The Carriage of Steel Cargoes

It is also recommended that the appointed surveyor should examine the condition of the ship’s hatch covers, preferably prior to loading and to make any recommendations thought necessary having regard to the condition of the hatch covers. Where possible, testing should be carried out on hatch covers, preferably by means of ultrasonic testing, before loading and if possible, in the presence of the loading surveyor.

With regard to the condition of the hatch covers, owners are reminded that the obligation to exercise due diligence to make the ship seaworthy cannot be delegated to a surveyor. However, any observations or recommendations made by the surveyor must be given full consideration so that the shipowner will be in the best possible position to demonstrate that their obligations have been met in the event of claims being submitted.

In order to ensure seaworthiness, owners’ superintendents and ship’s crews should verify the hatch cover condition by regular examination and maintenance in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements. Detailed records of examinations, maintenance and testing should be maintained to prove that obligations regarding the exercise of due diligence have been met.

This Circular will supersede all previous Circulars relating to the carriage of steel cargoes and should be read in conjunction with the loss prevention department’s publications on the safe carriage of steel.

SIMON MACLEOD
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (LOSS PREVENTION)
The North of England P&I Association Limited / North of England P&I DAC

CIRCULAR REF: 2020/039