Duties and Responsibilities of The Officers on Board Ship Cargo Operation

Duties of the Cargo Officer on Bulk Carrier Ship, Dry Cargo Ship or General Cargo Ship

Cargo Officers will have a variety of duties before, during and after cargo operations begin. He/she should be aware that monitoring the cargo movements and ensuring parcels remain in good condition is protecting the owners’ interests. Extensive ship keeping activities also go along with loading and discharging the vessel’s cargo.

Prior to cargo operation

1. Check that the designated compartments are clean and ready to receive cargo.

2. Check that the drainage and bilge suctions are working effectively.

3. Ensure that cargo battens (spar ceiling) is in position and not damaged (some cargoes require cargo battens to be removed).

4. Make sure the relevant hatch covers are open and properly secured in the stowed position.

5. Check the rigging of derricks and/or the cranes are operating correctly.

6. Check that the hatch lighting’s are in good order.

7. Order engineers to bring power to deck winches.

8. Inspect all lifting appliances to ensure that they are in good order.

9. Inspect and ensure all means of access to the compartments are safe.

10. Guard rails and safety barriers should be seen to be in place.

11. Ensure all necessary fire-fighting arrangements are in place.

12. Check that the ship’s moorings are taught.

13. Note the draughts fore and aft.

14. Check that the gangway is rigged in a safe aspect.

During cargo transfer

1. Note all starting and stopping times of cargo operations for reference into the log book.

2. Note the movement of cargo parcels into respective compartments for entry onto the stowage plan.

3. Refuse damaged cargo and inform the Chief Officer of the action.

4. Monitor the weather conditions throughout operations.

5. Note any damage to the ship or the cargo-handling gear and inform the Chief Officer accordingly.

6. Maintain a security watch on all cargo parcels and prevent pilferage.

7. Tally in all special and valuable cargoes and provide lock-up stow if required.

8. Maintain an effective watch on the gangway and the vessels moorings.

9. Ensure that appropriate dunnage, separation and securing of cargo takes place.

10. Monitor all fire prevention measures.

11. Check the movement of passengers’ baggage (passenger-carrying vessels).

12. Make sure all hazardous or dangerous cargoes have correct documentation and are given correct stowage relevant to their class (International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code).

13. Inspect compartments and the transit warehouse at regular intervals to ensure cargo movement is regular.

14. Inform Chief Officer prior to loading heavy lifts.

15. After discharge operations, search the space to prevent parcels being overcarried

16. Ensure that the local by-laws are adhered to, throughout.

17. Note the draughts on the completion of loading/discharging.

After cargo operations

1. Close up hatches and lock and secure access points.

2. Inform engineering department to shut down power to deck winches.

3. Secure all lifting appliances against potential damage or misuse.

4. Enter the days working notes into the deck log book.

5. Inform the Chief Officer that the deck is secure and the current draughts.

Miscellaneous

The Chief Officer would ensure that the cargo stowage plan is kept updated when the vessel is in a loading situation. The officer’s workbooks and tally
sheets would be used at this stage. 

He would also at some time order the density of the dock water to be ascertained by means of the hydrometer. Cargo loaded/discharged, being then ascertained by means of the deadweight scale.

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