Cargo Handling

This course covers the MARPOL regulations for Annex 1 as well as the means of compliance onboard ships with these regulations.

Bulk carriers are among the most prolific and most dangerous of vessels sailing in the oceans. This course looks at the typical hazards and dangers of bulk carrier operations and how these are managed on board to promote safer working conditions.

The IMO SOLAS and MARPOL conventions include regulations for the handling of cargo in packed form classified as dangerous or harmful for the environment with links to the IMDG code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code). According to the training provision in the IMDG section 1.3, a training for shore-side personnel shall be trained in General Awareness training. For seafarers, the STCW Code links to the same provision in the IMDG Code.

This incident is based on the experiences of the UK P&I Club. Accidents like the one in this course can and do happen. As you go through this course, ask yourself, "Could this happen on my ship?"

Almost all seafarers have been subjected to hard weather, and they are well aware of the impact and forces that can occur at sea. When the ship starts to pitch and roll in heavy seas, it is obvious that the consequences of such can be severe if the cargo is not correctly stowed and secured. In harsh weather conditions, if necessary, the speed should be reduced, and the course altered. Such precautions may decrease the level of stress, both to cargo and the ship’s structure, by avoiding large movements and heavy exposure to green sea on deck.

This training is specifically designed so that the participant can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills relating to the legislation and obligations for companies that carry out shipments, loading, unloading, stowage, packaging and any other activity related to the maritime transport of dangerous goods.

What is the worst thing that could happen? "It is only Ballast Water" you might say. However, the consequences of poor Ballast Water Management could cause health problems for many people, financial losses for the company, and also harm the world's ecosystems. There is a reason that this convention entered into force. In this course, you are going to learn more about your role and about different methods for handling Ballast Water.

The IMSBC Code gives the designations and properties of many types of solid bulk cargoes. In this course, we will take a quick look at the most common bulk cargoes.

The Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE) is a standard assessment used by tanker owners and operators in order to identify any operational deficiencies in their fleet or their ship. VIQ, Vessel Inspection Questionnaire, is a document within the SIRE, which offers and ensures ships' safety by means of additional safety precautions for all tankers. Chapter 12 of the VIQ covers Operations in Ice and Polar Waters. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regard to operations in polar waters.

The IMSBC Code was adopted in 2008 and came into force in January 2011. It contains the mandatory provisions of the SOLAS Convention pertaining to the carriage of solid cargoes in bulk around the globe.

This course introduces the basic safety concepts of tanker operations. It covers the safety legislation applicable to tankers and the means of compliance with such requirements. Personal safety is also covered including personal routines and hygiene.

This course covers the main material included in the Advanced Chemical Tanker Training course as set out by STCW.