Cargo Handling & Stowage | General Cargoes

Summary

The video outlines key procedures involved in handling general cargo on ships, including cleaning cargo holds, segregating and storing different types of cargo, and ensuring the proper maintenance of the ship's equipment. It highlights the importance of managing cargo like bags, drums, and steel plates, and how bulk cargo is handled and stored safely. The video also discusses cleaning and deodorizing cargo holds, ensuring the integrity of hatch covers, and using dunnage to prevent damage. Overall, it emphasizes the thorough steps taken to ensure efficient and safe cargo transportation.

Takeaways

• 😀 General cargo includes items like bags, barrels, drums, pallets, boxes, crates, and steel products such as plates and coils.
• 😀 General cargo ships are decreasing in number due to the rise of containerized shipping.
• 😀 Cargo holds must be thoroughly cleaned before loading general cargo, including sweeping and collecting all residue.
• 😀 Damaged cargo should be segregated and stacked in designated areas in the lower hold and tween deck.
• 😀 Lashing materials such as ropes, wires, and shackles should be collected and stored properly, with metal parts dipped in used oil to prevent rust.
• 😀 Bilge cleaning involves pumping out any liquid, removing old cargo residue, and ensuring all holes and non-return flaps are cleared and refitted.
• 😀 Regular testing is necessary to ensure the CO2 system is functioning properly, often through compressed air or smoking bombs.
• 😀 Hatch covers, booby hatches, and air pipes need to be tested for leaks, and any damaged rubber seals should be repaired.
• 😀 All access ladders on the ship should be inspected for good condition before loading cargo.
• 😀 Deodorizing might be necessary to remove strong odors from previous cargo, ensuring a clean environment for the new cargo.
• 😀 Proper separation and segregation of cargo is essential to prevent mixing of different goods and to facilitate identification at the discharge port.
• 😀 Dunnage helps protect cargo from damage by preventing sweat, and permanent dunnage structures like spa ceilings and cargo battens are used on general cargo ships.

Q & A

What types of cargo are handled on general cargo ships?

General cargo ships handle various types of cargo, including bags, barrels, drums, pallets, boxes, crates, steel plates, and steel coils. These are often referred to as breakbulk cargos.

How have the methods of shipping general cargo changed in recent times?

In recent times, general cargo, such as breakbulk items, is increasingly being shipped in containers on container ships. As a result, the number of general cargo ships has been decreasing in international trade.

What is the process of cleaning cargo holds before loading general cargo?

Cleaning cargo holds involves sweeping and collecting all residue from the previous cargo, removing any damage to the hold, and segregating good and damaged items. It also includes cleaning between the decks and storing any reusable materials like lashing wires and ropes.

What materials are used for securing cargo and where should they be stored?

Lashing materials such as wires, ropes, bottle screws, bulldog grips, shackles, and extra coil wires are used for securing cargo. These materials should be collected and stored in the forecastle store, with bottle screws, bulldog grips, and shackles dipped in used oil to prevent rust.

What is the procedure for cleaning bilges on a general cargo ship?

Cleaning bilges involves pumping out any liquid, removing residue from old cargo, cleaning the strum box, clearing holes, and removing loose rust. It also includes ensuring the non-return flap is refitted and covering bilges with burlap and cement if bulk cargo is being loaded.

Why is it important to test the CO2 system in the cargo hold?

Testing the CO2 system is crucial to ensure it is functional in case of an emergency. The system can be tested by blowing through with compressed air or using smoke bombs to confirm its readiness.

How can leaks in the hatch covers be addressed during cargo hold preparation?

Leaks in hatch covers can be addressed by repairing the rubber seals and plating where leaks are observed. A hose test can also be conducted on hatch covers and booby hatch bases, as well as air pipes.

What is the role of deodorizing during cargo hold preparation?

Deodorizing may be necessary to remove strong odors left by previous cargo, ensuring the cargo hold is properly prepared for the new load.

What is the importance of separation and segregation of cargo?

Separation and segregation prevent different types of cargo or parcels of the same cargo from getting mixed, ensuring proper identification of cargo at the discharge port.

What is the function of dunnage on general cargo ships?

Dunnage is used to prevent cargo damage from sweat and helps to spread the weight of the cargo. It also protects the underneath deck from damage. Permanent dunnage is installed on the sides of general cargo ships, known as spa ceiling or cargo battens.