The proper stowage and securing of cargoes is of the utmost
importance for the safety of life at sea. Improper stowage and securing
of cargoes has resulted in numerous serious ship casualties and caused
injury and loss of life, not only at sea but also during loading and
discharge.
In order to deal with the problems and hazards arising from
improper stowage and securing of certain cargoes on ships, the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued guidelines in the form of either
Assembly resolutions or circulars adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee
(MSC); these are listed hereunder:
- Safe stowage and securing of cargo units and other entities in
ships other than cellular containerships, resolution A.489(xii) [see appendix 1];
- Guidelines for the preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual, MSC/Circ.745
[see appendix 2];
- Elements to be taken into account when considering the safe stowage
and securing of cargo units and vehicles in ships, resolution A.533(13)
[see appendix 3];
- Guidelines for securing arrangements for the transport of road
vehicles on ro-ro ships, resolution A.581(14), as amended [see appendix 4];
- IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for packing of cargo transport units
[see the Supplement to the IMDG Code (sales number ID210E)];
- Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships, resolution
A.864(20) [see appendix 5];
The accelerations acting on a ship in a seaway result from
a combination of longitudinal, vertical and predominantly transverse
motions. The forces created by these accelerations give rise to the
majority of securing problems.
The hazards arising from these forces should be dealt with
by taking measures both to ensure proper stowage and securing of cargoes
on board and to reduce the amplitude and frequency of ship motions.
The purpose of this Code is to provide an international
standard to promote the safe stowage and securing of cargoes by:
- drawing the attention of shipowners and ship operators to the
need to ensure that the ship is suitable for its intended purpose;
- providing advice to ensure that the ship is equipped with proper
cargo securing means;
- providing general advice concerning the proper stowage and securing
of cargoes to minimize the risks to the ship and personnel;
- providing specific advice on those cargoes which are known to
create difficulties and hazards with regard to their stowage and securing;
- advising on actions which may be taken in heavy sea conditions;
and
- advising on actions which may be taken to remedy the effects of
cargo shifting.
In providing such advice, it should be borne in mind that
the master is responsible for the safe conduct of the voyage and the
safety of the ship, its crew and its cargo.