Answer
As Chief Engineer, if I find a 2-foot crack on the port-side shell above the waterline during unloading:
Immediately inform the Master and Chief Officer.
Stop cargo unloading and ballast transfer until the ship’s stress condition is checked.
Mark and monitor the crack for any increase in length.
Inspect the damage internally and externally, including adjacent frames, brackets and longitudinals.
Check nearby tanks, void spaces and bilges for water ingress or leakage.
Verify draught, trim, list, shear force, bending moment and the unloading/ballasting sequence using the approved loadicator.
Inform the company, DPA, class surveyor, terminal and port authority as applicable.
Arrange a class damage survey, thickness measurement and NDT to determine the full extent and cause.
Do not drill, weld or fit a patch without class-approved repair instructions.
Carry out permanent or approved temporary repair using qualified welders, approved material and welding procedures.
Resume unloading only after class approval and a revised safe cargo and ballast sequence.
Do not sail until structural strength and watertight/weather-tight integrity are restored and class, flag and port requirements are satisfied.
Oral conclusion:
priorities are to stop the operation, prevent crack propagation or flooding, establish the actual structural and loading condition, and notify the Master, company and class. I will not carry out an unapproved cosmetic weld. The damage must be examined from both sides, subjected to NDT and thickness measurement, and repaired using class-approved material, welding procedures and qualified personnel. Unloading will restart only under an approved safe sequence, and the ship will not depart until class, flag and port requirements are satisfied.”