  • Establishes the ESD system, including the ship/shore link and manifold ESD valves, is function-tested at the required interval and before each transfer
  • Verifies custody transfer measurement equipment is calibrated and cross-checked against terminal figures with discrepancies investigated
  • MasterChief Officer2nd Officer