Members will be aware of the issues involving self-heating and methane emitting coal cargoes and the enclosed articles provide advice on how to avoid such situations occurring in the first place and how to deal with problems arising during the voyage. Coal cargoes: Problems prior to and during loading Members will be aware of the issues involving self heating and methane emitting coal cargoes, which have recently been originating from Indonesia. The logistics of dealing with coal cargoes  apply to all regardless of origin. Coal Coal has its origins as vegetable matter which has been subjected to heat and pressure over time. It is primarily composed of carbon with variable quantities of other components and it is changes in the proportions of carbon to the other components which describes the coal rank. As the rank increases, which is as a result of the effects of increasing pressure and temperature over millions of years, so too does the calorific value. Peat is the precursor to coal and is usually considered the lowest rank as it clearly shows the remains of plants. Lignite or brown coal, is the next lowest rank followed by sub-bituminous coal which is usually dark brown to black. Sub-bituminous coal is utilised for heating, steam-electric power generation and as an important source of light aromatic hydrocarbons for the chemical industry. Bituminous coal is a black coal and is one most people are familiar with as it is primarily used as a fuel in both open fires and in steam-electric power generation and manufacturing. It is also in coke production. The highest rank of coal is anthracite which is a hard glossy black coal primarily used for residential and commercial heating. Most coal deposits in Indonesia are relatively young as coals go and it is the length of time available for coal formation which determines the coal rank with this process called 'coalification'. Most Indonesian coals a