Old Salt

Rule 1: Application
Old Salt says:
“Before you learn the Rules, know where the Rules apply.”
📘 COLREG Rule 1 states that the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea apply to:
✅ All vessels on the high seas
✅ All waters connected to the high seas that are navigable by seagoing vessels
This means:
Cargo ships ⚓
Tankers ⚓
Fishing vessels 🎣
Sailing vessels ⛵
Tugs 🚢
All must follow the same collision regulations.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt Wisdom:
“The Rules don't care about rank, size, or flag. Every vessel must obey them.”
⚠️ Remember: Some countries may have special local rules for harbors, rivers, or inland waters, but they should conform as closely as possible to COLREGs.
📌 Easy Memory
Rule 1 = Where the Rules Apply
If you're on the high seas or connected navigable waters... 👉 COLREGs apply.

Coal doesn’t wait for mistakes… it reacts to them.
Good monitoring means watching every detail — temperature, gases, moisture, and ventilation.
A well-monitored cargo protects the ship, the crew, and the voyage itself.
At sea, safety begins with awareness and discipline.

⚓ Monitor. Record. Analyze. Act.

🌾 3° Rule of Grain Ventilation
👉 If the outside air dew point is 3°C or more LOWER than the cargo temperature:
✅ VENTILATE
Because the outside air is dry enough to help remove moisture safely.
✅ Examples
Cargo temp = 20°C
Outside Dew Point
Difference
Action
17°C
3°C lower
✅ Ventilate
16°C
4°C lower
✅ Ventilate
15°C
5°C lower
✅ Ventilate
18°C
2°C lower
❌ Do NOT ventilate

🧭 Easy Old Salt Memory Tip
3 degrees lower? Open the ventilator.

Less than 3? Keep it closed.
⚠️ Important Reminder
This is mainly used for: 🌾 Grain cargoes
🌽 Agricultural cargoes sensitive to moisture
And always check:
Weather
Fog
Rain
Sea spray
before opening ventilation.
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt Wisdom ⚓
Ventilation is not about moving air…
it’s about protecting cargo.

⚓ Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) – Simple Explanation
A Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) is a ship’s approved guide that explains how cargo should be safely secured on board to prevent movement during voyage.
It is required under the International Maritime Organization Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code).
📘 What is the purpose of a Securing Manual?
The manual helps crew know:
How to lash, secure, and stow cargo
What equipment to use
Where securing points are located
Safe loading limits
How to avoid cargo shifting in rough weather
⚓ Why is it important?
If cargo moves during voyage, it may cause:
Loss of stability
Cargo damage
Structural damage
Listing or capsizing
Danger to crew
Old Salt rule 😄:
Loose cargo becomes a weapon when the sea gets angry.
📖 What is inside a Cargo Securing Manual?
Usually includes:
1️⃣ Ship particulars
Dimensions
Cargo areas
Securing points
2️⃣ Types of securing gear
Chains
Lashing rods
Turnbuckles
Wire ropes
Dunnage & blocking
3️⃣ Securing methods
How to secure containers
Heavy lifts
Vehicles
Timber cargo
4️⃣ Strength & limits
Maximum load per securing point
Safe Working Load (SWL)
5️⃣ Diagrams & plans
Cargo arrangement drawings
Lashing examples
🧭 Who approves it?
The Cargo Securing Manual is normally approved by:
Flag State Administration
Classification Society such as DNV, Lloyd's Register, or American Bureau of Shipping
⚓ Chief Officer Reminder
Before sailing:
✅ Check cargo properly secured
✅ Follow manual instructions
✅ Inspect lashings during voyage
✅ Record checks when required
🧔‍♂️ Old Salt Wisdom
Cargo does not complain when loaded…
it complains when the weather starts. ⚓

📘 IMSBC Code: Group A, B & C Cargo
Not all cargo is dangerous…
but some only look innocent,

⚓ Group A – Cargoes that may liquefy
If moisture is too high, the cargo can turn like mud.
(Danger: loss of stability)

⚓ Group B – Chemically hazardous cargo
May emit gas, self-heat, or react dangerously.

⚓ Group C – Neither A nor B
Generally safe… but still demands respect.

🧔‍♂️ Old Salt Rule: Before you load, you must know —
Moisture, hazards, and limits.

Ever Alliance transiting Magellan Strait — pilot onboard, full focus on every turn. ⚓

From 22 deficiencies during the RightShip inspection last 26 June 2025 in Paita, Peru, we have now reduced it to 14 findings during the recent RightShip inspection in Mejillones, Chile.
Step by step improvement through teamwork, commitment, and continuous maintenance on board. ⚓
Still work to do, but progress is progress. Proud of the crew.

⚓