Securing of Cargo Onboard Ships

Consequences of Inadequate Cargo Securing

Consequences of Inadequate Cargo Securing

The consequences of inadequate loaded and secured cargo can be devastating and everyone who works with transports has a responsibility to keep damages to people, environment and property to a minimum.

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International Rules for Cargo Securing Onboard

International Rules for Cargo Securing Onboard

Regarding cargo securing at sea, the rules and regulations are divided into cargo securing to the vessel and cargo securing in cargo transport units. Safe transportation of cargoes requires both of these tasks to be properly performed. The efforts should be guided by applicable international rules and regulations, the structure of which is described in this section.

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Basic Principles of Cargo Securing

Basic Principles of Cargo Securing

This section describes the basic principles for cargo securing; the forces that cargo may be exposed to, the movements that may occur during transport and different methods that can be used to prevent the cargo from these movements.

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Cargo Securing Equipment

Cargo Securing Equipment

Cargo securing on board is done by using various types of cargo securing equipment and the most common types are described in this section.

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Inspection and Maintenance of Cargo Securing Equipment

Inspection and Maintenance of Cargo Securing Equipment

This section describes the inspection and maintenance for the cargo securing devices on board the ship.

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Cargo Securing in Practice

Cargo Securing in Practice

The CSS Code contains a rule of thumb for estimating the cargo securing requirements for a cargo which is described in this section.

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Final Assessment

Final Assessment

We shall now test the knowledge you have gained from this course with a series of multiple-choice questions.

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Securing of Cargo Onboard Ships

Almost all seafarers have experienced rough weather and they are well aware of the impact and forces that can occur at sea. When the ship starts to pitch and roll in heavy seas, it is obvious that the consequences can be very serious if the cargo is not properly stowed and secured. The cargo must thus be secured well enough to avoid being shifted in the most adverse weather conditions expected during the intended voyage. 

In severe weather conditions, the speed should be reduced, and the course may have to be altered to reduce the stress level, both to cargo and the ship's structure, by avoiding large movements and heavy exposure to green seas on deck.

Properly secured cargo is the key to avoid damages, injuries and dangerous situations

Statistics of Casualties Caused by Cargo Shifting

The risks associated with cargo shifting are well known amongst seafarers. However, cargo shifting is still a very common reason for major accidents at sea, and for RoRo vessels, this represents the highest share of total losses and operational faults. In the statistics shown by the illustration, the share is estimated to be 43 % of the total losses of RoRo vessels. The statistics are taken from a classification society document.

Statistics taken from a classification society document on all casualties

Statistics taken from a classification society document on serious casualties

Statistics taken from a classification society document on total losses where cargo shifting for RoRo vessels represents the highest share together with operational faults