How can you determine which grades of cargo a tank vessel is permitted to carry?

The vessel's Certificate of Inspection is the definitive document that outlines the specific grades of cargo the vessel is authorized to carry. This certificate, issued by the Coast Guard, includes crucial information such as the vessel's design, construction, and the associated cargoes it can safely transport based on its configuration and equipment. It ensures that the tank vessel meets all safety and regulatory requirements for carrying particular types of cargo, including their grades.

While examining the cargo tanks and fittings might provide some insight into the vessel's capability, it won't give the formal approval needed or the complete picture of what is permitted. Consulting the terminal supervisor could be useful for operational matters, but they may not have the specific compliance or regulatory knowledge that the Certificate of Inspection provides. Checking the loading order, while important for operational logistics, does not have any regulatory implications about the cargo grades that can be carried. Thus, the Certificate of Inspection serves as the authoritative source for determining the grades of cargo permissible for a tank vessel.