if cargo meant for discharge is not discharged it is said to be overcarried to the next port. Such an event causes inconvenience, extra cost, and additional paperwork. To this end hatches are searched on completion of discharge to ensure that all the designated cargo for the port of discharge has indeed left the ship – a method of checking against the cargo plan and the cargo manifest and comparing figures with the tallyclerks. It must be said, however, that this is not foolproof, especially if pressures are being applied to finish cargo operations and sail, and possibly departing before the … [Read more...]

Optional cargo is cargo which is destined for discharge at either one, two or even more ports. Consequently, it should be stowed in such a position as to be readily available for discharge, once the designated port is declared. … [Read more...]

An instrument for determining the percentage of oxygen in a sample of the atmosphere drawn from a tank, pipe or compartment. … [Read more...]

The lowest concentration of vapour in air which can be detected by smell. … [Read more...]