What are the safeties while carrying solid bulk cargoes, TML?

flowchart TD
    A[Solid bulk cargo] --> B{Group?}
    B -->|A| C[Moisture < TML?]
    B -->|B| D[Ventilate & test atmosphere]
    B -->|C| E[Standard stowage]
    C -->|Yes| F[Safe carriage]
    C -->|No| G[Do not load / stop carriage]

• Core safety focus: prevent liquefaction of Group A cargoes by keeping moisture below TML
• TML definition: Transportable Moisture Limit = 90% of Flow Moisture Point (FMP)
• Group A cargoes: may liquefy if moisture > TML (iron ore fines, nickel ore)
• Group B cargoes: chemical hazards — toxic/flammable gas, self-heating, oxygen depletion
• Group C cargoes: neither liquefy nor chemical hazard
• Carriage-phase checks: monitor for free moisture/shifting; maintain ventilation per schedule; test atmosphere before entry; keep stress within limits
• Governing instrument: IMSBC Code (mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VII)
• India: MS Act 2025 s.147 applies IMSBC to Indian ships; DGMA is competent authority
• CE’s role: verify TML certificate; monitor ballast, hull stress, stability; stop operations if limits approached