It is the ship’s responsibility to draw the required sample. A single cargo tank claim could be very costly, but a claim for multiple tanks or the entire cargo could run into many millions of dollars. The Britannia P&I Club highlights that it is important samples to be collected, sealed, labelled and recorded in line with company procedures.
Taking a sample
- Always take manifold samples representing the first flow of every grade of cargo being delivered.
- Check samples for: cloudiness/haziness, suspended matter, rust , colour , water/free water
- If there is a problem stop loading and discuss with your head office/P&I club
- It is also recommended to check the manifold samples at regular intervals and draw samples if the cargo is suspected to be ‘off spec’.
- A first foot sample should be taken for sensitive cargo when loading starts. Any issues with the ship’stank and line preparation will show in this sample.
- The sampling equipment and bottles should be clean and free from any contaminants i.e. water, to prevent contamination.
- Samples should be taken when the tank loading is complete, and before discharging.
- Sampling by recirculation with the cargo pump draws cargo mainly from the bottom of the tank, and is not therefore an average/composite sample.
Recording and storing samples
Samples must be sealed, labelled and accurately recorded in the ship’s sample log. They should not be released to any third parties other than the Owner’s representative or P&I club.
When samples are due for disposal permission should be obtained from the Owners.Samples must be disposed of in compliance with MARPOL.
Detailed log book entries should be recorded as shown in the example below.
Source: Britannia P&I Club
