Marine Advisory: 13/2016 - CIC on Cargo Securing Arrangements – Quantity of Securing Devices

SUBJECT: CIC on Cargo Securing Arrangements – Quantity of Securing Devices Ref: Liberia Marine Advisory: 09/2016

Dear Owner/Operator/Master/Recognized Organization:

It has come to the attention of this Administration that container ships are being issued deficiencies and may be detained by Port State control in China and possibly other States for failure to maintain a sufficient quantity of cargo securing devices onboard in reference to question no.7 of the CIC Questionnaire attached to Liberia Marine Advisory: 09/2016.

Problem

The PSC MOUs appear to be basing their deficiencies on the information found in the CSM. There are some CSM’s that include a complete list of cargo securing devices required for the ships 100% container capacity, i.e. a 4,000 TEU ship must have equipment necessary for loading 4,000 twenty foot containers. The CSM does not mention the quantity of cargo securing devices that should actually be on board during a ships normal operation and carrying less than 100% capacity. This information should be available in the CSM or the ships SMS (Safety Management System) procedures.

Recommendation

It is recommended that owners review their ships CSM to ensure it takes into account the quantity of cargo securing devices they have determined necessary. At a minimum, it is recommend that, the CSM or SMS state that a sufficient quantity of cargo securing devices must be available, prior to departing the loading port, to properly secure the type and quantity of containers loaded on board. This quantity should include a sufficient quantity of reserve cargo securing devices to deal with unexpected circumstances, such as equipment loss or damages during a voyage.

Copies of the relevant pages of the ship's CSM or SMS should be readily available for the Master to show PSCOs, if necessary during the CIC.

Point of Contact

For further information regarding the issuance of this Advisory, please contact the Safety Department at +1 (703) 790 3434 or safety@liscr.com.

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