Can you tell me how to make a stowage plan?

Based on the capacity of the hold, the stowage factors, types of cargo, loading and discharging ports rotation, I shall calculate the volume of the cargo that is to be loaded into different holds.  Then I shall calculate the draft of the vessel and trimming, shear force, bending moment to meet the requirements of the ship.  At last, stowage plan is made based on these factors.

Can you tell me about your educational background and working experience?

A reference answer:

I graduated from Jimei Navigation College in 1992. I studied there for three years. I have worked as a seamen on eight ships for nearly ten years. I have the experience of Chief Officer for two ships. I have worked both Chinese and foreign shipowners in the past ten years.

Of course, you may answer this question in a way that you like.

What precautions do you have to take before cargo operation is carried out?

I shall check the pre-cargo operation check lists to make sure that no item is missing. The following procedures are to be adopted:

1.the Chief Officer shall make a cargo operation plan, in which the following factors shall be considered: the cargo must be stowed in such way that the stability, trim, shearing forces and bending moments are within the limits as laid down by the stability manual; excessive weight on tank tops, tween decks and hatch covers must be avoided; and cargo must be stowed and secured in such way as to avoid damage- which can result in possible loss of life or property.

2.Pre-operation conference with all ship’s personnel to be involved in the cargo operation should be held to discuss such matters as cargo disposition, numbers of gangs and working hours, usual and special safety requirements, ballasting and de-ballasting information, special requirements regarding cargo operation, damage prevention and control, personnel organization, cargo watch etc. The Chief Officer must ensure that all relevant personnel have fully understood the intended cargo and all usual and special safety and operational requirements.

Where was your last vessel’s trading (sailing) area?

It was an world-wide ocean-going ship, but it was mainly loaded cargoes in Asia and discharged in Europe. She has also ever been to New Orleans, Long Beach, New York, Rotterdam, Hamburg and so on.

注意：大副应掌握世界主要地理名称的英文说法。

What does stowage factor （积载因素） mean?

A stowage factor of any cargo is the figure that expresses the number of cubic units of measure needed to accommodate one unit of weight- how many cubic meters is needed to stow one metric ton of certain goods.  Stowage factors should include allowance for dunnage, irregular size of certain goods, pallets and something else. Even the most carefully determined stowage factor is not absolute and it should be used only as a guide while planning cargo disposition.

Can you talk about the previous vessels (last vessel) you worked on board?

It was an ocean-going ship, but it was mainly loaded cargoes in Asia and discharged in Europe. It was an old ship about 14 years old. But the general condition of the ship was quite good because we did very good maintenance work ob board.

注意：以上只是参考答案，具体答案要结合自己的经历来回答。

Did you have the experience of working with foreign crews? What were their nationalities?

The last two vessels I worked on had crew from several countries. The masters were from Indian, the Chief Engineers were from Hong Kong and Philippine and other seamen were from China, Indian Burma and Vietnam.

注意：应结合自己的实际经历进行回答。