Cargo Queries - Answers When They Matter Most

Fast, expert, practical and actionable guidance from West’s Loss Prevention team on cargo suitability, handling, documentation, and risk - worldwide.

As a department, we help owners and charterers make the right calls before issues escalate: which can include anything from IMSBC classification and hold readiness to surveyor appointments and sampling protocols. Send us any queries you have and we’ll respond with clear steps you can implement immediately.

What We Help With

Cargo classification & compliance (IMSBC/IMDG/CTU Code, Group A/B/C, TML/MC, MHB hazards)
Loading & discharge readiness (hold/tank cleanliness, ventilation, temperature, moisture, contamination)
Sampling, testing & surveys (when to appoint, scope of work, COQ/COA gaps, chain of custody)
Damage prevention & response (wetting, fire/heat, chloride contamination, liquefaction, segregation)
Contamination issues
Off spec cargos
Carriage of containerised goods
Dangerous Goods Cargos
Project Cargos
Ports & trades (local practices, restrictions, common pitfalls, documentation norms)
Instructions to Masters, surveyors and agents

How It Works

Owners vs Charterers - How We Help

For Owners

Confirm cargo suitability and safe loading parameters (e.g. Group A cargoes, moisture control, ventilation regimes).
Hold/tank readiness: what “in all respects” clean means for the specific cargo/port; pass/fail criteria.
Surveyor appointment: when to appoint pre‑loading/at discharge, scope and sampling plans.
Protective steps: LOPs, reservations, evidence, and escalation pathways.

For Charterers

Cargo/port due diligence: known problem cargoes, port practices, and credible mitigation.
Instructions to Owners/agents aligned with the fixture and trade specifics.
Commercial awareness: practical measures that manage risk without disrupting operations.

Sample Questions We Can Answer

IMSBC classification: “Does this chrome ore/fines from [load port] need to be treated as Group A and what documents must we insist on?”
Liquefaction control: “What is acceptable TML/MC certification and sampling protocol for iron ore fines from Nouakchott?”
Grain loading (Australia): “What does ‘hospital clean’ actually require for grain inspection, and what commonly fails holds?”
Pet coke & water: “We need to pump out water from hold bilges with pet coke cargo. Will this cause oil pollution?
How to deal with possible shortage due to excess of water draining from the cargo?
Steel products (chlorides): “Silver nitrate tests are positive after a hold‑fire/wetting event. How should we assess, evidence, and respond?”
“Harmless slag”: “Is bulk slag from [load port] Group B/MHB or otherwise risky, and do you recommend a pre‑loading survey?”
Tanker parcel dispute: “No Certificates of Quality at load. What’s our position and what sampling should we arrange at discharge?”
Hold cleanliness: “Is it acceptable to paint over rust ahead of inspection? What areas most often cause failure?”
Port practice: “Any known issues at [port] for this cargo and practical steps to avoid rejection/delay?”

BMT Cargo Handbook

The following link has lots of useful information on a large range of cargos.

What to Include in Your Email (This Saves Time)

Vessel & voyage: name, ports, laycan/ETA, charter type.
Cargo: BCSN/name, form (lumps/fines/liquid), planned tonnage, MSDS/COQ/specs if available.
Evidence: photos, draft, ullage data, temperature/moisture readings, sampling records.
Docs: proposed Cargo Declaration, previous certificates (TML/MC, cleanliness), survey reports.

Concern: Brief summary on what you’re worried about (e.g., liquefaction, contamination, port practice).

What You’ll Get Back

A clear recommendation (do/don’t load, conditions to load, evidence to obtain).
Checklists & wording (instructions to Master/agents, surveyor scope).

If needed: surveyor/referral options and a plan for sampling, sealing, and custody.