Learning Objectives 1A

Introduction to General Cargoes

1 Know the reasons for cargo work.

2 Identify the various type of general cargoes.

3 Explain the characteristics of different forms

of cargoes, care and attention in handling.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 1

 Examples of cargo work related
incidences
 Failure to check proper lashings on cargoes stowed
onboard resulted in loss in stability due to cargo shifting
in heavy seas.
 Failure to open ventilation flaps in cargo hold resulting in
cargo damage due to sweat. (condensation)
 Failure to monitor ballasting sounding resulting in ballast
water contamination in cargo hold due to overflowing.
 Blockage of navigational view due to unauthorised
loading of high deck cargoes.
 Failure to carry out fire safety rounds resulting in fire in
cargo hold during operations.
 Failure to plug in reefer container after loading resulting
in cargo damage.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 2

 Cargo work

 Involved the following features

 Planning , coordinating, controlling and
motivating using physical and human
resources
 Different ports, different ships, different
cargoes
 Effective ship means “Speed of turn round
 Technological advances in ship design to
meet cargo changes
 Considerable impact of unitisation, in all its
form

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 3

 Cargo Work

AIM

To provide students with an understanding of

cargo work to enable students to assist in
planning and supervision of cargo operations

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 4

 Cargo Work

What is meant by Cargo ?

Any merchandise , commodities, goods, items

etc, carried from on place to another by any
mode of transportation (by sea, land or air),
for which freight (Payment) is made.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 5

 General Cargoes

What is General Cargo ?

General cargo is a term which covers a great

variety of goods. These goods may be in bags,
cases, crates or drums, or they may be kept
together by bailing, or they may be individual
pieces.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 6

 Types of general cargoes

Bagged cargoes which require other than the usual precautions

in stowing :
ASBESTOS. A mineral fibre which must be kept dry.

CATTLE FOOD (OIL CAKE). Should be kept dry and away from strong smelling
goods,

CEMENT. In paper bags, care should be taken in handling. Stow in a dry place not
more than 15 bags high.

COCOA. Stow away from heat, liable to damage from taint

COFFEE. Plenty of ventilation is required. Will damage if near strong smelling

goods.

COPRA. Dried coconut flesh. Liable to spontaneous combustion.

FISHMEAL. Liable to spontaneous combustion and gives off an offensive odour

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 7
 Baled Goods

CARPETS. These are valuable cargo and should be kept dry.

CORK. Light cargo which may be stowed anywhere.

COTTON,COTTON WASTE. Highly inflammable and spontaneous

heating and combustion may occur if bales have been in contact with oil.

FIBRES-HEMP, JUTE,SISAL. Readily combustible, keep dry and

shipped tightly compressed in bales. Kept away from oil.

RUBBER. Unstable platform in bales, usually given top stowage.

WOOL. Should be well dunnaged and good ventilation. Liable to

spontaneous heating and combustion.

BARRELS. Should be stowed fore and aft, never athwartships.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 8

 Crated Goods

CARS. May be carried in skeleton crates and on level grounds.

LEAD PIPING. Must not be crushed. Do not over stow with heavy cargo.

MACHINERY. Dunnages and fitting to protect round them.

TILES. Very fragile and must not be over stowed.

LEATHERS. Stow in dry place and keep clear of grease oil.

PAPER. Stowed on end to avoid the risk of distortion of roll and should
be on perfectly flat ground.

TYRES. Stow in cool place and top stowage. Keep away from grease.

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 9

 Cargo Work

CARGO OFFICER

• One responsible for the safe and efficient

handling and stowage of cargo on board

• Responsibilities not only confines to the

period of actual handling of cargo

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 10

 Cargo Work

Cargo officer’s responsibilities includes

following aspects of cargo operations:

• proper preparation prior cargo operation

• correct supervision during cargo operation
• relevant attention at sea
• co-ordination & co-operation with port
authorities

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 11

 Cargo Work

Cargo handling is an administrative &

organisational matter involving :

• planning
• co-ordinating
• controlling
• motivating ..
… activities which involves use of physical &
human resources
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 12
 Cargo Work

Areas of involvement well defined but never

static …

changes as ….

• between different ships

• between different cargoes
• between different ports

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 13

 Cargo Work

Need to conform/ adjust …

• law and legislations- comply to minimum
requirements
• company’s guidelines - as specified by
manual etc
• accepted customs & practices
• areas of unpredictability
• differing labour & industrial practices …
…. All if which requires varied actions as
situation arises
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 14
 Cargo Work

… basis practices in cargo handling remained

unchanged even with rapid changes in ways
cargo are handled, which depends on :

• type & age of ships involved

• kind of port the ship is working cargo
• influence upon practices arising from
continuing changes in types of cargo with the
developing pattern of trade conditions
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 15
 Principle of Stowage

Important considerations :

• Safety of ship & crew

• Safety of cargo itself

• The cargo stow

• Care during voyage

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 16
 Safety of Ship and Crew

Overriding consideration for stowage

• consider ship’s stability characteristics
• avoid excessive bending moment & shearing forces
• bear in mind intended voyage & likely weather

Never exceed Appropriate loadline Marks

Cargo distribution must :

• leave adequate access to crew & navigation spaces
• allow correct closure of hatchways, hatches and
accommodation doors
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 17
 Safety of Cargo itself

Common causes of cargo damage :

• inadequate stowage
• uneven distribution
• incorrect slinging
• careless movement of mechanical handling equipment
• improper attention to labels & markings
• careless packing
• inattention to weight loads & lifting gear
• insufficient/incorrect dunnaging
• contamination
• improper / inadequate ventilation
• failure to maintain required temperature (Reefer)

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 18

 Safety of Cargo

Inefficient ventilation has been a major

cause of cargo damage and one which
can have difficult repercussions with
insurance matters ...

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 19

 The Cargo Stow
• Cargo must be placed in such a position to
assist correct & speedy discharge

• No overstowing
- Correct port mark
- Proper labelling

• Proper distribution - minimise port stay

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 20

 The Cargo Stow

Prevent pilferage
• Block with heavier & less vulnerable cargoes
• Daylight working. If not possible use lots of
lighting
• Employ watchmen
• Stow in Locker
• Close hatches & lock entrances during breaks
• Officer/crew in attendance during loading &
discharging

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 21

 Safety of Cargo
Damaged cargoes :
• Kept separately & inform concerned
parties
• Record extent of damage
• Independent inspection
• Either reject or request stevedores to
repair
if condition warrants
• Stow in appropriate place after repair
KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 22
 During voyage ...

• Check lashing & securing of hatches

• Monitor cargo/ hold temperature if
necessary
• Monitor tank/bilge level
• Adequate & constant attention to
ventilation
• Heavy weather precautions taken to
prevent cargo damage

KNR/01-2003 SP-SMA Slide 23