Cargo: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
Cargo questions cover the current operation, the plan and the people: who is on duty, what they were briefed on and whether officers hold the right endorsements.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Brief the duty AB on the current cargo operation.
What the inspector wants to see
- Senior officers' cargo and ballast handling certificates
- Current cargo plan, with the duty crew briefed
Questions inspectors ask about Cargo
What is checked for IGS operation and PV valve testing?
IGS operation, PV valve test records and the type approval certificate of the PV valve test kit.
When must the fixed O2 analyser be calibrated before starting the IG/N2 system?
Within 24 hours before starting the system.
How should the vapour manifold be marked and fitted?
Two 10 cm red bands with 'VAPOUR' stencil; cruciform bollard (600 mm high), pad eye (SWL 15 t) and Panama lead in line; threaded stud bolt (1/2 inch dia, 1 inch protruding).
What is expected for deck-mounted cargo heaters?
Testing and operation records, and the company testing requirement for periods when heating is not used.
Are cargo tank isolating valves maintained and tested?
Each isolating valve should be maintained and tested. Missing records were flagged.
How do you test the loadicator, and what variation is allowed?
Run test conditions and compare the results; the notes allow 2-5% variation.
There are 98 Cargo questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Cargo observations, and how to avoid them
A CCR table set an initial loading velocity of 1 m/s at the 6 or 8 inch tank inlets but did not give the matching loading rates.
Avoid it: Convert inlet velocity limits into m3/h for each inlet size so the initial loading rate is clear.
The main deck safety inspection checklist did not include checking bonding wires.
Avoid it: Add bonding straps on cargo pipelines and hoses to the deck inspection routine.
A cargo pump's local hydraulic pressure gauge on deck had no needle.
Avoid it: Replace broken gauges promptly using the spares carried.
The nitrogen line was pressure tested at 2.4 bar although its working pressure was 0.2 bar and the recommended test pressure 0.24 bar.
Avoid it: Confirm the correct test pressure for each line before testing and record it.
Interviewee did not know the recommended test pressure for the nitrogen line.
Avoid it: Know the working and test pressures of the lines you are responsible for.
Alarm settings on the cargo tank secondary venting pressure sensors did not match company requirements for the discharge mode in use.
Avoid it: Adjust tank pressure alarm set points for each operation (loading, discharging with IG) per the company table.
The CCR officer had not set the required tank pressure alarm settings for discharging with inert gas; corrected before the inspector left.
Avoid it: Make alarm set point changes part of the pre-discharge checklist.
The cargo and ballast valve test record had no provision to check that local and remote valve position indicators agreed.
Avoid it: When testing hydraulic valves, compare local and remote position indicators and record the result.
Who answers for Cargo
Chief Officer, Pumpman, Marine Superintendent, Port Captain, Vetting Manager / Superintendent. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Cargo before your next inspection.
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