The association recently learned from the general agent that when ships unload bagged cargo (mainly rice and sugar) in West African ports, the outer packaging of the goods is often damaged due to the deliberate barbaric operation of the stevedoring workers, and the goods are scattered in the cabin, deck and dock. The reason for this covert theft of food goods by dock stevedores is that the food is easily transferred from the ship and can then be given away or sold.
Theft:
The packaging of bagged food goods is often damaged by accidents or deliberately brutal loading and unloading:
(1) Bagged food goods usually weigh about 50 kilograms and are difficult to handle manually. In order to facilitate unloading, stevedores often install slings on the side of the bulkhead of the cargo compartment, and then use slings to drag the goods on both sides of the cabin layer by layer to the middle of the hatch, which often causes damage to the packaging;
(2) When the shore crane driver lifts and unloads the goods, he deliberately throws the goods towards the hatch enclosure, causing damage to the packaging bag;
(3) The stevedores deliberately tear the cargo packaging bags with hidden knives or loading hooks;
(4) Scattered food goods will be collected by stevedores in bags or jars, and they will be smuggled away after the day’s work.
Loss prevention suggestions:
(1) Designate crew to supervise unloading – A crew member is designated for supervision in each cargo hold where cargo operations are carried out, but it is necessary to ensure compliance with regulations regarding ship manning and crew rest time;
(2) The deck duty driver should maintain patrols and supervise the cargo operation in each cargo hold;
(3) If non-loading personnel are found in the cargo hold or deck, they should be expelled from the ship;
(4) If theft is found, stop it and notify the stevedoring foreman;
(5) You can take photos covertly to collect evidence, and avoid taking photos publicly to provoke the stevedores;
(6) Issue the captain’s statement to all relevant parties;
(7) Inform the tenant of the relevant situation in a timely manner;
(8) If necessary, contact the general agent to hire reliable security personnel. Patrol dogs are also an effective preventive measure;
(9) Appoint inspectors to supervise the unloading process;
(10) All cargo holds that are not subject to cargo operations should be locked;
(11) If the theft gradually gets out of control, the ship may threaten to close all cargo holds and stop unloading until all parties agree to take necessary measures. However, it is best not to adopt this method lightly, and should consult with the shipowner and the local general agent first. If the theft problem must be solved by interrupting the operation of the cargo, the shorter the stopping time, the better. Because if there are other ships waiting to be unloaded, the port may require the ship to give up its berth or impose a fine for occupying the berth but not unloading the cargo.
