Hold Inspection and Preparation

Hold Inspection and Preparation

A general inspection of hold is important before loading to check the following: -

A) Structural Damage or Defect: -

This could include damage to the 

• Tank Top 
• Missing Bilge Covers
• Broken Ladders
• Damage Cargo Battens
• Coamings 
• Leaking hatch covers
• Tank Top Ceiling 
• Ventilators 
• Sounding Pipes 
• Temperature Pipes
• Ship Side Frame 
• Brackets 
• Drain Channels 

B) Suitability of Cargo: -

• The hold must be cleaned to a standard suitable for the cargo.
• Lashing points located in case of need
• Before loading cargo checked for space and dimension 
• Any obstruction in the stowage such as ladders, ventilator duct, or converging shipside especially for over-dimensional cargo must be identified.

Hold Preparations: - 

• Sweeping – To remove the whole previous cargo residue

• Washing – Hose down the hold or rinse the hold with seawater and finally rinsing with fresh water if required.

• Dry – Ventilation can be used to dry the hold.

• Remove – Remove the loose rust, and special attention during the cleaning is to be done inaccessible places like Behind Frames, Top of the Beams, The underside of the hatch covers, etc.

• Bilges – Bilges are to be thoroughly cleaned, washed, and made empty. 

• Bilge pumps should be tried out. (Pump should be tried out before loading or after discharging because in case water enters the hold by any means, and can not be pumped out, there are likely chances of ship sinkage) 

• Bilges maybe lime or cement coated with bitumastic paint.

• Bilges should be free of previous cargo traces and should not contain a foul odor.

• Bilges to be covered with burlaps to prevent the entry of cargo inside bilges. 

• Rose Boxes – Rose boxes are to be cleaned and placed securely in position.

• T’ween Deck Scuppers Should be clear.

• Ballast Manholes – Covers to be checked and no leakage on ballast manholes s, it must be secured with cement on the edges.

• Ventilation System – The ventilation system should be tried out for proper and efficient functioning.

• CO2 System and smoke detection system of the hold is to be checked. 

• Hatches to be in good condition, Tested for water tightness.

• Trackways must be cleared.

• The underside of the pontoons is free from any residue of previous cargo.

• Hatch covers should be tested for water tightness by Chalk test, Light test, High-pressure water jet test (hose test), Ultrasonic test.

• Guard rail or chains to be placed around the opening for safety as per dock regulation.

• Lighting or illumination in the hold must be checked that working properly.

• Means of access (doorways or ladders etc) are to be cleared and safe from any hazards.

• Cargo gears must be thoroughly checked to be in good working condition.