We would remind Members of  LP Bulletin 69 - Scrap Metal Ex Klaipaeda - Lithuania,  which reported that during discharge of a cargo of scrap from Klaipaeda  several shells, believed to be anti tank ammunition, were found lying on top of the cargo. It would appear that this problem is still very much alive.

The Association's correspondents in Odessa recently came across these 10 defused mines (see photograph below) lying on deck having been separated from the cargo during loading at Nikolayev in the Ukraine. We would suggest that concern should be not only for the ones found but those not found.

We continue to strongly advise Members to be wary of loading steel scrap in the former USSR and would reiterate earlier recommendations.

If you are loading, carrying and discharging cargoes of steel scrap from ports in the former USSR you should take the following precautions.

1) You should carefully inspect the cargo as it comes alongside your ship to be loaded. If you see any munitions in the cargo you should inform owners and your P&I representative immediately.

2) You should keep a careful watch during loading and report to the owners and the P&I representatives immediately if you see anything suspicious or dangerous in the cargo.

3) You should photograph the top of the cargo in each hold immediately after completion of loading and should put the date on the photograph. If possible the shipper should sign the back of the photograph.

4) When the hatches are opened on arrival at the discharging port(s) you should again take photographs of the top of the cargo in each hold before discharging begins. These photographs should be dated and, if possible signed by the receivers.

You should keep a careful watch during the discharging operations and you should immediately report to the owners and to the P&I representative at the discharging port(s) if you see anything dangerous or suspicious in the cargo."