Stevedoring operations Topic 9. Stevedoring operations
Loading and unloading ships requires knowledge of the operation of specific equipment, the proper techniques for lifting, stowing and correct handling cargo, including dangerous materials. This is Stevedoring Company’s authority.
So, the main purpose of stevedoring companies is to perform loading, discharging, handling, receiving and delivering, storage of the goods, operations with cargo carried out for commercial purposes (examination, weighing, re-stuffing), monitoring and planning of acceptance procedures, shipping and yard shifting operations. Stevedoring company also renders transport and forwarding services. At the disposal of Stevedoring Company there is mechanical equipment and vehicles for transportation and cleaning, berths and terminals, open storage areas.
Stevedores undertake to:
discharge cargo from or load cargo into vessels’ holds, tweendecks, shelter decks, on decks and other cargo spaces;
provide and pay for all the necessary stevedoring services, including winchmen, crane operators, fork-lift drivers, foremen;
provide cargo handling gear and equipment such as hooks, nets, pallets, slings, hand trucks;
load and lay dunnage boards for proper stowage of cargo;
discharge cargo according to individual Bill of Lading marks and load cargo according to individual shipping orders.
To effect and coordinate work on board ship the following people are usually forwarded by the Stevedoring Company:
stevedores who are ordinary workmen;
foremen who are responsible for the work and safety of gangs;
superintendant who is responsible for handling of all ships in the dock;
tallyman who is responsible for counting of the cargo.
The Stevedores should exercise due care and diligence to avoid breakage, shortage, damage to vessels, goods and craft and to handle the goods so as to give the best advantage to each vessel. The Stevedores will be responsible for all loss and damage to cargo and ship during the work and they undertake to pay for such loss and damage. But they are not responsible for loss and damage caused by or through the fault of the ship’s crew and equipment.
The Stevedores will be responsible for inspecting cargo before stowage on board.
It has become a common practice nowadays to invite special Cargo Surveyors before the beginning of loading and discharging to inspect the holds. Usually such service is provided by independent surveying company to avoid disputes in future in case of damage to the cargo.
Cargo Officer must instruct the stevedores and foremen as to stowage of cargo into vessel’s compartments to avoid shifting and damage either to the vessel or cargo during the voyage.
Stevedores are nominated by the Owners or their Agents. Special Stevedoring Agreement is concluded to determine the responsibilities of both contracting parties.
Vocabulary!
соответствующие технологии
подъем груза
правильная обработка
компетенция
основная цель
хранение груза
укладка груза
взвешивание
перезагрузка
перемещение груза
оказывать услуги
в распоряжении
транспортное средство
крытые палубы
вилочные погрузчики
крючья
сетки
ручная тележка
сепарационный материал
стивидорная бригада
проявлять должное старание
избегать поломки
недостача
преимущество
по вине
пригласить сюрвейера
перешвартовка
назначать стивидоров
сверхурочная работа
лихтер