I.

SOURCE OF THE STUDY

To able to accomplish this study, we the researchers conducted a research with the use of internet
that shows the proper and safe securing of cargoes. This may contain the following: Proper
Cargo Securing and Packing, The Importance of Blocking and Bracing, Important Points for
Safe Container Lashing and Important points to be noted for safe lashing and de-lashing
operation

Cargo accident reports indicate that 25% of all damaged goods incidences have been linked to
improper securing of cargo. Blocking and bracing cargo involves the use of wooden and metal
beams to hold cargo in its place whilst in its shipping container. This method greatly reduces
your risk of damaged goods and helps to eliminate accountability in the case of a damaged cargo
incident. Taking these precautions can help you to steer out of harms way. In addition, it is
always a good idea to insure your cargo, and know your insurance options. So with the help of
this study we will know how to secure and pack cargoes in proper way.

II. IMPORTANCE OF STUDY

The main purpose of this study is to introduce the different knowledge on how to secure and
pack cargoes especially when it comes to the proper carrying and transporting dangerous
cargoes.

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.

Furthermore, many incidents in transport are attributed to poor practices in the packing of cargo
transport units, including inadequate securing of the cargo within the cargo transport units,
overloading and incorrect declaration of contents. This is of major concern particularly because
the victims may be the general public or transport and supply chain workers, who generally
have no control over the packing of such units.
In order to deal with the problems and hazards arising from improper stowage and securing of
certain cargoes on ships and improper packing of cargo transport units, the IMO has developed,
in cooperation with other UN agencies where appropriate, the codes listed hereunder:

 Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)

 Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes,2011 (2011 TDC Code)

IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code)

But first of all what is Container Lashing?

When a container is loaded over ships, it is secured to the ship’s structure and to the container
placed below it by means of lashing rods, turnbuckles, twist-locks etc. This prevents the
containers from to move from their places or fall off in to the sea during rough weather or heavy
winds.

Who Does the Container Lashing?

Normally Stevedores are responsible for lashing and de-lashing jobs in port. However, due to
less port stay and constraint of time, deck crew is also responsible for this operation.

Before arrival of the port, ship’s crew normally de-lashes the container so that time can be saved
in the port and the containers can be discharged immediately after berthing.

The container Lashing is regularly checked by the ship’s crew so as to avoid any type of
accidents due to improper lashing.
What are the important points to be noted for safe lashing and de-lashing operation?

 Wear all the required Personal protective equipment’s (PPE) such as reflective vest, steel
toe shoes, hard helmet, gloves etc.

 Stretch and warm up your muscles prior to working as it is a strenuous physical job.

 Try using back support belt and always use your knee to lift.

 Be cautious while walking around the ship as the ship structure can be a tripping hazard.

 Be careful from slip, trip and fall while boarding or leaving ship from gangway with
carrying loads like rod, clits etc.

 Do not walk under suspended load i.e. gantry, hanging container etc.

 Work platform, railings, steps, and catwalks must be inspected prior to the starting of
operations.

 All manhole cover or booby hatches to be closed while lashing.

 Be careful while walking over the rods and twist locks while working. Always keep the
lashing equipments in their assigned place or side of the walking path.

 Understand the plan and order of lashing and unlashing.

 The reefer containers require extra attention and coordination for plugging and
unplugging when loading or unloading is carried out.

Credits: Danny Cornelissen/wikipedia.org

 Beware of trip hazard due to reefer container power cord.

 Do not touch any electrical equipment or power chord until it is instructed that it is safe
to work on.

 All the lashing and other materials must be removed and secured from the top of the
hatch cover prior to the removal of the same.

 Be careful of fall hazard when lashing outside container on the hatch cover or pedestal.

 Fall arrester or safety harness must be used by workers when operating aloft.
  Always be at a safe distance from co-workers during lashing or unlashing containers as
the long rods can be hazardous if not handled properly.

 It is a normal practice not to lash or unlash any closer than at least 3 containers widths
away from other co-worker.

 Always work in pair when handling rods and turnbuckles.

 Always walk the bars up, slide them down and control the rods at all time.

 Do not leave or throw the rod or other equipment until you are sure that it is safe to do so
and no one is around the vicinity.

 Do not loose a turnbuckle and leave the rods hanging. When securing a rod, turnbuckle
must be tightened right away.

 Always report defective lashing gear, defective ship’s railing, or any other inadequate
structure or system involved in the operation to the concerned person or ship’s staff.

Several container lashing incidents have taken lives of seafarers in the past. Handing cargo
containers is not an easy job and needs adequate safe practices to carry it out safely and
adequately.

III. Conclusion
We, the researchers conclude that having proper and knowledge and practice in keeping the
security needs strong cooperation from transport industries and government institutions globally.

Having a good practice and knowledge in packing and securing is not a one way ticket to safety.
We also need to be a great observer because anytime or anywhere there will be a cause of danger
in your cargoes and it can’t be seen by our naked eye. Cargoes must be checked time to time
because as we move forward to our destinations the climates change and our cargoes can be spoil
or contaminate in just a second, so that we need to observe the cargoes, automatically as
provided by the technologies in our vessel and manually because having an high end device is
always subject for malfunction. We must attain balance our observation manually or
automatically. Without having observation with dangerous cargoes can lead to a company loss
worth of millions of dollar’s from dangerous and exotic cargoes and it can lead to failures in your
vessel. The professional and responsible persons must get the good practice in proper packing
and securing when loading and unloading cargoes with these practice, trainings and knowledge
where able to circumnavigate around the world safe and worry free.

Port if Tanjung Pelepas