Bulk Solid Cargoes

Under provisions of the Canada Shipping Act (CSA), ships loading certain cargoes for export undergo mandatory inspections by Transport Canada Marine Safety Inspectors in the capacity of Port Wardens (on average approximately 1,200 vessels annually). These ensure that cargoes, such as grain, mineral concentrates and timber on deck, are loaded in accordance with established safety practices as well as Canadian and international requirements. Furthermore, under the Port State Control program, vessels may be inspected for compliance with the IMO SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention CH VI ,VII and XII requirements for cargoes.

Barge carrying bulk solid cargo.

Canadian regulations that cover cargoes in bulk include Grain Cargo Regulations, Dangerous Bulk Materials Regulations, Ship Fumigation Regulations. Under CSA 2001, these will be consolidated into the proposed Cargo Fumigation and Tackle Regulations.

Safety aspects for bulk solid cargoes are covered by requirements in Chapter VI of SOLAS. While this chapter in the past only covered the requirements for safe carriage of grain in bulk, CH VI was expanded over the years to cover many other aspects of cargo carriage, including requirements from the BC Code (Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes), as well as cargo information to be supplied, stowage and securing under requirements for an approved cargo securing manual.