What are factors taken into account during carriage of Under deck log on ship ?

Followings are factors taken into account during carriage of under deck log :

1. The ship’s heeling angle and rolling period should be checked, in a seaway, on a regular basis.
2. Wedges, hammers and portable pump, if provided should be stored in an easily accessible place; and
3. The Master or a responsible officer should ensure that it is safe to enter an enclosed cargo space by:
   • Ensuring that the space has been thoroughly ventilated by natural or mechanical means;
   • Testing the atmosphere of the space at different levels for oxygen deficiency and harmful vapour where suitable instruments are available; and
   • Requiring self-contained breathing apparatus to be worn by all persons entering the space where there is any doubt as to the adequacy of ventilation or testing before entry.

You may also know precaution prior to loading under deck log :

Prior to loading

1. Each cargo space configuration (length, breadth and depth), the cubic bale capacity of the respective cargo spaces, the various lengths of logs to be loaded, the cubic volume (log average), and the capacity of the gear to be used to load the logs should be determined
2. Using the above information, a pre-stow plan should be developed to allow the maximum utilization of the available space; the better the under-deck stowage, the more cargo can safely be carried on deck
3. The cargo spaces and related equipment should be examined to determine whether the condition of structural members, framework and equipment could affect the safe carriage of the log cargo. Any damage discovered during such an examination should be repaired in an appropriate manner
4. The bilge suction screens should be examined to ensure they are clean, effective and properly maintained to prevent the admission of debris into the bilge piping system.
5. The bilge wells should be free of extraneous material such as wood bark and wood splinters.
6. The capacity of the bilge pumping system should be ascertained. A properly maintained and operating system is crucial for the safety of the ship. A portable dewatering pump of sufficient capacity and lift will provide additional insurance against a clogged bilge line.
7. Side sparring, pipe guards, etc., designed to protect internal hull members should be in place; and
8. The Master should ensure that the opening and closing of high ballast dump valves (CH 3) are properly recorded in the ship’s log. Given that such high ballast tanks are necessary to facilitate loading and bearing in mind regulation 22(1) of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, which requires a screw-down valve fitted in gravity overboard drain lines, the master should (ensure that the dump valves are properly monitored to preclude the accidental readmission of water into these tanks. Leaving these tanks open to the sea could lead to an apparent inexplicable list, a shift of deck cargo and potential capsize.