Gas cargoes----what you have to remember

Between them, officers, crew and shore staff should observe a rigorous range of procedures and practices while preparing, loading, sailing, discharging and changing gas cargoes. 'Gas Matters,' the DVD produced by the UK P&I Club, for use by crew and onshore staff, summarises the key concerns during the main stages.

Preparing for loading

*agree who is responsible for what and establish communication
*before chartering, check that ship and terminal jetties are compatible
*before arriving at the discharge port, ensure the ship has the information it needs to berth, moor and discharge cargo safely and efficiently
*agree the ship's mooring plan in advance with the terminal; on smaller vessels, discuss mooring details with the pilot.

Loading

*check health, safety, environmental and security measures
*agree who will be responsible for what
*agree cargo plan and sign it
*monitor inspectors' work
*protest if you cannot come to an agreement

Loaded voyage

*carry out charterers' instructions diligently
*log the care taken with cargo as good records are the best defence against claims.

Discharging

*agree operational procedures with the terminal before discharging
*as chief officers, manage cargo operations and do not leave it to inspectors

Changing cargo

*for warm up and cool down, follow the shipbuilder's guidance
*never enter a tank until tests show it is safe to do so
*establish prior to arrival how to vent and gas-up.

Note to editors: 'Gas Matters' is the latest video in a continuing series produced for the UK P&I Club by Harris and Harris. It is aimed at increasing awareness of the causes of P&I claims for cargo damage and loss across major ship types. It will be distributed to UK Club members and is available to non-members through Maritime International Secretariat Services (www.marisec.org). Others in the series are Cargo Matters, Bulk Matters, Tanker Matters and Container Matters. They are also available from Marisec.

Gas Matters™ is a registered name and publication of Gas Strategies Group Ltd (www.gasstrategiesgroup.com) and the name is used with their permission.