Indonesia

Mis-declaration of Coal

In Indonesia a bulk carrier loaded a cargo of coal for which the 'Cargo Declaration' from the shipper stated that the IMO Category for Ocean Transport Purposes for the coal was CAT 'A' which now no longer exists. This declaration was meant to indicate that the coal had no problems with spontaneous heating during shipment.

The master was instructed to seal the ventilators and hatch covers throughout the voyage. The master being aware of the relevant Code of Practice conducted the necessary hold atmosphere tests in accordance with the Code and found that there were increasing levels of carbon monoxide in some of the holds. This indicated that the coal had started to heat spontaneously.

The master was able to control this heating and continue the voyage without problems.

Masters should be aware of The Code of Safe Practice for Solid Cargoes and to the possibility of mis-declaration from shippers.