A plain language guide to the laws for incidents and problems that a Master might encounter on an average vessel, of any registration, while going about normal business on the seas and in the ports.

Bulk carriers must be handled with care in port as well as at sea. Stevedores and ships' officers responsible for cargo operations become key partners for ship safety, because the lives of seafarers may ultimately depend on careful cargo handling. Ship-to-shore planning, information and communication become vital.