Overheating Of Coal Causes Major Fire On The Ship Resulting Loss Of Life, Cargo And Environmental Damage. There Have Been No Of Incident Resulting From Overheating Of Coal. The Majority Of Incidents Involved The Loading Of Low Rank Coal In Excess Of 55 Deg C. There Are Many Companies Not Providing Adequate Cargo Declaration And Supply Lower Rank Coals. Self Heating Of Such Coals Gives Hydrocarbon Gases Which Is Highly Combustible
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Precaution Must Be Taken While Loading Coal To Ensure Safety Of Ship And People On Board.
It Happens Often That The Shippers Barge Waiting At Sea, Open To Strong Wind, Rain And Rough Weather, Near To The Anchorage. A Situation Can Often Promote Self-heating When Loading Such Cargo. Cargo From These Barges Coal Temperature May Be In Excess Of 55 Deg C.
Care Must Be Taken Before Loading These Cargoes. Loading Should Be Closely Monitored And Temperature Of Cargo Should Be Examined At Very Short Intervals. Infra-red Thermometers Can Be Used To Monitor Temperature.
Holds Should Be Closed Air Tight If There Is Any Delay Of More Than An Hour During Loading. On Completion Of Cargo Operation Cargo Trimming Should Be Done And Holds Should Be Closed And Sealed.
IMSBC Code Requires Following Minimum Information From The Shipper About The Cargo-
Moisture Content
Sulphur Content
Particle Size
Details That Cargo Emits Methane Or Self-heat, Or Both
IMSBC Also Require That The Ship Has-
An Instrument For Measuring Methane, Oxygen And Carbon Monoxide In Holds.
A Means Of Measuring The PH Values Of Cargo Bilge Sample.
A Means Of Measuring Cargo Temperature During Loading And Sailing.