Chapter 8 Flashcards
Types of RoRo ships
- Ferries
- Ro-pax
- Pure car carriers
- Conro (RO RO & LO LO»_space; ROLO)
5 safety concerns for RoRos
The lack of internal bulkheads
On conventional ships, the hull is divided into a number of
separate holds by means of transverse bulkheads, many of which may be watertight, which will
limit or delay the inrush of water, resulting in the ship sinking slowly enough for the evacuation of
those on board or even not sinking at all. With ro-ro ships the installation of unpierced transverse
bulkheads is a major obstacle, at least on the upper “through” decks. The huge vehicle decks make
it possible for water to enter very rapidly and fire can also spread very quickly for the same reason.
Any water that does flood will cause large amount of free surface effect also.
Cargo access doors
The cargo access doors at the stern and bow of the ship represent a
potential weak spot, as do the side doors with which some ro-ro ships are equipped. Over the
years such doors can become damaged or twisted, especially when the door also serves as a ramp.
Stability
The movement of cargo on the vehicle deck can affect the intact
stability of the ship, causing it to list. The sudden inrush of water following
damage to the hull or failure of watertight doors can be even more serious (and rapid). The fact that ro-ro ships generally have a very large superstructure compared with other types means that they can be more affected by wind and bad weather
Low freeboards
Cargo access doors fitted on cargo-only ro-ros are often very close to the waterline. This means that a defective trim or a sudden list, caused, for example, by the movement of cargo, can bring the access threshold below the waterline, resulting in a sudden inrush of water (if the door is open/damaged) which will in turn result in the list increasing and a possible capsizing of the ship.
Cargo stowage and securing
A list can cause cargo to break loose if it is not correctly stowed and secured. The problem is made worse because the crew of the ship cannot
normally see how the cargo is stowed inside or on the trailer in which it is transported. A heavy load which breaks loose can cause other units to follow suit. The result can be an
increased list, the spillage of dangerous substances and, in extreme cases, damage to the hull
and ship’s structure.
Name 4 special requirements for Ro-Ro passenger ships
SOLAS ii-1 reg 23
- 1 Special category spaces and ro-ro spaces shall be continuously patrolled or monitored by effective means, such as television surveillance, so that any
movement of vehicles in adverse weather conditions and unauthorized access by passengers thereto can be detected during navigation. - 2 Documented operating procedures for closing and securing all shell doors, loading doors and other closing appliances which, if left open or not properly secured, could, in the opinion of the Administration, lead to flooding of a special category space or ro-ro space, shall be kept on board and posted at an appropriate place.
- 3 All accesses from the ro-ro deck and vehicle ramps that lead to spaces below the bulkhead deck shall be closed before the voyage commences and shall remain closed until the ship is at its next berth.
- 5 The master shall ensure, before the voyage commences, that an entry in the log-book, as required by regulation 22.12, is made of the time of the last closing of the accesses referred to in paragraph 3.
Name 4 requirements for RoRo ships
- Onboard stability computer
- Ramps and opening should have weathertight
and watertight seals - There should be alarms and indicators on the
bridge to show when openings are closed - There should be surveillance equipment such as
CCTV and a water leakage detection system to
check any flooding in ship spaces
A unique feature of ro-ro vessels that
distinguishes them from conventional and cellular dry cargo ships is their ability to
load cargo essentially horizontally, requiring no fixed. lifting gear
For ships registered in the United Kingdom working anywhere in the world, and for
all ships operating in UK waters, the relevant legislation is:
The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 1999.
- Require the shipper to provide the owner or master with a description of the cargo,
- Gross mass of the units and any special properties of the cargo, to enable them
to ensure compatibility, suitability and safe stowage of the cargo.
CSM meaning
Cargo Securing Manual
CSM contents
- Locations of safe access
- Cargo securing devices and
arrangements - Safe stowage ad securing arrangements
- Special measures of vessel or the cargo
COSWP meaning
Code Of Safe Working Practises for merchant seafarers
COSWP 27 ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF
FERRIES
Lashings
give 5 examples
Vehicles so far as possible, should be aligned in a fore and aft
direction
- Lashings should be under equal tension
- Vehicles should be stowed close together so that if lashings fail
athwartships movement is restricted - Lashing angles of 30-60 degrees are best
- When releasing the lashings crew should be aware of a sudden release
of tension
5 examples of general safety precautions for RoRos
Proper PPE (high vis, footwear, gloves, helmets etc.)
Lashing equipment should not obstruct walkways, doorways or emergency
escapes
Ship’s stores should not be stowed on any part of the parking area for vehicles
A lifebuoy with self-activating light and line of suitable length should be
available close to the vehicle deck access doors
All hand signals should be unambiguous
Required minimum GM for Ro Ro vessels?
0.15m
Passengers may remain in their cars when the Ro Ro ferry is underway?
no
SOLAS II-1 23
What is an agreement between North West European states for RO-RO safety
Stockholm Agreement
What is the potential hazard of large open vehicle decks?
FSE
