Wow !! That is some serious checks on vessels before departure. Must be good job to have as inspectors, never short of work !

@ Mattyboy, No, NCB are mandatory for Bulker which loading grain. They check the holds for cleanliness and if the vessel stays withhin the set stability criterias. Also when loading finished they come back and make sure that the grain is loaded as per regulations and issue then certificate for it. Whithout that one the vessel is not allowed to sail.

Thanks for update Ted. Are the NCB inspections random?

@Matty 1) this is 9-mile-anchorage, vessel going into the river and clearing with authorities. Bulkers also with hold inspections to be clean for loading by NCB (National Cargo Bureau) and USDA (Agriculture Dept) After passing that one usually moves upriver to the next anchorage down stream from the loading dock to be able to move in relative short time to start loading.

2) Not in particular.

Smashing photo Capt Ted - is that a staging area before vessels are called upriver? Also, are there any vessels that you, personally, would feel uneasy mooring next to ?