What are information provided by shipper to ship master for loading of timber deck cargo?

The following information as applicable for each parcel of cargo should be provided by the shipper and collected by the master or his representative:

  • total amount of cargo intended as deck cargo;
  • typical dimensions of the cargo;
  • number of bundles;
  • density of the cargo;
  • stowage factor of the cargo;
  • racking strength for packaged cargo;
  • type of cover of packages and whether non-slip type; and
  • relevant coefficients of friction including covers of sawn wooden packages if applicable.
Note:

Pre-loading plan according to the ship’s Trim and Stability Book should be done and the following should be calculated and checked:

  1. Stowage height;
  2. Weight per m2;
  3. Required amount of water ballast; and
  4. Displacement, draught, trim and stability at departure and arrival.
  5. The stability should be within required limits during the entire voyage.

When undertaking stability calculations, variation in displacement, centre of gravity and free surface moments due to the following factors should be considered:

  • Absorption of water in timber carried as timber deck cargo according to special instructions.
  • Ice accretion, if applicable.
  • Variations in consumables; and
  • Ballast water exchange operations, in accordance with approved procedures.

A lashing plan according to the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) should be prepared and the following calculated:

  • Weight and height of stows per hatch;
  • Number of sections in longitudinal direction per hatch;
  • Required number of pieces of lashing equipment; and
  • Required number of uprights, if applicable

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