Carriage of Containers and Flats

The G.C.B.S. has recently published the following Guidelines on Carriage of Containers;

 

DEPARTMENT TRANSPORT MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE No. M. 1167

 

CARRIAGE OF CONTAINERS AND FLATS IN SHIPS NOT
DESIGNED OR MODIFIED FOR THE PURPOSE

 

Notice to Shipowners, Masters and Deck Officers, Stevedores, Shippers
and Packers of Containers and Flats

 

This Notice supersedes Notice No. M. 624

 

1.     Shippers, Shipowners and Masters should be aware of the inherent dangers when containers and flats are carried in ships not specially constructed or effectively modified for the carriage of such cargo units, if they are not adequately secured against movement. Masters should satisfy themselves in this regard for all containers and flats, whether stowed on or below deck, before the ship leaves her berth. They should not accept units for loading which, from external inspection, they consider to be structurally unsafe, or large units which, if stowed athwartships, would result in an overhang of the ship's side. 

 

2.     Containers carried on deck should be stowed one high only, preferably fore and aft, prevented from sliding athwartships and securely lashed against tipping. At no time should deck-loaded containers overstress the hatch covers or the hatchway structure. In cases of doubt details of stress limitations should be obtained from the Classification Society. 

 

3.     Securing of containers and flats should be by means of chains, wires or other equally effective arrangements, in each case provided with means of tensioning. Deck fittings should be so located that there will always be a good lead for securing arrangements. It is not sufficient, however, to ensure the security of the unit itself in the ship;; particular regard should also be paid to the security of the cargo stowed on flats. heavy metal products, vehicles and farm implements are some of the more difficult cargoes and there are particular problems with bulky cargoes stowed in polythene bags. It cannot be emphasised enough that it should never be assumed that cargo which has been loaded on flats at inland depots, and which may arrive at the port covered by tarpaulins, is adequately secured for a sea passage. 

 

4.     It is particularly important that Masters obtain an accurate Cargo Stowage Plan showing the distribution of weights and in addition, details of the contents of any cargo units containing dangerous goods. It is also important that due regard be paid to prevailing, forecast, and anticipated weather conditions during the voyage. 

 

5.     Further to paragraph 3, the attention of Shippers and Packers of containers and flats is drawn to the importance of ensuring that containers and flats are suitably packed for the type of voyage to be undertaken, and f' they contain dangerous goods that they are marked with the appropriate identification label. Guidance on packing is given in the IMO/ILO Guidelines for Packing of Cargo in Freight Containers and Vehicles. (MSC Circular 383) *.

 

6.     Satisfactory means in the form of guard rails, life lines, walkways or gangways, etc. should be provided for the protection of the crew in getting to and from their quarters, the machinery space, and all other parts used in the necessary work of the ship. If fore and aft access cannot be gained on the deck because of inadequate width to the side of containers, safe and efficient access should be arranged over the top of the cargo. 

 

7.     The Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) (Deck Cargo) Regulations 1968 relate to the safe stowage of deck cargoes and the provision of safe access for the crew. Failure to observe the requirements under these Regulations renders a master liable to proceedings under the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act 1967. 

 

8.     General guidance on the carriage of containers on deck is also given in Chapter 28 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

 

 

Department of Transport
Marine Directorate
London WC1V 6LP
March 1985

 

Crown copyright reproduced with the permission of the Controller of H.M.S.O.

 

Dd S820516 C14 4/85 Ed(224453)