Don’t Forget to Lash Your Equipment

In recent years we have seen serious claims arise where cargo was properly stowed, but the ship’s equipment – ranging from forklift trucks to deck handlers – received less attention. These items broke free while the ship was at sea.

Equipment on the loose

The consequences can be catastrophic. Cargo in the immediate vicinity may become damaged, and the impact of heavy moving objects can cause other cargo to break free, resulting in even more damage. The damage can also extend to the ship itself, such as deforming frames, penetrating the hull steel plating and rendering ramps out of service.

Losses can amount to millions of dollars, not to mention the risk to the safety of the crew.

Follow your manuals

The key document is the ship-specific Cargo Securing Manual (CSM). A CSM is a statutory requirement under the SOLAS Ch.VI Reg. 5. It must be approved by the administration of the contracting government (the ship’s Flag State) and should be suitably endorsed to that effect.

The CSM should specify where and how to secure “cargo units, containers, vehicles and other entities”, based on the different forces to which they may be subjected during adverse weather and sea conditions.

Although its title infers it relates only to cargo, the manual should also guide on the stowage and securing of ship’s equipment. This is addressed in IMO Resolution A.489(XII) where it defines “other entities” to include loading equipment which belongs to the ship but are not fixed to the vessel.

The vessel’s safety management system (SMS) should also provide sufficient guidance to the crew on stowage and securing techniques.

Take your time to get it right

The crew might feel there is commercial pressure to keep to sailing deadlines following long and tiring cargo operations. When the pressure is on at the end to secure the ship’s equipment as quickly as possible, this can be a recipe for mistakes.

Make sure you get it right. Think:

• Are you familiar with how to lash the particular piece of equipment, the type of lashing to use and where to secure it on the ship?
• Are all the lashing points still in good condition, or have they been damaged during loading operations?
• If you are having to stow it in an unusual place, are you using enough lashings and securing to strong enough points on both the gear and the ship?

Don’t be afraid to check, question or even call a halt if what you’re being asked to do doesn’t seem adequate or correct and you have concerns. A few moments checking could save time, money and even lives.

Proper securing of ship’s equipment needs time and care.