Stowage and Securing of Cargoes

Question 1

Give 9 factors to take into account when estimating the risk of cargo shifting

Answer 1

1. Dimensional and physical properties of the cargo
2. Location of the cargo and its stowage on board
3. Suitability of the ship for the particular cargo
4. Suitability of the securing arrangements
5. Expected seasonal weather and sea conditions
6. Expected ship behavior during the voyage
7. Stability of the ship
8. Geographical area of the voyage
9. Duration of the voyage

Question 2

What are the three forces that can be expected to act on a cargo during the voyage?

Answer 2

1. Longitudinal
2. Transverse
3. Vertical

Question 3

Give three requirements for the ship’s cargo securing equipment.

Answer 3

1. Must be available in sufficient quantity
2. Must be suitable for its intended purpose - as per recommendations of Cargo Securing Manual
3. Must be well maintained

Question 4

Give 4 considerations of the master prior to lading any cargo, cargo transport unit or vehicle

Answer 4

1. The deck area is clean, dry and free from oil and grease
2. The unit is in suitable condition for transport and can be effectively secured
3. All necessary cargo securing equipment is onboard
4. The cargo in the unit is properly stowed and secured

Question 5

What is the purpose of a cargo stowage and securing declaration?

Answer 5

It states the cargo on the road vehicle has been properly stowed and secured for the intended sea voyage.

Question 6

There are 12 cargoes listed in the Code which are a potential source of danger. Can you name them?

Answer 6

1. Containers carried on deck of ships not specifically designed for the purpose
2. Portable tanks
3. Portable receptacles
4. Special wheel based cargoes
5. Heavy cargo items
6. Coiled sheet
7. Heavy metal
8. Anchor chains
9. Metal scrap in bulk
10. Flexible intermediate bulk carriers
11. Logs in under deck stow
12. Unit loads

Question 7

In heavy weather, give 4 actions you could take to avoid excessive accelerations of the cargo.

Answer 7

1. Alteration of course or speed or a combination of both
2. Heaving to
3. Early avoidance of areas of adverse weather and sea conditions
4. Timely ballasting or deballasting to improve the behaviour of the ship

Question 8

Give 5 actions you could take if the cargo has shifted

Answer 8

1. Alteration of course to reduce accelerations
2. Reduction of speed to reduce accelerations and vibrations
3. Monitoring the integrity of the ship
4. Restowing or resecuring the cargo
5. Diversion of route to seek shelter or improved weather and sea conditions

Question 9

What is the maximum securing load (MSL)?

Answer 9

The allowable load capacity for a device to secure cargo to a ship.

Question 10

Each item of securing equipment should be accompanied with a document. Give 7 items of information to be found on this document.

Answer 10

1. Name of manufacturer
2. Type designation of item
3. Material
4. Identification marking
5. Strength test result
6. Result of non-destructive testing
7. Maximum Securing Load (MSL)