[FAQ] What Are The Checks To Minimize The Huge Cargo Safety Concern

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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

  1. Has the cargo unit been stowed in a safe position:
    • During loading?
    • During the sea voyage?
  2. Is the cargo plan accurate and has the cargo been stowed as per the plan?
  3. Has the stowage of the cargo on board ship been supervised by ship’s staff/OOW?
  4. 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