Marine Operations Note: 02/2010 - Australian Focused Inspection Campaign on Cargo Container Securing Equipment

29 January 2010

Marine Operations Note: 02/2010

Subject: Australian Focused Inspection Campaign on Cargo Container Securing Equipment

Ref: (a) AMSA Marine Notice 2/2010

1. SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 5
2. AMSA Marine Orders 32 and 42

To: Shipowners/Operators and Masters

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced its intention to begin a

Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Cargo Container Securing Equipment to ensure that Masters fulfill their obligations under SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 5, as it relates to safe stowage and securing of cargo. This campaign will be conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2010.

AMSA surveyors will normally conduct the FIC inspection in conjunction with Port State Control inspections. They may also conduct a random inspection of only the cargo securing equipment. The FIC will primarily concentrate on fixed and portable container securing equipment. The equipment inspected will include such things as twist locks, lashing bars and wires, along with the lashing anchor and securing points. Examples of the areas subject to inspection are included below. Where appropriate references to AMSA Marine Orders are included and may be found by going to:

http://www.amsa.gov.au/shipping_safety/marine_orders/index.asp.

In order to prepare for possible inspection of container securing equipment, we recommend owners and operators advise their Masters to verify the following items prior to arrival:

• An approved Cargo Securing Manual is on board.
• Cargo is secured in accordance with the Manual.
• Lashings and fittings on board are in accordance with the Manual,
• Are the lashings/fittings in good condition,
• Does the Master should have written notification of the designated person in charge of the loading or unloading operations.
• Is the person in charge of the loading or unloading operation aware of their powers

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and responsibilities as described in AMSA Marine Order part 32.9 and part 42 (the Australian Marine Orders may be found in http://www.amsa.gov.au/shipping_safety/marine_orders/index.asp.

• If cargo is secured to hatch covers, are these securing arrangements adequate.
• An acceptable level of safety is afforded to persons undertaking any lashing and securing operations.
• If the stowage arrangements require the lashing of containers at the ship’s side, there should be suitable platforms in accordance with AMSA Marine Order 32 Appendix 16.1.3, which states: “Where the stow of containers extends to the side of the ship, and the Cargo Securing Manual requires that the containers at the side of the ship be secured by lashing devices such as lashing bars, lashing wires and rigging screws, a platform with dimensions, clear of all lashing points and attachments, not less than 550 mm by 550 mm, must be provided extending to the side of the ship at a height convenient for the persons required to secure or release the lashing devices.”
• The Master should confirm compliance with bridge visibility requirements prior to departure.

Masters and operators of vessels entering any port, who are aware of potential problems with their vessels, or any equipment or machinery on board, are advised to notify this Administration immediately, so that we can take steps to avoid potential delays in port. Please email safety@liscr.com or technical@liscr.com to report problems and request dispensations.

In addition, Masters and operators of vessels entering Australian ports are reminded that we recommend providing this Administration with a 96 hour advance notice of arrival, prior to entering Australian ports. We also recommend that Masters complete the attached prearrival checklist, or equivalent company checklist, prior to arrival. Please send advance notice of arrival to noa@liscr.com.

Please contact Timothy M. Keegan at +1 703 251 2409 or Sean Brett +1 703 251 2434 or email: safety@liscr.com, if there any questions regarding the above.

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