The primary reason for the ship being in port is for the discharge and loading of cargo Once again, you cannot be there all the time, although many try You must rely on your officers during the times you are asleep and for that you must give them specific cargo orders relating directly to the cargo you are loading or discharging at that specific port If you not this you will constantly be called out on quite trivial matters 36.1 The Cargo Log and your Daily Instructions I suggest that each time you write these you put them in the front of the cargo logbook The following are some suggestions that you might like to include: • • • • • • • • • • • • How you want the cargo stowed or loaded lashing and dunnaging if a dry cargo the cargo plan the recording of damage to cargo the ballasting programme the topping off of tanks the soundings or ullages overboard discharge stoppages when to be called the handover cargo disputes There are others but this will provide a starting position In your cargo office should be a list of tidal ranges for the duration of the ship's stay, the contact numbers of all the port emergency services, a watch list for officers and ratings 191 and, for each day, a weather fax or similar to provide an update of the expected weather conditions It is a good idea to write up a cargo load and discharge record/reference book to be kept on the vessel so that subsequent Chief Officers will have something to refer to when it's their turn Also, if you return to the vessel, you will have a good reference book to work from, which will make life a little easier This book should have a copy of loading and discharging plans and comments as to how things worked in the various ports 192