Collapsed Stow Threat is a huge cargo safety concern in containershipping. Keeping that in mind, the UK P&I Club has issued a detailed stowage checking guidelines in their cargo safety issue.
Let’s take a look at those now.
CONTROLS:
Cargo declaration procedures / carriage instructions
- Is the cargo declaration presented to the ship in sufficient time for the cargo plan to be produced?
- Will correct documentation be supplied to the ship in ample time for ship’s staff to understand all requirements?
- Is the cargo declaration and description clear and precise and in a language understood by ship’s staff?
- Is there confidence that the cargo declaration details are correct?
- Have any special carriage instructions or stowage precautions been received?
- Will cargo carriage instructions be supplied to ship in ample time and prior to load?
- Are the instructions in a language that ship’s staff fully understand?
- It should be ensured that there is no ambiguity in carriage instructions?
- Instructions are not beyond ship’s staff or machinery capabilities?
- Documentation to clearly state any special carriage requirements?
- Documentation is in a language understood by the ship?
- Ship to be advised of any IMO category, if applicable, or special needs?
- Is the cargo declaration a true declaration of the cargo to be carried?
- Has documentation been checked that delivery is correct?
- Have bill of lading and instructions been received – shipper and consignee details are correct?
- Contact details received for consignee?
- Cargo to be delivered to the ship in good order/condition/quality?
- For containers is a stowage plan available and checked by ship before loading?
Stowage position procedures
- Has the cargo unit been stowed in a safe position:
• During loading?
• During the sea voyage? - Is the cargo plan accurate and has the cargo been stowed as per the plan?
- Has the stowage of the cargo on board ship been supervised by ship’s staff/OOW?
- Has the cargo plan been approved by the chief mate/master?
Weather routeing
- Does vessel participate in weather routeing service?
- Does ship receive weather maps and messages?
- Is master advised in ample time of any adverse weather?
- Does ship take evasive action, ie alters course/reduces speed?
- Are adequate records maintained?
- Are sea protests made?
Securing/lashings
- Is cargo correctly lashed and secured, containers, flat racks, oversize, cars, MAFIs (low loaders), etc?
- Is there a securing manual (CSM) on board is it complied with?
- Are lashing and deck fittings in good condition?
- Is there a maintenance/replacement system in place?
- Are lashings fit for purpose and sufficient in number?
- Have the lashings been applied in the correct manner?
- Is it ensured that lashings do not damage the cargo, ie on corners to avoid crushing?
- Are lashings checked on board by the cargo officer or OOW?
- Is it clear who is responsible for lashing and securing of cargo?
Adequate packing of cargo
- Will packaging withstand transportation to and from the ship and stowage ashore or during sea transport?
- Will the packaging damage the ‘said’ cargo or other cargo?
- Is the packaging correctly marked with lifting points?
- Is the packaging provided with suitable lifting wires/strops/lugs?
- What is procedure for rejecting/recording damage caused by poor packaging (big claims issue)?
- Is container suitable for the cargo (eg heavy coils, heavy scrap, etc)?
Ship suitable
- Is the ship approved/fit to carry the cargo?
- Are the lashing systems fit for cargo?
- Are the lashing points strong enough for the load to be taken in all weather conditions?
- Does the certification of vessel allow this cargo?
- Are ship’s staff familiar with the cargo carriage?
- Have ship’s staff had training with the type of cargo?
- Is the ship’s manning level sufficient for the trade/cargo carried?
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Source: UK P&I
