Search for ships currently entered in the London P&I Club by their name or I M O number Search Search for correspondents in our global network by country/area or port/city Search Argentina - Determination of Weight of Solid Bulk Cargoes 1 October 2013 Members calling at Argentinean ports to load or discharge solid bulk cargoes may be aware of changes to the Argentinean Regulationsin relation to the measurement of such cargoes. The Correspondent in Buenos Aires, Pandi Liquidadores, reports that in June 2013 the Federal Administration of Public Revenue circulated a General Resolution giving the Customs Authorities the power to decide whether the weight or volume of bulk cargoes be determined by shore scales or draft survey ( click here ).  Previously it was for importers/exporters to decide the method used to determine cargo weight. Since the implementation of the Regulation, the practical application of it by the Customs Authorities and/or adherence to it by shippers has given rise to some issues. These issues have been reported by the Correspondent as follows, along with recommendations as to how deal with them:- A. Export Cargoes Pandi Liquidadores report that in most cases the Customs Authorities are using draft surveys to determine the weight of solid bulk cargoes. There are, however, exceptions. For example, shore scale figures are being used in Necochea and Bahia Blanca in circumstances where the difference between the customs draft survey and shore scale cargo figure is below 0.6%. If the difference is above 0.6%, the draft survey figure will be used. Members should proceed with caution as in some instances shippers and their agents are presenting Mate’s Receipts with shore scale figures to the vessel, rather than the figures ascertained by the Customs Authorities’ draft survey. In the circumstances, it is recommended by the Correspondent that:- The Master/shipboard personnel participate in the draft survey carried out by the Customs Authorities