Cargo and ballast transfer planning
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the vessel's arrangements for cargo and ballast transfer planning and execution are planned, understood and executed using vessel-specific limits, verified line-up, effective communication and traceable records.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What are the critical controls for cargo and ballast transfer planning and execution?
Explain the vessel-specific sequence, limits and safeguards for cargo properties, tank allocation, sequence, rates, pressure, stress, stability, trim, venting, topping-off, ballast exchange, terminal limits and contingencies.
2How was the line-up independently verified?
Identify both verifiers, the physical route checked, valve-position confirmation and the record completed before starting.
3What conditions require the operation to stop?
Stop for loss of communication, unexpected pressure or level, leakage, alarm, incorrect line-up or any of these specific failures: stress or stability limit exceeded, wrong tank, overfill, excessive pressure, vent restriction, ballast conflict or unplanned deviation.
4Show the most recent complete operation.
Trace the plan through signed cargo plan, loading computer stages, terminal agreement, rate and pressure log, tank levels and final reconciliation, including any deviation and its authorisation.
5What is the first response to an abnormal condition?
Stop or stabilise the operation, raise the alarm, isolate the source where safe, verify tank and system condition and coordinate with the terminal and Master.
Where an observation may arise
The vessel procedure did not adequately address cargo properties, tank allocation, sequence, rates, pressure, stress, stability, trim, venting, topping-off, ballast exchange, terminal limits and contingencies.
The plan was copied or did not reflect the actual cargo, tank condition, terminal limits or equipment status.
A critical valve or connection was not independently checked, or the recorded position conflicted with the physical system.
Responsible personnel could not explain their limits, monitoring duty, communications or stop-work authority.
The plan, log or checklist could not be reconciled with signed cargo plan, loading computer stages, terminal agreement, rate and pressure log, tank levels and final reconciliation.
The response did not adequately control stress or stability limit exceeded, wrong tank, overfill, excessive pressure, vent restriction, ballast conflict or unplanned deviation.
Master's practical note
Use the latest real operation, not a model checklist. Follow one critical parameter from the agreed plan to the CCR display, deck condition and final record.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Apply the vessel's approved cargo manuals, cargo-specific data, terminal agreement and company limits. Do not operate cargo equipment solely to demonstrate it during an inspection.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 8.99.1
- OCIMF ISGOTT, Sixth Edition
- ISM Code section 7
Last reviewed: 2026-09-14