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Emissions of methane:
Coal emits methane immediately after loading and when newly worked or freshly broken. Methane is a flammable gas and when mixed with air forms an explosive mixture. It is lighter than air and therefore accumulates in the upper regions of the hold or other spaces. This gas can find itself into tanks cofferdams etc and pose a flammablity hazard so these compartments have to be well ventillated at all times and tested before man entry. Recommendations for tank entry procedures and check lists shall be provided in the bulk carrier code appenidx f.
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Corrosion:
‘pond coal’ is the term given to coal left over from earlier mining operations which has been dumped into freshwater ponds and later reclaimed for shipment. It has a high moisture and sulphur content. This type of coal releases high temperatures from self heating and the sulphur content reacts with water to give off sulphuric acid resulting in corrosion of the ships hull. The ship should have instruments for measuring the p.h. Content of the bilge waters and this must be done regularly.