- The grain shall be trimmed and levelled to the extent that it is very slightly crowned along the fore and aft centreline of the compartment.
- The entire surface of the grain shall be covered with burlap separation cloths, tarpaulins, or the equivalent. The covering material shall have a tensile strength of not less than 1,344 N per 5 cm strip.
- Two layers of wire reinforcement mesh shall be laid on top of the burlap or other covering. The bottom layer is to be laid athwart ships and the top layer is to be laid longitudinally. The lengths of wire mesh are to be overlapped at least 75 mm. The top layer of mesh is to be positioned over the bottom layer in such a manner that the squares formed by the alternate layers measure approximately 75 mm x 75 mm. The wire reinforcement mesh is the type used in reinforced concrete construction. It is fabricated of 3 mm diameter steel wire having a breaking strength of not less than 52 kN/cm2 welded in 150 mm x 150 mm squares. Wire mesh having mill scale may be used but mesh having loose, flaking rust may not be used.
- The boundaries of the wire mesh, at the port and starboard side of the compartment, shall be retained by wood planks 150 mm x 50 mm.
- Hold-down lashings, running from side to side across the compartment, shall be spaced not more than 2.4 m apart except that the first and the last lashing shall not be more than 300 mm from the forward or after bulkhead, respectively. Prior to the completion of the loading, each lashing shall be positively attached to the framing at a point approximately 450 mm below the anticipated final grain surface by means of either a 25 mm shackle or beam clamp of equivalent strength. The lashing shall be led from this point over the top of the boundary plank described in grain code , which has the function of distributing the downward pressure exerted by the lashing. Two layers of 150 mm x 25 mm planks shall be laid athwart ships centered beneath each lashing and extending the full breadth of the compartment.
- The hold-down lashings shall consist of steel wire rope (19 mm diameter or equivalent), double steel strapping (50 mm x 1.3 mm and having a breaking load of at least 49 kN), or chain of equivalent strength, each of which shall be set tight by means of a 32 mm turnbuckle. A winch tightener, used in conjunction with a locking arm, may be substituted for the 32 mm turnbuckle when steel strapping is used, provided suitable wrenches are available for setting up as necessary. When steel strapping is used, not less than three crimp seals shall be used for securing the ends. When wire rope is used, not less than four clips shall be used for forming eyes in the lashings.
- During the voyage the hold-down lashings shall be regularly inspected and set up where necessary.
