How to use the database

Enter the database using the buttons above.
If this is your first visit please read the notes beneath.

Search Vessel Reports

You may search the Database by Vessel Name or by IMO (LR) Numbers using the link above.

For rapid use of the Pull Down Menu please type the first number or first letter of a specific vessel identity. Scroll-down until the vessel appears.

With time and use the Database will grow to include a significant number of vessels and reports.

Input Vessel Reports

Select the “Input Reports” button above. Please enter information as carefully and completely as possible.

Comments must be relevant, brief and easy to understand

Vessel Rating – The “Star” System

At a glance the “Star” system offers a basic indication of the suitability of a ship for safe and easy bulk cargo handling as well as its general compliance with the requirements of IMO’s BLU Code.

• Five Stars: Very Good
• Four Stars: Good
• Three Stars: Satisfactory (Marginal)
• Two Stars: Poor
• One Star: Very Poor

The Star rating is generated automatically by the database from vessel performance in four categories: Communication / Onboard Safety / Hold Access / Ship Suitability (to cargo and/or terminal).

In a new development an automatic alert will be transmitted to Secretariat when a vessel report results in a rating of Three Stars or less. This information will then be communicated to DBTG Members.

The impact of vessel design upon its suitability to cargoes is a major concern to dry bulk terminal operators world-wide.

It is recognised that while a ship may be suitable for free flowing cargoes its design may cause difficulties and risks with non-free flowing cargoes. For this reason each report contains a section for additional overall remarks plus a new section giving more detail on the suitability of the vessel to each specific cargo. In this new section the vessel may be rated for additional guidance as: Very Good / Good / Satisfactory (marginal) / Poor / Very Poor