MSC 85/26/Add.2 ANNEX 3 RESOLUTION MSC.268(85) - US Coast ...

MSC 85/26/Add.2ANNEX 3Page 162WEATHER PRECAUTIONSThe cargo shall be kept within the permissible moisture content indicated in this schedule at alltimes during loading, and during transportation.This cargo shall not be loaded onto ships, or transferred between ships or barges, during ANYprecipitation. During loading of this cargo, all non-working hatches of cargo spaces into whichthis cargo is loaded, or is to be loaded, shall be kept closed.LOADINGPrior to loading, the terminal shall ensure that the conveyor belts and all other equipment usedfor loading this cargo contain no accumulation of water or other substances. Each time cargooperations are commenced or restarted, particularly after rain or washing down, any loading beltshall be operated empty and not over a ship’s cargo space.Prior to loading, an ultrasonic test or another equivalent method with a suitable instrument shallbe conducted to ensure weather tightness of the hatch covers and closing arrangements and allreadings shall confirm weather tightness.Prior to loading this cargo, the shipper shall provide the master with a certificate issued by acompetent person recognized by the national Administration of the port of loading stating that thecargo, at the time of loading, is suitable for shipment; that it conforms with the requirements ofthis Code; that the moisture content is less than 0.3%; and the temperature does not exceed 65°C.This certificate shall state that the cargo meets the loading criteria in regards to ageing andmaterial temperature.The cargo shall not be accepted for loading when its temperature is in excess of 65°C or if itsmoisture content is in excess of 0.3%. Any cargo that has been wetted, or is known to have beenwetted, shall not be loaded into any cargo space.Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of the Code.The cargo temperature shall be monitored during loading and recorded in a log detailing thetemperature for each lot of cargo loaded, a copy of which shall be provided to the master. Afterloading, a certificate shall be issued by a competent person recognized by the nationalAdministration of the port of loading confirming that throughout the whole consignment of finesand small particles the moisture content has not exceeded 0.3% and the temperature does notexceed 65°C.On completion of loading of a cargo space it shall be immediately closed and sealed. Sufficientinert gas shall then be introduced to achieve an oxygen concentration less than 5% throughout thecargo space.PRECAUTIONSDue consideration shall be given to the possibility of moisture inside the cargo pile in order toavoid loading of wet cargo or a wet part of the cargo recognizing that the bottom of the pile canbe wet even though the surface of cargo pile looks dry. The carrier’s nominated technicalpersons or other representatives shall have reasonable access to stockpiles and loadinginstallations for inspection.I:\MSC\85\26-Add-2.doc