Dear Member,
Transport Canada initiated a Pacific Region Grain Stability Pilot Project on the West Coast which commenced on June 7, 2021. The goal of the project was to assess the safety, efficiency and the effectiveness of using ship supplied loading instrument data in calculating grain stability and looking at remote completion of documentation with respect to inspection process. Additionally, it would confirm regulatory compliance as an alternative to the Canadian Grain Form. The pilot project was conducted from June 7, 2021 through September 20, 2021.
Further to the pilot project, Transport Canada appreciates feedback from the industry and has now provided new instructions (see table below) and a Grain Inspection Checklist with a view to making this process applicable to the rest of Canada.
TC Instructions For Grain Checklist |
1. The attached checklist has been divided into three parts: A, B, and C. a. Part A requires a set of documents. Kindly request the vessels to number them according to the checklist for clarity. b. Part B is a yes/no answer checklist. c. Part C contains an easy guide to calculate grain moments. If the vessels follow the guide to import data from the loading instrument and the grain manual, Part C can facilitate the grain moment calculations. These calculations will help arrive at the actual upsetting moment, which can then be compared with the allowed upsetting moment obtained either from the loading instrument or the grain manual. |
2. Teresa Fagan, our cargo admin, will be responsible for reviewing the vessel's document submission for completion. She will inform the vessel directly about completeness or follow up with any deficiencies. |
3. There will no longer be a designated MSI to carry out document review and contact vessels for deficiencies. |
4. The MSI assigned to inspect for the issuance of RTL will review the loading instrument data and Part C of the attached checklist to ensure adequate stability, including grain stability. The vessel will be informed to make any necessary corrections. Please note that the calculation and submission of ship stability, including grain, are the responsibilities of the Master. If, by the time the team is ready to leave the vessel, the cargo calculation cannot be accepted by the boarding MSI, a preliminary will be issued, and the team will leave. However, once the cargo calculation is submitted and deemed acceptable, it will be reviewed remotely, and RTL will be issued for the time of completion. |
Please address any questions or concerns to: |
Please contact the undersigned if you have any questions.
Cedric Baumelle
Director, Marine Operations