Bulk carriers

Single-deck vessels carrying solid bulk cargoes — iron ore, coal, grain, bauxite, fertilisers.

Work environment

Long sea legs (Brazil–China iron ore, Australia–Asia coal), demanding cargo prep (hold cleaning between cargoes), draft survey, hatch cover maintenance. Common entry point for cadets and ratings.

Common ranks onboard

• master
• chief officer
• second officer
• third officer
• deck cadet
• bosun
• able seafarer deck
• chief engineer
• second engineer
• third engineer
• fourth engineer
• engine cadet
• motorman

Typical certificates

• BST
• PSCRB
• AFF
• MFA
• Security Awareness

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Safety risks

• Group A liquefaction cargoes (iron ore fines, nickel ore)
• Enclosed-space entry into holds
• Hatch cover maintenance falls
• Cargo dust + grain phosphine fumigation

Last verified 15 days ago