Describe how the surface of a

partly filled compartment is

secured against movement
(Bulk Grain Cargo)
 One of the most difficult
and dangerous cargoes to
carry in bulk are grain
cargoes. Most grains have
an angle of repose (slip
angle) of about 20° from the
horizontal, which means
that if the ship rolls more
than 20° the cargo will shift.
Then this happens the ship
will develop a large list,
lying on her side and still
rolling will obviously cause
a greater shift of cargo
which in turn will capsize
the vessel.
 Each ship carrying grain
has to provide grain
specific stability
information, including
grain heeling moments,
to the terminal. This
section looks at various
problems, methods and
precautions that must be
taken when carrying
grain cargoes. Grain
cargoes carried in bags
are not considered as
bulk cargo.
1. To avoid shifting of cargo, the grain surfaces must be reasonably
trimmed:
a) Filled compartment, trimmed the cargo should be trimmed so that all
spaces under deck and hatch covers are filled to the fullest extent possible.

b) Filled compartment, untrimmed the cargo should be trimmed within the

hatchway but may be left at its natural angle of repose on the surrounding
area of the hatchway. The same can be applied for a filled compartment,
trimmed if:

-Dispensation is granted from trimming by the authority issuing the

Document of Authorisation on the basis that the cargo can flow freely to
underdeck empty areas through feeder ducts, perforated decks, etc, or

-The compartment is designated a `Specially Suitable Compartment', in

which case exemption may be granted from trimming the compartment
ends.
2. If the cargo is stowed only in the lower
compartment, the lower compartment hatch covers
should be secured in the approved manner.

3. If the cargo is stowed in the upper compartment

above a tween deck whose covers are not grain-
tight, the covers should be made grain-tight using
sealing tape, tarpaulins or separation cloths.

4. In partly filled compartments, the surface of bulk

grain should be secured by over-stowing except in
cases where heeling moments due to grain shift have
been calculated and taken into consideration for
stability of the vessel.
In order to eliminate heeling
moments in partly filled
compartments, strapping or
lashing is utilized, the
securing shall be
accomplished as follows:
5. Longitudinal divisions may be fitted to reduce
heeling moments due to shift of grain in filled
compartments, trimmed, filled compartments,
untrimmed and partly filled compartments,
provided that each division:
a. Is made grain-tight.
b. Is constructed according to the Grain Code
standards.
c. Extends from deck to deck in tweendecks.
d. Extends downwards from the underside of the
hatch covers.
6. The Master shall ensure that the
ship:

a. Before loading, can comply with

intact stability criteria at all stages of
the voyage.
b. Is upright before proceeding to sea.
c. Has all the paperwork completed
and onboard.
1. The grain shall be trimmed and levelled to the extent that it is
very slightly crowned and covered with burlap separation cloths,
tarpaulins or the equivalent.

.2. The separation cloths and/or tarpaulins shall overlap by at least

1.8 m.

.3. Two solid floors of rough 25 mm x 150 mm to 300 mm lumber

shall be laid with the top floor running longitudinally and nailed to
an athwartships bottom floor. Alternatively, one solid floor of 50
mm lumber, running longitudinally and nailed over the top of a 50
mm bottom bearer not less than 150 mm wide, may be used. The
bottom bearers shall extend the full breadth of the compartment
and shall be spaced not more than 2.4 m apart. Arrangements
utilizing other materials and deemed by the Administration to be
equivalent to the foregoing may be accepted.
.4. Steel wire rope (19 mm diameter or equivalent), double steel
strapping (50 mm x 1.3 mm and having a breaking load of at least
49 kN), or chain of equivalent strength, each of which shall be set
tightly by means of a 32 mm turnbuckle, may be used for
lashings. A winch tightener, used in conjunction with a locking
arm, may be substituted for the 32 mm turnbuckle when steel
strapping is used, provided suitable wrenches are available for
setting up as necessary. When steel strapping is used, not less
than three crimp seals shall be used for securing the ends. When
wire is used, not less than four clips shall be used for forming
eyes in the lashings.

.5. Prior to the completion of loading the lashing shall be

positively attached to the framing at a point approximately 450
mm below the anticipated final grain surface by means of either a
25 mm shackle or beam clamp of equivalent strength.
6. The lashings shall be spaced not more than
2.4 m apart and each shall be supported by a
bearer nailed over the top of the fore and aft
floor. This bearer shall consist of lumber of not
less than 25 mm x 150 mm or its equivalent
and shall extend the full breadth of the
compartment.

.7. During the voyage the strapping shall be

regularly inspected and set up where
necessary.