Cargo watchkeeping
Liquid + dry cargo, gas + tanker considerations, communication with terminal.
Why it matters
Cargo operations are when the most simultaneous activities run — loading, ballasting, gas freeing, mooring tension, terminal vehicles — and most cargo incidents happen at the changeover between watches.
Common hazards
- Over-/under-flow during topping off.
- Static / sparking on tanker manifold.
- Ballast – cargo mis-timing causing list / trim issues.
- Communication breakdown with the terminal.
Practical checklist
- Pre-operation toolbox talk with the cargo plan.
- Manifold / hose connection checked + dripped.
- ESD / linked alarms tested.
- Communications channel agreed with terminal.
Primary sources
High confidence
Last verified