Hold Flooding

There are several ways in which water could enter the cargo hold of a bulk carrier. Ballast tanks can be damaged and water can enter the hold via improperly secured manhole covers, via the bilge system and via damaged sounding or vent pipes and of course through the hatch covers.

Recently, we have seen particular problems with ingress via manhole covers and the bilge system. Obviously water ingress from tanks, or via the bilge system, presents a great risk as the value of damaged cargo can be very high.

Often these claims occur due to routine procedures being overlooked by ships’ crew and it is important that company procedures and planned maintenance in relation to bilge wells, manhole covers and bilge water management is followed.

Bilges

Bilge related claims occur for a number of reasons. Common causes of incidents are outlined below along with some suggestions for risk reduction:

• Heavy rain in port – prudent bilge water management on board vessel including regular use of oily water separator when applicable and viable. At all times ensure that the bilge water holding tank has enough spare capacity  for the anticipated conditions e.g. heavy rain in port or very wet cargo.

• Failure of bilge well alarms – regular physical testing of cargo hold bilge well float alarms will ensure that an alarm will be activated once the bilge well is full. As long as the alarm is acted on quickly then the water level in the cargo hold should not rise above the level of the bottom of the containers.

• Non-return valve failure – planned maintenance of bilge and emergency ballast system should be strictly implemented. Procedures should be in place to ensure that all tests are carried out effectively, including checking of non-return valves and their correct fitting and function.

•  Bilge strainers and valves blocked by debris – a good standard of housekeeping

including cleaning of cargo holds to prevent dirt ingress into hold bilge strainers.

Manhole Covers

Manhole cover related claims occur for a number of reasons. Suggestions for risk reduction are outlined below:

• Regular inspection of manhole covers in cargo holds, ensuring that manhole cover nuts are regularly checked for tightness. Gaskets should be checked periodically and replaced as necessary.

• A responsible officer should witness removal and refitting of manhole covers. This helps ensure that the right covers are removed and that the manholes are correctly refitted. Manhole cover locations should always be checked against ships plans to ensure the manhole cover to be removed is correctly identified.

Obviously there are other causes of ingress and proper maintenance and inspection of hatch covers and tank tops is necessary to protect cargo from water ingress. None of the suggestions above are new and the vessel you are sailing on is likely to have procedures in place dealing with these matters. Make sure you are aware of and follow the procedures.