Skuld’s Senior Claims Executive and Technical Manager, Arnt Stensen, has emphasized the crucial role of cargo samples in safeguarding tanker ship owners against potential cargo claims. He underlined the importance of handling these samples with the utmost care, as published on Safety4Sea.
Type of sample bottles
When selecting bottles for storing cargo samples, several factors should be considered. Plastic bottles (specifically HDPE) are suitable for pure acids or basic cargo to prevent glass deterioration and breakage. Amber bottles are preferred for inhibited and light-sensitive cargoes, but transparent bottles can be used if stored in dark lockers. Transparent glass bottles are recommended for immediate visual assessment of visual deviations, especially for manifold samples. Transparent plastic bottles are suitable for vegetable oils and food-grade products to ensure food safety and prevent glass contamination. Glass bottles can be used for sampling as long as drain samples are drawn to avoid direct contact with the cargo.
Labelling and log keeping
Proper labelling of the samples is crucial. In some cases, vessels follow the correct sampling procedures but have poor labelling practices, such as:
- including excessive information except for the essentials,
- using only a permanent marker to write the tank number without proper labels,
- having unreadable labels.
Such labelling issues weaken the value of samples as evidence in joint witness analyses.
A label should as a minimum contain the following information:
a) Name of vessel and voyage number
b) Type of cargo, port of loading and discharge
c) Details of sample (manifold, final etc.)
d) Date and name of the person who took it.
To record the sampling in the Port Log can also serve as evidence. If the samples are sealed, then the seal number should be recorded as well.
Retention time
Shipowners have been observed to reduce the on-board retention period of samples, disposing of them before potential claims arise. This trend has resulted in expensive settlements, as retained samples could have provided counter-evidence. Despite sample lockers being crowded, it is essential to adhere to proper retention periods, typically lasting twelve months from the discharge date, to address potential disputes effectively.
Cargo surveyors
Cargo surveyors play a crucial role in sampling, and it’s important to clarify that issuing Letters of Protest does not absolve the vessel from sampling responsibilities. Surveyors represent cargo interests, which may differ from the vessel’s interests, leading to sample shortages or disagreements. Some ship owners avoid sampling by the crew, believing unilaterally drawn and unsealed samples lack evidentiary value. However, all samples can serve as evidence, and fingerprint analyses can confirm their authenticity. Improving sampling procedures on board is vital for accurate cargo quality monitoring and securing evidence.
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Source: Safety4Sea
