What are precautions while loading refer container on ships ?

1. It is important to note that reefer containers are designed to maintain the temperature of the products and not pre-cooling it. Pre-cooling is a separate operation performed prior to storage or transportation that requires special equipment or cooling facilities.
2. Prior to loading check that the plug points are okay & sufficient spares for refer machinery are carried.
3. A refer manifest must be obtained from ashore & details of stowage checked by the chief officer & electrician.
4. Pre-cooling of the reefer container itself should not take place unless temperatures in the cold store and in the container are identical and a “Cold Tunnel” is used.
5. Ensure reefer container has been set with the correct temperature setting.
6. Air vents are to be opened to the required setting to release carbon dioxide and ethylene gas based on its desired respiration rate. (For chilled cargos that are perishable and limited holding shelf life.)
7. In the case of reefer failure or large difference in temperatures, attend to it immediately & inform the company & charterers.
8. Prepare a detailed list of reefers onboard, their location & temperature settings.

Note:

• When stowing high cube containers on deck, visibility from bridge must be considered in case several high cube containers are in the same stack. 

• The temperature of a cargo stuffed into a refrigerated container should not, in general, deviate by more than 3 degree C (5 degree F) from the specified carriage temperature. Chilled cargo (excluding bananas) should not deviate by more than 0.4 degree C (1 degree F).

• This does not mean that even these deviations should be encouraged; the objective is to receive and deliver the cargo at the carriage temperature.

• The stowage of 45 foot containers is restricted by lashing requirements, lashing bridges, Reefer monitoring platforms or other obstructions (Allowable positions for loading 45’ containers must be carefully checked prior loading).