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.
Operational Explanation
For a bulk carrier and solid-bulk terminal, SOLAS VI/7 requires a loading or unloading plan agreed by the Master and terminal representative, with applicable sequences and limits; the BLU Code provides operational guidance. Containers, liquid bulk and other cargoes follow different regimes, manuals and procedures.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS VI/7: loading, unloading and stowage of bulk cargoes. BLU Code A.862(20): ship/terminal guidance linked to VI/7. IMSBC Code: classification and carriage of solid bulk cargoes. For packed containers, SOLAS VI/2 requires VGM in time for the final ship stowage plan and prohibits loading without VGM.
Scope of Application
SOLAS VI/7 ship/shore plan: a bulk carrier loading or unloading solid bulk cargo at a terminal. For other ships and cargoes use the operating plan required by the specific regime, approved manuals, SMS and Company/terminal procedures. Use the loading computer where fitted and required for the ship and operation.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify ship, cargo and applicable regime.
- For solid bulk/bulk carrier agree sequence, quantities, rates, ballast and ship/shore limits under SOLAS VI/7 and BLU.
- Use the loading computer or approved tools where prescribed for the ship and manual.
- For containers obtain VGM before the final stowage plan and in any event before loading; preliminary planning may precede it.
- Stop the operation if it becomes unsafe or exceeds agreed limits.
Practical Example
A bulk carrier agrees sequences and rates with the terminal in the SOLAS VI/7 plan. A container ship instead prepares a preliminary plan and finalises it when VGMs arrive: a container without VGM is not loaded.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Applying the BLU model to every ship type or turning the loading computer into a universal requirement. The opposite error is treating VGM as necessary for any planning, instead of for the final stowage plan and loading.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Ship/shore plan applied outside its scope | Wrong operating regime | Identify ship, cargo and applicable basis |
| Intermediate stages not checked with prescribed tools | Structural or stability limits exceeded | Use loading computer or other approved tools where required |
| Actual sequence departs from agreed plan | Conditions remain unevaluated | Stop, reassess and formally record the change |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Check intermediate stages with the tools prescribed for the ship and operation.
- Communicate ship/shore constraints before starting.
- Document every departure with its safety assessment.
Preparation checklist
- Ship/cargo regime identified
- SOLAS VI/7 ship/shore plan available where applicable
- Structural and stability limits checked with prescribed tools
- VGM available for final plan and before loading
- Stop-work authority confirmed
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint bbee07b1ced5