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

MSC 85/26/Add.2ANNEX 3Page 192.1 Cargo distribution2.1.1 GeneralSection 2General loading, carriage and unloading precautionsA number of accidents have occurred as a result of improper loading and unloading of solid bulkcargoes. It shall be noted that solid bulk cargoes have to be properly distributed throughout theship to provide adequate stability and to ensure that the ship’s structure is never overstressed.Furthermore, the shipper shall provide the master with adequate information about the cargo, asspecified in section 4, to ensure that the ship is properly loaded. *2.1.2 To prevent the structure being overstressedA general cargo ship is normally constructed to carry cargoes in the range of 1.39 to 1.67 cubicmetres per tonne when loaded to full bale and deadweight capacities. When loadinga high-density solid bulk cargo, particular attention shall be paid to the distribution of weights toavoid excessive stresses, taking into account that the loading conditions may be different fromthose found normally and that improper distribution of such cargo may be capable of stressingeither the structure under the load or the entire hull. To set out exact rules for the distribution ofloading is not practicable for all ships because the structural arrangements of each vessel mayvary greatly. The information on proper distribution of cargo may be provided in the ship’sstability information booklet or may be obtained by the use of loading calculators, if available.2.1.3 To aid stability2.1.3.1 Having regard to regulation II-1/22.1 of SOLAS Convention, a stability informationbooklet shall be provided aboard all ships subject to the Convention. The master shall be able tocalculate the stability for the anticipated worst conditions during the voyage as well as that ondeparture and demonstrate that the stability is adequate.2.1.3.2 Shifting divisions and bins, of adequate strength, shall be erected whenever solid bulkcargoes, which are suspected of readily shifting, are carried in ‘tween-deck cargo spaces or inonly partially filled cargo spaces.2.1.3.3 As far as practicable, high-density cargoes shall be loaded in the lower hold cargospaces in preference to ‘tween-deck cargo spaces.2.1.3.4 When it is necessary to carry high-density cargoes in ‘tween-decks or higher cargospaces, due consideration shall be paid to ensure that the deck area is not overstressed and thatthe ship’s stability is not reduced below the minimum acceptable level specified in the ship’sstability data.*Also refer to the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, adopted by theOrganization by resolution A.862(20), as amended.I:\MSC\85\26-Add-2.doc