Developing and approving procedures for solid bulk cargoes which may liquefy

UK MCA has issued Marine Guidanced Note regarding the guidelines for developing and approving procedures for sampling, testing and controlling the moisture content for solid bulk cargoes which may liquefy.

Liquefaction of fine particle cargoes, resulting in cargo movement and loss of stability hasbeen associated with the loss of life in numerous, recent marine casualties.

Development of sampling procedures

The shipper should establish a sampling procedure to ensure that test samples usedto determine the acceptability of consignments for safe shipment are representative of theconsignments to be transported.

Methods of sampling may vary since the character of the cargoand the form in which it is available will affect the method to be used. It is, therefore, of theutmost importance to describe accurately the sampling procedures.

The procedure should, at least, include provisions:

• to identify the consignment to be sampled;
• to identify the material (type, particle size distribution, composition) and to ensurethat the consignment corresponds to the description of the material;
• to identify the appropriate time, frequency and place to take samples;
• to describe the method of sampling, including:
  • the number of subsamples or increments which are required;
  • the quantity of material to be taken (subsample or increment size);
  • the location where the subsamples or increments have to be taken in theconsignment;
  • the method of combining the subsamples or increments to arrive at arepresentative sample;
  • the method to ensure that the moisture content of the representative samplewill not be subject to variation; and
  • the method to ensure the traceability of the subsamples or increments and ofthe representative samples;
• on the equipment used for sampling and procedures for its maintenance, whennecessary;
• to identify persons responsible for sampling and the description of their training tofulfil their responsibilities; and
• to identify a technical supervisor responsible for the implementation of the samplingprocedures and the description of its training commensurate with its role andresponsibilities.

Development of testing procedures

The shipper should establish a test procedure to determine the acceptability of itsconsignments for safe shipment.

The procedure should, at least, include:

• the description of the test method for determining the moisture content.Recognized international and national methods for determining moisture content forvarious materials are referred to in paragraph 1.1.4.4 of appendix 2 of theIMSBC Code;
• the description of the test method for determining the acceptability ofconsignments

Recommended methods for determining transportable moisture limit (TML) aregiven in appendix 2 of the IMSBC Code. However, it is recognized that, in someinstances and taking into account the scope of each of the methods, they may notbe suitable for the cargo to be transported.

If the recommended methods are not suitable for the material in question, anyalternative method for this material should be approved by the competent authorityof the port of loading. When approving such method, the competent authorityshould make sure that this method gives reliable results data in order tocharacterize the risk of liquefaction of the cargo on board the ship. It should alsobe established that

Further details may be found on MSC.1/Circ.1454