The Master has the overall responsibility for the loading and discharging of his vessel however he may delegate tasks and duties to his officers, for example to the Cargo Officer for the preparation of loading/discharging plans and general supervision of cargo operations.
For Loading
Weight of Cargo to be Loaded With a deadweight cargo, the Master shall take account of the following factors before planning the stowage and agreeing the weight that can be loaded:
- Bunkers and freshwater to be taken;
- Draft restrictions in loading ports and discharging ports;
- The loadline zones (including seasonal zones) through which the ship will pass;
- The ship’s trim requirements.
Check of Equipment
Before arriving at the load port all facilities for proper carriage shall be checked, including (where applicable):