Instructor’s Guide (I.G.

)
SUBJECT: SEAM 3 - Cargo Handling and Stowage (NDG) TOPIC: Types of Non-Dangerous Cargoes
a. Deck Cargoes
Dangers associated with the handling of stowage and care of non-
dangerous cargoes like container cargoes
Learning Objective: 1.1

Week 1
Explain the properties, characteristics, physical state and dangers in
handling and stowage of non-dangerous cargo.

Class Layout:
TIME ACTIVITY LEARNING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
MATERIALS/REFFERENCES
3 hours TA:  PPT, Validated Vlog Write an essay identifying the properties,
Lecture  Class introduction  Sample Checklist Format characteristics, physical state, and
 Facilitate the introduction of the course, learning dangers in non-dangerous cargo
objectives, and expectations. References. handling and stowage in relation to the
 Provide relevant IMO conventions, regulations, and  IMDG code established procedures, safety rules, and
information on the properties, characteristics, physical  Code of Safe Practice for Cargo regulations for the Non-Dangerous
state, and dangers of non-dangerous cargo handling and Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) Cargoes listed below.
stowage of deck cargoes.  The International Maritime Solid a. Deck Cargoes
Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC

LA: and thru this activity, short quiz will be

 Personal introduction to the class given.
 Listen and Participate in Q&A as a transformative learning
process.
 Take note of the references
 The students will explain through a written essay about the
properties, characteristics, physical state and dangers in
handling and stowage of non-dangerous cargo like deck
cargo.
 INTRODUCTION

Deck cargoes are non-dangerous cargoes that

are loaded and stowed on the open deck of a
vessel. Proper handling and stowage of deck
cargo are essential to ensure the safety of the
vessel, crew, and cargo.

In this presentation, we will discuss the

properties, characteristics, physical state, and
safety considerations for various types of non-
dangerous deck cargoes, along with established
procedures, safety rules, and regulations.
 IMO Conventions And Regulations

 SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention: SOLAS

provides regulations for the safety of ships and the
people on board, including regulations on cargo
stowage and securing to ensure the stability of the
vessel. Chapter VI of SOLAS deals with the
carriage of cargo, and Chapter VII addresses the
transportation of dangerous goods.

 IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous

Goods Code): While you asked about non-dangerous
cargo, the IMDG Code is important for
understanding the classification, packaging,
marking, and labelling of dangerous goods
shipped by sea.
 International Regulation -SOLAS

SOLAS incorporates requirements with regard to all aspects of the

operation of a ship including in Chapter VI on the carriage of
cargoes. The chapter is in three parts, and part A applies to the
carriage of cargoes that, owing to their particular hazards to
ships and persons on board, may require special precautions.
Regulation 5, in part A, deals with stowage and securing and, to
avoid any ambiguity, that regulation is quoted in Appendix I of
this book. Parts B and C deal with bulk cargoes and grain. It
must be remembered that SOLAS is being reviewed constantly and
amendments are published regularly.
 Code of Safe Practice for
Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)

The proper, adequate and satisfactory stowage and securing of

items of cargo are of the utmost importance for the safety of the
crew, the carrying ship, and the items of cargo themselves. If items
of cargo are not stowed and secured in a proper manner, bearing in
mind the intended voyage and the time of year, those items of
cargo might shift from their stowage position and damage might be
sustained by the item of cargo or the ship, or the ship’s staff might
suffer injury.

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

This guide will take the reader through some basic rules to be
remembered on every occasion during the loading and securing of
cargo, will describe where regulations, recommendations and
general guidance can be found, will describe recommended
methods to be used for particular items and types of cargo, and will
then give some guidance upon the points to be remembered
during passage-planning and the voyage itself. It is not intended
that this guide will give details of precisely how to secure any
particular items of cargo. It will set out the basics and point to
publications that give the rules to be followed.

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

Under Chapter VI, regulation 5(6) of the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, ships engaged in the carriage of all
cargoes, other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes, are required to carry
Cargo Securing Manual that has been approved by the administration.
Thus, the provision of a Cargo Securing Manual is a mandatory
requirement. Such a manual gives, for the ship for which it was prepared,
guidance for the safe carriage of cargo items for which that ship was
designed and cargoes with which, therefore, the crew ought to be familiar.
The ship’s Cargo Securing Manual will incorporate much if not all of the
guidance and information given in the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing and the ship’s
manual should be used in conjunction with the Code. This guide has been
designed for use alongside the ship’s own Cargo Securing Manual, and
together with IMO and other publications.
 Code of Safe Practice for
Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)

Despite there being codes of safe practice and publications giving advice
on the safe stowage and securing of cargo, incidents continue to occur
during which pieces of cargo shift and damage are sustained. It has always
been recognised that, when ships’ staff have greater knowledge and are
more aware of hazards, those hazards can be avoided and accidents can
be prevented. The object of this guide is to increase the seafarer’s
knowledge of the forces acting upon items of cargo, of the basic
requirement for the safe stowage and securing of cargo, and to help with
the understanding of the codes and guidelines to aid loss prevention.
 International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes
(IMSBC) Code

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

(SOLAS Convention), as amended, deals with various aspects of
maritime safety and contains, in Chapter VI, the mandatory
provisions governing the carriage of solid bulk cargoes. These
provisions are extended in the International Maritime Solid Bulk
Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code).

The primary aim of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes

Code (IMSBC Code), which replaces the Code of Safe Practice for
Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code), is to facilitate the safe stowage
and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by providing information
on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types
of solid bulk cargoes and instructions on the procedures to be
adopted when the shipment of solid bulk cargoes is
contemplated.
 International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes
(IMSBC) Code

The prime hazards associated with the shipment of solid bulk

cargoes are those relating to structural damage due to improper
cargo distribution, loss or reduction of stability during a voyage and
chemical reactions of cargoes. Therefore, the primary aim of the
IMSBC Code is to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid
bulk cargo by providing information on the dangers associated with
the shipment of certain types of solid bulk cargo and instructions on
the procedures to be adopted when the shipment of solid bulk
cargoes is contemplated. Observance of the Code harmonizes the
practices and procedures to be followed and the appropriate
precautions to be taken in the loading, trimming, carriage and
discharge of solid bulk cargoes when transported by sea, ensuring
compliance with the mandatory provisions of the SOLAS Convention.
 International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes
(IMSBC) Code

The IMSBC Code was adopted on 4 December 2008, by resolution

MSC.268(85), and entered into force on 1 January 2011, from which
date it was made mandatory under the provisions of the SOLAS
Convention. Since then, the Code has been amended

It is worth noting that the IMSBC Code does not cover the carriage
of grain in bulk. The specific requirements for the transport of grain
are covered by the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain
in Bulk (InternationalGrain Code, 1991).
 Cargo Securing Manual

The booklet Guidelines for the Preparation of

the Cargo Securing Manual was published by
IMO in 1997 to show how a manual should
be arranged and what it should contain. It is
a mandatory requirement under SOLAS that
a Cargo Securing Manual, which has been
approved by the administration, is provided
on board. The purpose of a Cargo Securing
Manual is to set out the standards for cargo
securing devices used on board bearing in
mind the type of cargo, the characteristics of
the ship and sea conditions that a ship might
encounter.
 Characteristic And Properties Of Non-dangerous Cargo

Non-dangerous cargo includes a vast

range of goods, such as general
consumer goods, machinery, vehicles,
foodstuffs, and more. These cargoes vary
in terms of weight, dimensions, fragility,
and other properties. Proper handling and
stowage require knowledge of the cargo's
properties, such as weight distribution,
vulnerability to damage, and compatibility
with other cargoes.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

Deck cargoes refer to the cargo items that are stowed

on the deck of a ship, as opposed to being stored within
the ship's cargo holds. The properties, characteristics,
and physical state of deck cargo can vary widely
depending on the type of cargo being transported. Here
are some common properties and characteristics of
different types of deck cargo:
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

1. General Cargo: This includes a wide range of goods such as

machinery, vehicles, packaged goods, and consumer goods. General
cargo can vary in size, weight, and shape, making it important to secure
them properly to prevent shifting during transport. They are usually
packaged or palletized for ease of handling and transport.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

2. Bulk Cargo: Bulk cargoes can be dry

(e.g., grains, ores, coal) or liquid (e.g., oil,
chemicals). Dry bulk cargoes are usually
solid granules or particles, while liquid bulk
cargoes are typically transported in tanks
or containers. These cargoes need
appropriate storage and handling to
prevent spillage or leakage
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

3. Containerized Cargo: These are goods

packed in standard-sized shipping
containers. Containers can hold a variety of
cargo, from consumer goods to industrial
products. Containerized cargo offers
efficiency in handling, loading, and
unloading, and they are often transported on
specialized container ships.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

4. Project Cargo: These are oversized or

unusually shaped items such as
machinery, heavy equipment, and
construction materials. Project cargo
requires specialized handling and securing
due to their unique dimensions and
weight.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

5. Refrigerated Cargo: Also known as

"reefer" cargo, this includes perishable
goods such as fruits, vegetables, and
pharmaceuticals that require
temperature-controlled environments
during transport. Refrigerated containers
or spaces on the ship's deck are used to
maintain the required temperature.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

6. Livestock: Deck space can be used to transport live animals like

cattle, sheep, and poultry. Specialized facilities and equipment are
needed to ensure the animals' well-being during transit.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes

7. Vehicles: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can be

transported on the deck of a ship. They need to be properly
secured to prevent movement and damage during rough seas.
 Properties, Characteristic,
Physical State Of Deck Cargoes
The physical state of deck cargoes can vary based on their
nature:

 Solid: Many deck cargoes are solid, including machinery, vehicles,

and packaged goods.

 Liquid: Liquid bulk cargoes are typically transported in tanks or

containers designed to prevent leakage.

 Gas: Some specialized ships transport gases in containers designed

for safe containment.

 Perishable: Perishable goods like fruits and vegetables require

temperature-controlled environments.
 Handling And Stowage of Deck Cargo

Handling and stowage of deck cargo on ships present several dangers

and challenges that need to be carefully managed to ensure the safety
of the vessel, crew, cargo, and the environment. Some of the
dangers associated with handling and stowage of deck cargo
include:

1. The shift of Cargo: Improper stowage or inadequate securing of

deck cargo can lead to cargo shifting during rough seas or unexpected
manoeuvres. This can destabilize the vessel, potentially causing
capsizing or loss of stability.

2. Reduced Stability: Deck cargo can affect the ship's stability by

raising the vessel’s centre of gravity. This can make the ship more
susceptible to rolling and rocking, especially in adverse weather
conditions.
 Handling And Stowage of Deck Cargo

3. Collision Risk: Tall or improperly stowed deck cargo can obstruct

the view of the bridge, hindering the crew's ability to see other
vessels, navigational aids, or potential hazards, leading to an
increased risk of collisions.

4. Environmental Damage: Cargo that is improperly stowed and

secured can fall overboard during rough seas, leading to pollution and
environmental damage. Hazardous materials or goods can also pose a
risk of contaminating the marine environment.

5. Crew Safety: Incorrect handling and stowage can endanger the

crew during loading, securing, and unloading operations. Accidents
like slips, trips, and falls, as well as cargo handling equipment
malfunctions, can cause injuries or fatalities.
 Handling And Stowage of Deck Cargo

6. Structural Stress: Improper distribution of weight and pressure

from deck cargo can lead to structural stress on the ship's deck and
hull. This stress can weaken the vessel over time, potentially
resulting in cracks, deformation, or even catastrophic failure.

7. Cargo Damage: Deck cargo is exposed to weather conditions and

sea spray, increasing the risk of damage due to corrosion, moisture,
and shifting during transport. This can result in loss or damage to the
cargo itself.

8. Fire Hazard: Some deck cargo, such as hazardous materials or

flammable goods, can pose a significant fire hazard if not properly
stored, secured, and monitored. Fires on deck can be difficult to
control and can quickly spread to other parts of the ship.
 Handling And Stowage of Deck Cargo

9. Overloading: Deck cargo must be carefully weighed and distributed

to avoid overloading the ship. Overloading can compromise the vessel's
stability, buoyancy, and structural integrity, leading to potential
accidents.

10. Navigational Challenges: Excessive or improperly stowed deck

cargo can affect the ship's maneuverability and response to
navigational commands, making it difficult for the crew to handle the
vessel safely in tight situations.

To mitigate these dangers, proper planning, stowage, and securing

procedures must be followed. International regulations and guidelines,
such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO),
provide standards for the handling and stowage of deck cargo to ensure
the safety of ships, crew, cargo, and the marine environment.
What are the dangers in non-dangerous
cargo handling and stowage in relation
to the established procedures, safety
rules, and regulations for Non-
Dangerous deck cargoes?
Handling and stowage of non-dangerous cargo might seem
less risky compared to handling hazardous materials, but it
still involves potential dangers that can lead to accidents,
injuries, and damage if proper procedures, safety rules, and
regulations aren't followed. Here are some of the dangers to
consider:

1. Improper Stowage and Balance: Even non-dangerous

cargo needs to be properly stowed and balanced on a ship or
other transport vehicles. Incorrect stowage can lead to
shifting loads during transit, which can destabilize the vessel
or vehicle and lead to accidents.
2. Overloading: Exceeding the recommended weight or
capacity limits of a vessel or vehicle can lead to structural
damage, instability, and even sinking or tipping over. Non-
dangerous cargo should be weighed accurately and loaded
within the specified limits.

3. Inadequate Securing: Proper securing of cargo is

essential to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Insufficient securing can lead to cargo movement, which can
cause accidents, injuries to personnel, and damage to the
cargo itself.
4. Unsafe Equipment Operation: The use of lifting
equipment like cranes, forklifts, and winches during cargo
handling poses risks if operators aren't properly trained or if
the equipment is in poor condition. Accidents involving
equipment can result in injuries or cargo damage.

5. Lack of Proper Documentation: Non-dangerous cargo

also requires appropriate documentation for accurate tracking
and compliance with regulations. Failure to maintain proper
documentation can lead to delays, regulatory violations, and
logistical challenges.
6. Human Error: Miscommunication, lack of training,
complacency, or misunderstanding of procedures can lead to
mistakes in cargo handling and stowage. Human error can
result in accidents, cargo damage, and injuries.

7. Environmental Concerns: Even non-dangerous cargo

can have environmental implications if not handled correctly.
Improper handling can lead to spills, waste generation, or
contamination, impacting the environment.
8. Inadequate Inspection and Maintenance: Neglecting
regular inspection and maintenance of transport vehicles,
containers, and equipment can lead to unexpected failures
during cargo handling, causing accidents or delays.

9. Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in

cargo handling and stowage. Adverse weather conditions
such as storms, high winds, or rough seas can make the
process more challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
10. Improper Packaging: Non-dangerous cargo should still
be packaged appropriately to withstand the rigors of
transportation. Inadequate packaging can lead to damage
during loading, unloading, or transit.

To mitigate these dangers, it's important to follow established

procedures, safety rules, and regulations for non-dangerous
cargo handling and stowage. Proper training of personnel,
regular equipment maintenance, accurate documentation,
adherence to weight and balance limits, and consideration of
weather conditions are all crucial aspects of ensuring safe
cargo handling practices.
 SUMMARY

In the context of handling and stowage of non-dangerous

cargoes, particularly deck cargoes, various properties and
characteristics must be considered to ensure safe procedures
in accordance with established regulations. These cargoes are
typically not hazardous, but adherence to safety rules
remains crucial. Deck cargoes are items transported on the
open deck of a ship and can include vehicles, machinery,
equipment, and other non-perishable goods.
 SUMMARY

Their physical state can range from solid items to bulk

materials. Proper securing mechanisms, such as lashings and
dunnage, are employed to prevent movement during transit.
While these cargoes aren't inherently dangerous, improper
handling can lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to the
cargo or vessel. Therefore, strict compliance with safety
protocols and regulations is essential to maintain the integrity
of the cargo, the ship, and the well-being of personnel
involved in the handling and stowage processes.
 QUOTE

“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort.”

– Jillian Michaels