On receipt of the ship's initial notification of its ETA, the terminal should give the ship the following information as soon as possible:
The name of the berth at which loading or unloading will take place and the estimated times for berthing and completion of loading or unloading;
Characteristics of the loading or unloading equipment, including the terminal's nominal loading or unloading rate and the number of loading or unloading heads to be used;
Features of the berth or jetty the master may need to be aware of, including the position of fixed and mobile obstructions, fenders, bollards and mooring arrangements;
Minimum depth of water alongside the berth and in approach or departure channels;
Water density at the berth;
The maximum distance between the water line and the top of cargo hatch covers or coamings, whichever is relevant to the loading operation, and the maximum air draft;
Arrangements for gangways and access; Which side of the ship is to be alongside the berth;
Maximum allowable speed of approach to the jetty and availability of tugs, their type and bollard pull;
The loading sequence for different parcels of cargo, and any other restrictions if it is not possible to take the cargo in any order or any hold to suit the ship;
Any properties of the cargo to be loaded which may present a hazard when placed in contact with cargo or residues on board;
Advance information on the proposed cargo handling operations or changes to existing plans for cargo handling;
If the terminal's loading or unloading equipment is fixed, or has any limits to its movement;
Mooring lines required;
Warning of unusual mooring arrangements;
Any restrictions on de-ballasting;
Maximum sailing draught permitted by the port authority; and
Any other items related to the terminal requested by the master.
Information on estimated times for berthing and departure and on minimum water depth at the berth should be progressively updated and passed to the master on receipt of successive ETA advices.
The terminal representative should be satisfied that the ship has been advised as early as possible of the information contained in the cargo declaration as required by chapter VI of SOLAS 1974, as amended.
The terminal should furnish as applicable:
The expected maximum and average loading/unloading rates may be discussed and clarified during completion of the ship/shore checklist at the arrival meeting between the terminal representative and the master.
Information regarding draught survey requirements where applicable.
Information regarding any draught surveys to be carried out, usually requesting ballast tanks to be either full or empty, containing clean seawater ballast where possible.
Usual anchorage and pilot embarkation area.
Whether ships may berth/depart at any time, or if it is necessary to wait for certain tidal conditions.
If ship or shore gangway is to be used, clarification of responsibility for ensuring that it is maintained in a safe manner throughout the ship's stay in port.
Information on precautions regarding strong tides or currents, swell, "stand-off" effect at piled jetties, passing traffic, or high winds.
Arrangements for immobilization of ship's engines alongside.
Information on the characteristics and properties of the cargo to be loaded.
The shipper of the cargo is responsible for ensuring that this information is provided to the master in good time. Our detail pages illustrated many safety aspects of Bulk carrier
Home page |||Bulk carrier types ||| Handling of bulk coal |||Cargo planning ||| Carriage of grain |||Risk of iron ores |||Self unloading bulk carriers |||Care of cargo & vessel |||Cargoes that may liquefy |||Suitability of ships |||Terminal guideline |||Hold cleaning |||Cargo cranes |||Ballast handling procedure |||Bulk carrier safety |||Fire fighting systems |||Bulk carrier General arrangement