UNIVAN MARITIME (H.K.) LIMITED Issue 1 REV 0 Page 1 FLEET OPERATION MANUAL Date 18.12.2009 CARRIAGE OF SPECIAL CARGOES SECTION 11.5

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11.5.0 CARRIAGE OF SPECIAL CARGOES 11.5.1 LOADING OF FRUIT FOR USA (USDA) 11.5.1.1 General Information 11.5.1.1.1 The import of fruit and vegetables into the US is

governed by the provision of the Fruit and Vegetables Quarantine Regulations No 56, Title 7, Section 319.56-2. These rules were adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the control of fruit imported to the US and cargoes of fruit to the USA can only be loaded on USDA approved ships. Such ships must be able to prove that the cargo has been maintained at a certain temperature during a minimum number of days in accordance with the USDA regulations.

11.5.1.1.2 The purpose of the USDA control is to prevent various

flies and other bugs to enter the US. "The Mediterranean fruit fly", "The Mexican fruit fly", "The Queensland fruit fly" and flies of the Anastrepha family fall into this category. These flies and their eggs die after a certain period of time at a certain temperature. All fruit imported into the US which might be exposed to the risk of carrying these flies must during a specific period of time be stored at the required temperature level during the sea voyage to the US or after discharge in US in reefer warehouses ashore. This procedure is called "cold treatment".

11.5.1.1.3 All USDA approved vessels must be equipped with

thermographs for the recording of temperature against time. The thermographs register temperatures in 4-9 different places in every hold at least once every hour. USDA has issued very precise instructions as to how such a thermograph installation must be constructed.

11.5.1.1.4 In the event that the vessel is scheduled for a USDA

cargo, the Fleet Team is to be advised, when full instructions will be forwarded to the vessel.