What should be done if cargo tanks are found to exceed the fill percentage during operations?

If cargo tanks are found to exceed the fill percentage during operations, notifying the captain and stopping operations is essential for safety and regulatory compliance. Exceeding the fill percentage can pose significant risks, including potential overpressurization, breaches of tank integrity, and environmental hazards. By halting operations and informing the captain, necessary assessments can be made to address the situation appropriately. This approach allows for evaluating the cause of the overfilling and implementing corrective measures to ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental protection standards.

Other actions, such as sealing the tanks immediately or discharging excess cargo into the sea, could lead to more severe consequences, including environmental damage and legal repercussions. Continuing operations without addressing the overfill would directly undermine safety protocols and potentially endanger crew, vessel, and marine environment.