Western Shipping Commercial Seminar – 4th Nov 2020 – Online Webinar
COMMERCIAL SEMINAR 2020 – Webinar
Venue: Zoom – WSP Conference Room
Date: 4th Nov 2020
Attendees
Invitation was extended to all Masters, Chief Engineers and Chief Officers working in Western Shipping fleet. All seafarers attended the webinar via zoom call.
The Seminar topics were introduced as necessary, with specific emphasis on commercial matters and recent updates within the fleet. This enabled targeted presentations relevant to the vessels being served.
Western Shipping Pte Ltd (WSP) was represented by:
- Capt Belal Ahmed / General Manager
- Capt M N Unnikrishnan / Operations Manager – Commercial
- Capt Niladri Chakraborty/ Operations Manager – Marine
Colonial Navigation Inc (CNC) was represented by:
- Gina Bell
- Elizabeth Mulcahy
Argyll (Argyll) was represented by:
- Andrew Perks
- Ellis Bounds
- Jeremy Chamberlain
Curriculum
The Seminar was opened by General Manager, Capt. Belal Ahmed. Topics later discussed were as per the above agenda. All participants submitted their queries using the chat function of Zoom. A summary of all questions was made, and responses provided at the end of the seminar.
Q&A
Q: For Capt. Unni – Regarding LOP on the broken shore installation, I had experienced a broken rubber fender was noted prior mooring, it looked broken recently. A photo was taken using IS camera after mooring. I opened this topic to captain, even showed photo. I have prepared the LOP for terminal as well, thinking it is prudent to do since terminal could blame vessel for damaging terminal property, but ship captain did not present this LOP to loading master. I signed off my vessel without any issues received from terminal side. Kindly confirm what is the best action that should have been done on that particular event.
A: By Capt. Unni – It is always a prudent, to issue a Letter of Protest to the Terminal, if any fender coming in contact of the vessel is observed to be broken. Otherwise the terminal may blame the vessel for damaging the fender OR the vessel may encounter damages due to broken fender.
Q: For Capt. Unni – Comment – Suggest to check the cargo valves in pumproom as well for proper response prior arrival at discharging port particularly when it has been long time that valves were not touched. Our PMS states quarterly check, however due to vessel’s age and maintenance that happened, any valve dismantled for valve seat replacement are subject to failure of operation if not exercise properly even it operates right after the maintenance. This is what I expect to be the reason for cargo pump suction valve not opening during Japan discharge of FOL prior I join in Feb 2020.
A: By Capt. Unni – As per the PMS all the Cargo valves should be checked at least once 3 months. However, the ship staff should endeavour to check the cargo valves prior loading & discharging where possible. If any shortcomings are identified, it should be brought to the notice of WESTSHIP.
Q: For Capt. Unni – Suggestion / experienced shared. Inerting of Fleet B and Sundong (ASL & ELL) vessel’s takes about 22 hours. It have to be watched thoroughly. First goal is to bring all tanks oxygen content in less than 8% vol first and then once reached, slowly bring all evenly to safely 6.8%. Trust that 36 to 40 hrs of estimated inerting is too much.
A: By Capt. Unni – It is correct the Inerting should not take more than 24 hours. If the time taken is more than this, then the procedure adopted, may not be the correct procedure of Inerting. So the planning of inerting should be improved to minimize the time & fuel consumption.
Q: For Capt. Unni – Any procedures about NOR Retedering? I have noticed some masters re tender nor every noon time some others not. please elaborate.
A: By Capt. Unni – The procedure for retendering will be instructed by the Time Charterer or Argyll through the voyage orders received from the Charterer. Master to follow the instruction received.
Q: For Capt. Niladri – If the surveyor does not witness the critical samples, will the issuance of LOP be enough to save ship’s sampling effort?
A: By Capt. Niladri – Surveyors are not obligated to witness ship sampling, some cooperate, some don’t. Usually, Surveyor must be accompanied during his sampling and crew must collect samples at the same time- which perhaps would be endorsed by him. For additional samples, invite formally, in case, he declines- he should inform formally. If that also fails, just inform all -while sending SOF that Surveyor did not witness ship sampling.
Q: For Argyll – Vessel is to adopt EDP after loading, but upon completion of cargo operations during documentations Loading Master bring with him the Cargo Documents e.g. BL, Manifest etc., What is the correct procedure for this matter?
A: By Jeremy – In this example better to sign the bl and docs, as EDP is only a time saving mechanism if requested by Charterers. So the overriding factor is to sign the bl if presented and if does not delay your vessel in sailing
Q: For Ellis – When will an EOSP declaration be erroneous to a voyage
A: By Capt. Unni – EOSP declaration is not very important. Master should decide logically as to where the EOSP has to be given. Where the sea passage ends and manoeuvering commences is where the EOSP has to be given.
Q: For Capt. Unni – Once the voyage is fixed, can we ask Argyll/CNC if they can give us a copy of a draft BL so as to save time asking them again once the BL was presented to the Master for signature? Most of the time, draft BL is not available and Master once presented a copy of BL, master ask ARGYLL if the BL presented was “Good” for Signature?
A: By Capt. Unni – The draft bill of Lading should be requested from the Local agent prior or when vessel is at berth. This draft bill if received should be checked for all correctness prior issuance the Final bill of Lading. Argyll should be consulted if any error is identified. If there is no draft bill of Lading issued then the Final Bill of Lading should be checked and if all information is correct as per the Voyage order and if the quantity of Cargo as per the Bill of Lading is within the difference as mentioned in Voyage Order, master can sign the Bill of Lading.
Q: For Elizabeth – WE issued LOP for the bunkering, what to do if the supplier or barge rep do not sign the LOP?
A: On Behalf of Elizabeth – As discussed, LOP should be given to the barge Master, however the LOP may or may not be signed by the Barge Master. If he does not sign, not much can be done. That is why it is important to call Ms Elizabeth if there is any issue regarding Bunkering without any delay.
Q: For Gina – In case when port agent states that NOR needs to be tendered during EOSP in order to pass the time and obtain berth permission, does re-tender requires when vessel drop anchor /alongside
A: By Capt. Mohan – NOR tendering and retesting should be as per voyage orders, follow time charters/commercial operator’s instructions. New Orleans sets a good example where NOR tendered at sea buoy which is 12 hours away from nominated berth where vessel may have to retender.
Feedback
Feedback was collected from all attendees and collated using the application MentiMeter in order to incorporate improvements for future seminars.
