8.5 Condition of the cargo hold, hatch covers and ventilation system 8.5.1 The steel pre-load survey is only one of several protective measures to be implemented to prevent
steel cargo claims.
8.5.2 The watertight integrity of the vessel’s hatch covers to protect against water ingress into the cargo
holds, and a properly functioning ventilation system to control the cargo hold humidity during the
voyage are also essential to avert or minimize the risk of cargo claims caused by sea water ingress
wetness and/or condensation damage.
8.5.3 With this in mind, the vessel owner should refer to the attachment to
Club Circular No. 23/14 , Hatch cover, ventilation, ballast and bilge system checklist for steel pre-load surveys prior to loading steel cargoes.
8.6 Cargo stowage and lashing 8.6.1 The attending surveyor should monitor cargo loading operations to ensure that the cargo is
properly stowed with due consideration to adequate/sufficient dunnaging. The stow should have
unobstructed ventilation channels if and as instructed by the charterer or shipper.
8.6.2 The surveyor should also confirm that the cargo:
(1)
is not in direct contact with vessel’s steel structure;
(2)
is stowed with sufficient overhead space to avoid any restriction of ventilation air;
(3)
has been properly loaded and dunnaged;
(4)
is stacked in stable condition to prevent shifting or collapsing during the voyage; and
(5)
is lashed and secured in accordance with the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual as required
by the CSS Code.
8.6.3 The surveyor should monitor and ensure that the cargo is properly handled by stevedores according
to the approved stowage plan and securing and lashing arrangements.
