As there is a wide variety of liquid cargoes carried and many different types of ships involved, the subject of sampling is very wide. This article deals with the general principles of how to ascertain the apparent order and condition of liquid goods when they are shipped and, just as importantly, how to preserve the evidence.

Product and chemical tankers are often required to carry a wide variety of different liquid cargoes. The proper cleaning and preparation of cargo tanks and lines after one cargo and before loading a dissimilar commodity is of utmost importance if successive cargoes are to be carried without cross contamination.

This essential guide to the safe carriage, loading and storage of cargo encapsulates the full range of potential issues and dangers around the transporting of bulk cargoes, from the characteristics and risks inherent in specific goods, hold preparation and hatch covers, to best practice when loading and unloading.

To rely upon the sense of smell to detect levels of hydrogen sulphide is a dangerous practice ... exposure to higher concentrations will not be detected by smell and the result can be fatal.