Chemical Tankers / Day 4 / Day 4 Topic 7 Cargo Samples

Chemical Training

Cargo sampling procedures.

Sampling requirements

Cargo samples are evidence of the condition of the product during the

various phases of its transport (storage at terminal, reaching the cargo manifold, loading, passage, discharging).

For protection against possible cargo claims it is very important that cargo sampling done properly & in a correct manner…

Sampling requirements

•Manifold, 1st foot and completion of loading sample for each tank

•Manifold, tank sample prior discharging

•Cargo sample register to be maintained (form CHEM 06)

•All samples to be sealed and sampling to be witnessed by ship staff

Sampling requirements

•Cargo samples are to be retained onboard for a maximum of 12 months, thereafter disposed off ashore and records maintained

•In case of cargo quality dispute, retain ship samples carefully

•Ensure sample bottles, sample lines and closed sampling cans are clean, dry prior collecting samples. Contaminated ropes used for lowering/heaving sampling bottles into the tank will contaminate samples.

Sampling requirements

Samples for each grade of substance are taken at the ship's manifold to check that first stream of the incoming cargo is not contaminated with any other substance that may have been in the shore line from a previous vessel or operation.

The smallest tank is loaded first to take the first foot sample, so any problem with the cargo can be detected on analysis when only a small amount of cargo is loaded with a possibility of contamination.

Sampling requirements

A loaded tank sample is taken on completion of loading.

Samples must be taken during change of any loading sequence or source, such as when loading from different barges or if terminal advises ship that shore tanks are to be changed over.

Sampling requirements

Number of samples to be taken depends on the terms/conditions contained within the charter party, type of cargo.

Unless specified otherwise, as a general rule a sealed sample should be taken for every tank carrying cargo. Samples taken by the vessel bearing no signature from the surveyor or other authorized person, unless a very good documented sample log is kept by the vessel, have no real value as evidence in legal actions.

Sampling requirements

Samples must be taken at the manifold where it is permitted, prior to releasing cargo to the tanks to ensure that Shore lines are clean and correct cargo being loaded.

Whenever more than one tank is to be loaded with the same cargo, cargo is to be loaded one by one line/tank at a time to avoid contamination of whole cargo system when loading 1st foot.

Sampling requirements

Sample containers must be clearly marked as follows:

Name of the vessel

Port of loading

Cargo

Tank

Date and time

Voyage no. Signature of Chief Officer and where possible, the surveyor.