Cargo Operations
Loading/discharging plan, Cargo Record Book, tank cleaning, Cargo Securing Manual, enclosed space entry, draft survey, IMDG Code, Ro-Ro Cargo Securing, Reefer Container Monitoring, Cargo Claim, Heavy Lift Cargo, Break Bulk Cargo, Charter Party and cargo-specific clauses, BLU Code, Mandatory Reporting of Containers Lost at Sea.
Each topic below brings together, in a single place: an operational explanation, the regulatory reference, scope of application, procedure, practical example, what typically goes wrong, common mistakes, what the Port State Control Officer (PSCO) checks, operational tips, a checklist and FAQ — with the regulatory reference verified against the primary source.
Loading/Discharging Plan
The SOLAS VI/7 and BLU Code ship/shore plan concerns bulk carriers handling solid bulk cargo; other operations follow their specific regime, approved manuals, SMS and applicable procedures.
Cargo Record Book (Record Book for Noxious Liquid Substances)
MARPOL Annex II requires the Cargo Record Book for every ship certified to carry NLS in bulk, with defined signatures, availability and retention, and prewash control by the surveyor authorised by the competent Government.
Tank Cleaning
Crude Oil Washing applicability follows MARPOL Annex I criteria, certificates and the approved manual; it does not arise from generic tanker size or the informal presence of an equivalent system.
Cargo Securing Manual and Cargo Lashing
The Cargo Securing Manual follows SOLAS applicability and cargo type, not the cargo-ship label alone; the 2026 CIC checks compliance with existing requirements and creates no new ones.
Enclosed Space Entry
The seemingly simplest operation that continues to cause fatalities on board: why the drill mandatory every two months since 2015 exists, and how to make it genuinely useful.
Draft Survey and Determining Cargo Quantity
No universal international draft-survey tolerance or general independent-surveyor duty exists: protocol, tolerance and appointment depend on contract, cargo, risk and applicable procedures.
IMDG Code — Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form
The new 2024 edition (Amendment 42-24), mandatory from 1 January 2026: what changes for the classification, packaging and stowage of dangerous goods in packaged form.
Ro-Ro Cargo Securing
A ro-ro configuration must be covered by the approved Cargo Securing Manual or a case-specific arrangement prepared by competent personnel and accepted or approved as required; an improvised onboard calculation does not replace the Manual.
Reefer Container Monitoring
Telematics monitors and alerts: it does not authorise crew to change set point, ventilation, humidity or atmosphere settings without documented instructions or an approved emergency procedure.
Managing Cargo Claims
An unqualified bill of lading may be prima facie evidence of the stated apparent order and condition, but it does not automatically create carrier liability for every pre-existing damage.
Heavy Lift Cargo and Project Cargo
Heavy lift and project cargo require reliable data and an engineering package consistent with the CSM and ship limits; Annex 13 authorises neither autonomous crew calculations nor a universal independent sea-fastening survey.
Break Bulk Cargo: Stowage, Dunnage and Damage Prevention
For break bulk, weight, dimensions and centre of gravity come from reliable data and are verified according to risk; the evidence package follows cargo and contract and does not require draft surveys at every stage.
Charter Parties and Cargo-Specific Clauses
Laytime, demurrage and despatch normally belong to voyage chartering; safe port/berth, always safely afloat and NAABSA are distinct terms to be read in the wording actually incorporated.
BLU Code: Safety in the Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers
SOLAS VI/7 contains the Convention requirements for bulk-carrier loading and unloading; the BLU Code is linked operational guidance and the IMSBC Code governs solid bulk cargo under a distinct framework.
Mandatory Reporting of Containers Lost at Sea (SOLAS 2026)
From 1 January 2026 SOLAS V/31–32 distinguishes loss and observation of freight containers: recipients, Company fallback, fields and updates are not the same.
Editorial revision of 9 August 2026 · page fingerprint c136e21be8a6