PREPARATIONS FOR A LOADLINE SURVEY 1. A visual examination of the Load line certificate & all other certificates to ensure that they are valid and all endorsements are carried out. 2. A general inspection to ensure that no unauthorized modifications are carried out which affect the conditions of assignment of Load lines for the vessel. 3. An inspection of strength of vessel in general, with a view to ensure watertight integrity. Holds may be internally inspected to gauge the strength of the transverse girder, framing, knees etc. This is so that the vessel will be able to withstand flooding of the compartment. The strength of superstructure bulkheads & machinery casing walls will be checked. 4. The Master must be provided with loading & ballasting information so as to be capable of carrying out such operations without causing excessive stresses. Stability information has also to be provided to enable him to calculate the stability of the vessel. (Check approved copies of both available). 5. The position & marking of the load lines on the P & S sides of the ship will be confirmed to be as per the load line certificate (Loadline Batton or Tape) 6. Hatch Covers are to be weathertight. Tests will be carried out on hatch covers as surveyor decides (U/S, Hose, Chalk Test). All fittings of hatch covers such as rubber packing and closing appliances are to be in good condition. Also Check condition of Drain Channels, Drain Valves, Thrust Pads, Rest Pads. 7. Ventilators are to be capable of being closed. If the covers are permanent, packing should be in good condition. Ventilator flaps are to be operative and marked ‘open’ and ‘shut’. 8. Watertight door packing is to be in good condition and the position of dog bolts are to be marked ‘open’ and ‘shut’. 9. Air Pipe flaps are to be capable of being shut, packing in good condition and valves operative. Sounding Pipes & Covers for same checked. 10.Machinery space openings on the fiddley to be capable of being tightly shut. 11.Portholes are to be weathertight with those below the main deck being fitted with deadlights & capable of being closed watertight. 12. Man Holes – Check covers for wastage, missing or worn out packing, bolts and nuts. 13.All inlet & outlet valves are to be checked that they are watertight. The forepeak tank screw down valve is to be capable of being closed watertight. 14.A lifeline is to be provided on deck for use in rough weather. Guard rails and bulwarks are to be fitted. Catwalks are to be provided on tankers. 15.Freeing ports provided on bulwarks should not be blocked or obstructed. 16. Scuppers& Discharges – Check for clogged deck scuppers. 17.The spurling pipe opening must be capable of being closed. The eductor system for the chain locker & forepeak stores must be working in good order.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:37:53 +0000