Cargo Damage due to rain.....
Cargo :- Rapeseed meal
Amount of damage :- 17.5 tons of cargo were damaged with a market value of over US$3,000
The incident....
A 1,200 ton gearless bulk carrier was discharging her cargo of rape seed meal(animal food). Shortly after discharge commenced cargo operations were suspended during a heavy rain shower. The crew had some difficulties in reopening the hatch covers and as a result discharge was delayed.
Stevedores.....
Following this incident stevedores requested that discharge continue during periods of rain.
Master's action......
The Master asked for written authorisation and this was reportedly promised by the stevedores. On the strength of the promise of a letter of authorization to work in the rain the Master allowed discharge to continue in the rain and made no attempt to cover the hold during lunch breaks.
Consignee's action and stevedores....
When a cargo claim for wet damage was presented by the consignee the stevedores
refused any knowledge of a letter of authorization to permit working during periods of rain.
Who has the authority to issue a letter....
The only people with the power to authorize the discharge of water-sensitive cargo during periods of rain are the shippers or consignees. Stevedores do not normally have the authority to do so.
Master's obligation......
When requested to continue loading or discharging water-sensitive cargoes in the rain Masters should ensure that they have received written authority to do so from the shipper or consignee or someone acting with their authority.
In cases where the authorization is given by persons other than the shipper or consignee the Master should ensure that the person authorizing the operation has the power to do so otherwise responsibility for damage to the cargo may remain
with the ship.
Amount of damage :- 17.5 tons of cargo were damaged with a market value of over US$3,000
The incident....
A 1,200 ton gearless bulk carrier was discharging her cargo of rape seed meal(animal food). Shortly after discharge commenced cargo operations were suspended during a heavy rain shower. The crew had some difficulties in reopening the hatch covers and as a result discharge was delayed.
Stevedores.....
Following this incident stevedores requested that discharge continue during periods of rain.
Master's action......
The Master asked for written authorisation and this was reportedly promised by the stevedores. On the strength of the promise of a letter of authorization to work in the rain the Master allowed discharge to continue in the rain and made no attempt to cover the hold during lunch breaks.
Consignee's action and stevedores....
When a cargo claim for wet damage was presented by the consignee the stevedores
refused any knowledge of a letter of authorization to permit working during periods of rain.
Who has the authority to issue a letter....
The only people with the power to authorize the discharge of water-sensitive cargo during periods of rain are the shippers or consignees. Stevedores do not normally have the authority to do so.
Master's obligation......
When requested to continue loading or discharging water-sensitive cargoes in the rain Masters should ensure that they have received written authority to do so from the shipper or consignee or someone acting with their authority.
In cases where the authorization is given by persons other than the shipper or consignee the Master should ensure that the person authorizing the operation has the power to do so otherwise responsibility for damage to the cargo may remain
with the ship.