2.1 Cargo distribution
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IMSBC Code – International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code – Resolution MSC.268(85) - Section 2 – General loading, carriage and unloading precautions - 2.1 Cargo distribution

2.1 Cargo distribution

2.1.1 General

A number of accidents have occurred as a result of improper loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes. It shall be noted that solid bulk cargoes have to be properly distributed throughout the ship to provide adequate stability and to ensure that the ship's structure is never overstressed. Furthermore, the shipper shall provide the master with adequate information about the cargo, as specified in section 4, to ensure that the ship is properly loaded.footnote

2.1.2 To prevent the structure being overstressed

A general cargo ship is normally constructed to carry cargoes in the range of 1.39 to 1.67 cubic metres per tonne when loaded to full bale and deadweight capacities. When loading a high-density solid bulk cargo, particular attention shall be given to the distribution of weights to avoid excessive stresses, taking into account that the loading conditions may be different from those found normally and that improper distribution of such cargo may be capable of stressing either the structure under the load or the entire hull. To set out exact rules for the distribution of loading is not practicable for all ships because the structural arrangements of each vessel may vary greatly. The information on proper distribution of cargo may be provided in the ship's stability information booklet or may be obtained by the use of loading calculators, if available.

2.1.3 To aid stability

2.1.3.1 Having regard to SOLAS regulation II-1/5-1, a stability information booklet shall be provided aboard all ships subject to the Convention. The master shall be able to calculate the stability for the anticipated worst conditions during the voyage, as well as that on departure, and demonstrate that the stability is adequate.

2.1.3.2 Shifting divisions and bins, of adequate strength, shall be erected whenever solid bulk cargoes, which are suspected of readily shifting, are carried in 'tween-deck cargo spaces or in only partially filled cargo spaces.

2.1.3.3 As far as practicable, high-density cargoes shall be loaded in the lower hold cargo spaces in preference to 'tween-deck cargo spaces.

2.1.3.4 When it is necessary to carry high-density cargoes in 'tween-decks or higher cargo spaces, due consideration shall be given to ensure that the deck area is not overstressed and that the ship's stability is not reduced below the minimum acceptable level specified in the ship's stability data.

Parent topic: Section 2 – General loading, carriage and unloading precautions
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