What are regulations for stowage and securing of Timber Deck Cargo?

• stowage height;
• weight per m2;
• required amount of water ballast; and
• displacement, draught, trim and stability at departure and arrival.

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 instruction.
• ice accretion, if applicable;
• variations in consumables; and
• ballast water exchange operations, in accordance with approved procedures.
• 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.

During loading of deck cargo the master should ensure that all tanks are maintained in such a condition that free surface effects are minimized. Ballast tanks should as far as practicable be either full or empty and ballast movement during loading operations should be avoided.

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