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Bulk Fertilizers: Hazards, IMSBC Requirements & Safe Carriage

2nd Mate

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AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · BULK FERTILIZERS

BULK FERTILIZERS HAZARDS & SAFE CARRIAGE Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizers (ANBF) AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER HEAT RISK May trigger self-sustaining decomposition TOXIC FUMES Releases toxic gases like ammonia & nitrogen oxides MOISTURE & CAKING Absorbs moisture and may cake, leading to claims

Slide 2 · MAJOR HAZARDS

MAJOR HAZARDS WITH BULK FERTILIZERS 1 SELF-SUSTAINING DECOMPOSITION (SSD) • Exposure to significant heat can initiate a self-sustaining decomposition reaction. • Produces its own heat. • Releases toxic gases (ammonia, nitrogen oxides). • Heat can spread to adjacent holds. 2 TOXIC FUMES & EXPLOSION RISK • Decomposition releases highly toxic fumes. • Contamination with organic material (fuel oil, etc.) or confinement with heat increases explosion risk. • History of ammonium nitrate disasters is a serious reminder. 3 CAKING & MOISTURE SENSITIVITY • Fertilizers are hygroscopic and absorb moisture. • Leads to caking and hard lumps. • Causes discharge delays, operational issues and heavy commercial claims. • Temperature gradients (hot to cold) enhance caking. 4 CARGO SHIFTING & STABILITY RISK • Some fertilizers and bulk cargoes can liquefy if moisture exceeds limits. • Always check the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) in the IMSBC Code schedule. UNDERSTANDING THESE HAZARDS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS SAFE CARRIAGE AND PREVENTING ACCIDENTS & CLAIMS.

Slide 3 · SAFE CARRIAGE CHECKLIST

SAFE CARRIAGE CHECKLIST BEST PRACTICES AT EVERY STAGE 1 BEFORE LOADING Verify Shipper's Declaration Ensure declaration includes ammonium nitrate content, chloride content and total combustible organic material. Confirm IMSBC Code Schedule Check correct schedule and UN Number of the cargo. Inspect Cargo Holds Holds must be clean, dry and free from oil, residues and combustible material. 2 DURING LOADING Control Moisture Suspend loading during rain or whenever moisture may adversely affect cargo quality, in accordance with the IMSBC Code, shipper instructions and terminal procedures. Inspect Cargo Condition Ensure cargo is free-flowing and free from caked lumps. Report and document any issues immediately. Eliminate Heat Sources Ensure cargo hold lights are switched off when not required and eliminate unnecessary heat sources in accordance with the vessel's SMS. 3 DURING THE VOYAGE No Routine Ventilation Cargo spaces shall not be ventilated during the voyage as per IMSBC Code requirements. Monitor Cargo Temperature Monitor and record cargo temperature daily using the vessel's approved monitoring arrangements. Watch for Warning Signs Look for rapid temperature rise, ammonia smell, condensation under hatch covers or visible fumes. Good preparation and continuous monitoring are the keys to a safe and claim-free voyage.

Slide 4 · EMERGENCY RESPONSE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE IF SELF-SUSTAINING DECOMPOSITION (SSD) IS SUSPECTED 1 RAISE THE ALARM & MUSTER CREW • Notify the Master immediately. • Muster all available personnel for emergency response. 2 WEAR SCBA & PROTECTIVE CLOTHING • Toxic gases (ammonia, NOx) are dangerous. • Use appropriate PPE at all times. 3 PROVIDE MAXIMUM VENTILATION • Open all hatch covers to release pressure and toxic gases. • Do this from a safe position. 4 APPLY COPIOUS QUANTITIES OF WATER • Use water to cool the cargo and stop the decomposition. • Best method: injection pipes inserted into hot spots. • Surface flooding/spraying as required (consider stability). 5 COOL ADJACENT BULKHEADS • Continuously apply water on hatch covers, bulkheads and decks above adjacent holds to prevent heat spread. 6 DO NOT USE CO2 OR FOAM SYSTEMS • They are ineffective against SSD as the reaction does not require oxygen. IMPORTANT WATER IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE MEDIUM Use copious quantities of water to cool the cargo and stop SSD. TOXIC FUMES Ammonia and nitrogen oxides are released. Ensure proper ventilation and safe working practices. MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY Keep monitoring temperatures and condition until the cargo is completely safe. RECORD & REPORT Document all readings, actions taken and report to the Master. EARLY DETECTION AND RAPID COOLING ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE RESPONSES TO SELF-SUSTAINING DECOMPOSITION.

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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