What are precautions before loading timber deck cargo as per timber code ?

Prior to loading the vessel, relevant cargo information, as defined in timber  Code, should be provided by the shipper, according to the custom of the trade.

Prior to loading, the stevedoring company should be made aware of specific requirements according to the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual regarding stowage and securing of timber deck cargoes.

Prior to loading, the stevedoring company should be made aware of specific requirements according to the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual regarding stowage and securing of timber deck cargoes                      

Before timber deck cargo is loaded on any area of the weather deck:

1. Hatch covers and other openings to spaces below that area should be securely closed and battened down;
2. Air pipes and ventilators should be effectively protected and check-valves or similar devices should be examined to ascertain their effectiveness against the entry of water;
3. Objects which might obstruct cargo stowage on deck should be removed and safely secured in places appropriate for storage;
4. The condition of friction-enhancing arrangements, where fitted, should be checked;
5. Accumulations of ice and snow on such area should be removed;
6. It is normally preferable to have all deck lashings, uprights, etc., readily available before loading on that specific area. This will be necessary should a preloading examination of securing equipment be required in the loading port; and
7. All sounding pipes on the deck should be reviewed and arrangements made that access to these remain as far as practicable. 

Note:

• The master should ensure that the ship condition complies with its stability booklet at all times.
• A ship carrying timber deck cargo should continue to comply with applicable damage stability requirements
• Since excessive GM values induce large accelerations, GM should preferably not exceed 3% of the breadth of the vessel.
• Account may be taken of the buoyancy of timber deck cargo when calculating stability curves, assuming that such cargo has a permeability up to 25% (Permeability is defined as the percentage of empty space of the volume occupied by the deck cargo).