Focus on Structural Safety of Bulk Carriers

In order to promote the safety of bulk carriers in the Asia-Pacific region, a three-monthinspection campaign (CIC) is underway affecting all bulk carriers of over 15,000 gt and over 12 years of age, trading in waters under Tokyo MOU jurisdiction. The inspections focus on the structural safety of bulk carriers. Particular attention is paid to ships carrying high-density or corrosive cargoes and those trading on the ‘spot market’.

From 1st September 2003, port state control officers’ (PSCO) inspections focus on a variety of safety issues utilising a checklist specifically devised for the campaign. Items to be inspected include:

• calculated bending and sheer force stresses within limits
• hatch integrity
• hatch coaming condition
• hold frame/plating condition

During each inspection, access to the fore peak, upper wing ballast tanks and cargo hold spaces may be requested by the PSCOs and necessary preparation and co-operation from ships’ crews in inspecting these spaces, will be expected.

Tokyo MOU intend to inspect as many bulk carriers as possible during this campaign, and theseinspections are conducted in conjunction with routine port state control inspections. A ship within the target group will normally be subjected to one CIC inspection in the region during the period of the campaign. Upon completion of the campaign, a press release summarising the results of the CICs, will be issued by the Tokyo MOU.