• Safety Alert 01-2023

Deck sockets condition

inspection

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Classification: Public
 Safety Alert 01-2023

Observation :
We have noticed through our vetting inspections that there is an increase in observations of
poor deck socket fittings due to thickness. Deck sockets play a pivotal role in keeping the
high stack of containers in place, especially while the vessel is sailing on the high seas.
Unfortunately, these deck socket fittings are also prone to wear & tear and damage, which
can cause a reduction in their holding strength. To confirm the suitability of these sockets,
the poor condition of the socket needs to be identified and replaced well in time to ensure
that they can support the container stacks.
Although scheduled inspections should be carried out following the vessel CSM, the most
efficient way of ensuring that the equipment is kept in a sound condition is to always
examine during cargo operations visually for cracks, deformation, and regular intervals
thorough thickness inspection (namely ISO Socket hole width, top plate, and side plate
thickness).

Classification: Public
 Safety Alert 01-2023

The Problem- A few thousand sockets to inspect

During the targeted inspection of deck sockets for a particular class of vessel, it was quickly
realized that the inspection of thousands of sockets was not a small task and progress was
very limited as vessels are always close to fully loaded, plus port stays limitations.
Also, measuring the thickness of required aspects of these fittings (side, top, hole width)
requires the use of tools, such as vernier calipers, which can be time-consuming and
cumbersome, considering the average number of sockets to inspect. It also requires
understanding and precision to take the readings from calipers, where the difference between
1 mm can define if a socket is suitable or needs replacement.
To simplify the inspection of deck sockets, our in-house Fleet Group and Nautical teams
worked with the vessel crew in fabricating a handy tool (SMART Socket inspection tool) that
can help in measuring the thickness of various dimensions required without the need for
calipers, while ensuring that it can be used by any staff onboard after a quick initial
explanation/demonstration.

Classification: Public
 Safety Alert 01-2023

SMART Socket inspection tool

This “H” shaped “SMART socket inspection tool” which has slots to
measure ISO hole width, top plate thickness as well as side plate
thickness, within a few seconds thus saving a lot of time, and
optimizing the use of time and resources.
After the successful trial of using this tool on a few vessels, we will
Checking top plate 24mm
be rolling this out to all our own vessels as part of the “Deck socket
inspection - visual guide”.
We hope that these will be some of the key drives towards
simplification, helping the vessel staff in optimizing the maintenance
and inspection process. The tool makes the task of measurement a
lot quicker than Calipers considering that the latter must be
continuously adjusted for the measurement of different dimensions.
The tool is lighter than a caliper, can be carried in the pocket and
Checking the hole – 66mm length
Overview of the tool anyone on board can assess properly if the socket has to be replaced.

Discard Criteria for ISO sockets:

ISO deck sockets are available in various types and sizes. One of the differentiating factors is
the side plate thickness, where sockets can be of thickness 15mm, 12mm, 10mm, etc.
Different lashing manufacturers provide recommendations for discarding/replacing these
sockets based on the reduction of side plate thickness due to corrosion.
Checking the side plate

Classification: Public
 Safety Alert 01-2023

Recommendation
1. Since all cargo securing equipment is subjected to wear and tear, its condition must continuously be checked
regarding deficiency and maintained in accordance with a suitable regime, with accurate records kept by the crew. The
crew must record these inspections and maintenance of the cargo-securing equipment. If any socket is found
damaged, out-of-limits thickness, or deformed, it shall be replaced with new equipment on the spot if this is possible.
If cannot be replaced immediately then must be marked as defective so it is not inadvertently used and inform the
planner that the slot must remain empty until properly replaced.
2. Build a SMART Socket inspection tool based on the manufacturer’s limitations of the vessel and used it for evaluation.
3. The instructions for handling and examination by the manufacturer are to be always reviewed and followed.
4. When a socket is replaced, pay attention that the geometrical dimension, as well as the loading values (SWL, PL, BL),
are according to the corresponding classification society and to the original fitting.
5. A socket must be scrapped and replaced (and not repaired) if:
1. The welding is cracked or serious scars on the side of the ISO hole
2. The top plate is damaged by twist locks, is deformed or collapsed
3. The material thickness and the width of the ISO hole are more than the Makers limits

Reminder: Onboard we are all responsible to STOP work when

anyone is practicing or about to start an unsafe act.

Classification: Public