Directive 2001/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

ANNEX IV U.K. DUTIES OF THE MASTER PRIOR TO AND DURING LOADING OR UNLOADING OPERATIONS(as referred to in Article 7(1)(d))

Prior to and during loading or unloading operations the master shall ensure that:

1.

the loading or unloading of cargo and the discharge or intake of ballast water is under the control of the ship's officer in charge;

2.

the disposition of cargo and ballast water is monitored throughout the loading or unloading process to ensure that the ship's structure is not overstressed;

3.

the ship shall be kept upright or, if a list is required for operational reasons, it shall be kept as small as possible;

4.

the ship remains securely moored, taking due account of local weather conditions and forecasts;

5.

sufficient officers and crew are retained on board to attend to the adjustment of the mooring lines or for any normal or emergency situation, having regard to the need of the crew to have sufficient rest periods to avoid fatigue;

6.

the terminal representative is made aware of the cargo trimming requirements, which shall be in accordance with the procedures of the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes;

7.

the terminal representative is made aware of the requirements for harmonisation between de-ballasting or ballasting and cargo loading or unloading rates for his ship and of any deviation from the de-ballasting or ballasting plan or any other matter which may affect cargo loading or unloading;

8.

the ballast water is discharged at rates which conform to the agreed loading plan and does not result in flooding of the quay or of adjacent craft. Where it is not practical for the ship to completely discharge its ballast water prior to the trimming stage in the loading process, he agrees with the terminal representative on the times at which loading may need to be suspended and the duration of such suspensions;

9.

there is agreement with the terminal representative as to the actions to be taken in the event of rain, or other change in the weather, when the nature of the cargo would pose a hazard in the event of such a change;

10.

no hot work is carried out on board or in the vicinity of the ship while the ship is alongside the berth, except with the permission of the terminal representative and in accordance with any requirements of the competent authority;

11.

close supervision of the loading or unloading operation and of the ship during final stages of the loading or unloading;

12.

the terminal representative is warned immediately if the loading or unloading process has caused damage, has created a hazardous situation, or is likely to do so;

13.

the terminal representative is advised when final trimming of the ship has to commence in order to allow for the conveyor system to run-off;

14.

the unloading of the port side closely matches that of the starboard side in the same hold to avoid twisting the ship's structure;

15.

when ballasting one or more holds, account is taken of the possibility of the discharge of flammable vapours from the holds and precautions are taken before any hot work is permitted adjacent to or above these holds.