The method and manner in which a cargo plan is compiled depends to a large extent upon the individual ideas of the Chief Officer who should always consult the Master for his views and advice. The common feature of every plan is clarity so as to facilitate safe and efficient loading and discharging of cargo. The plan must take into account the loading and discharge port rotation to avoid over stowage.
The stowage plan is also to show the sailing drafts and distribution and quantities of fresh water, bunkers and ballast.
OVER CARRIAGE OF CARGO
Over carriage of cargo should be avoided at all costs as it results in a loss of freight to the ship for when it is subsequently found at a later port the ship owner is responsible for its return to the proper destination port.
HAZARDOUS GOODS – CARE AND HANDLING
Hazardous Goods General
Hazardous goods carried onboard Vacancies for seafarers must comply in every respect with the requirements laid down in the International Maritime Dangerous goods Code. All relevant details of the hazardous goods must be supplied to the vessel. All local bye-laws and regulations must be complied with. Warning notices must be posted and protecting clothing and fire fighting equipment provided.
CONTAINERS
Containers carried on deck should be properly secured in such a manner as to take account of the appropriate strength features of the container and deck lashing points and the stresses caused by the stacking of one or more upon the other.
Heavy machines or vegetable and bulk products stored on straps can be additionally secured with additional ties.The hatch covers should never be overloaded. Containers should not be loaded on hatch covers unless it is known that the hatches have adequate overall and point bearing strength. Where appropriate, reference should always be made to the class-approved plans for assembling and securing containers together with the approved class’s maximum permissible load.. These plans and parameters shall be closely followed. Safety shall never be compromised by exceeding the specified limits.
Additionally, the age and condition of the vessel should be taken into account when loading containers or other heavy weights upon hatch covers which can easily deform under heavy loads and allow water to enter the holds.
If the permanent foot locks and / or footrests are not welded to the ship’s structure, the containers shall not be moved to a height of more than one level. If possible, containers should be stored in the front and back. The corner castings of the containers must be placed on a suitable beam placed in such a way that it does not come into contact with window sills or the side frame. The effect of this is to distribute the total load of the container over the area of the corresponding deck cover and hatch. Containers to be transported must be considered as “land freight” and secured in accordance with the rules and recommendations of deck cargo. In other words, the total holding capacity of the devices belonging to them, properly placed and attached to the respective endpoints, must be at least three times the static weight of the container.
If the containers are to be stacked in two (or more) high tiers, the base tier must be provided with permanent footrests for the lower corner. Containers must be secured on top of each other with screw fittings and tension clamps. On ships so provided, the class-approved plan for stacking and securing containers.