MSC-1 Corc-1353 CSM GuidelinesRev

E
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
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Ref. T1/1.02

MSC.1/Circ.1353
30 June 2010
REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION
OF THE CARGO SECURING MANUAL

1
In accordance with regulations VI/5 and VII/5 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention,
as amended, cargo units and cargo transport units shall be loaded, stowed and secured
throughout the voyage in accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual approved by the
Administration, which shall be drawn up to a standard at least equivalent to the guidelines
developed by the Organization.
2
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-seventh session (12 to 21 May 2010),
considered the proposal by the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and
Containers, at its fourteenth session (21 to 25 September 2009), and approved the Revised
Guidelines for the preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual, as set out in the annex.
3
These Revised Guidelines are based on the provisions contained in the annex
to MSC/Circ.745 but have been expanded to include the safe access for lashing of containers,
taking into account the provisions of the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing
(CSS Code), as amended. They are of a general nature and intended to provide guidance on
the preparation of such Cargo Securing Manuals, which are required on all types of ships
engaged in the carriage of cargoes other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes.
4
Member Governments are invited to bring these Guidelines to the attention of all parties
concerned, with the aim of having Cargo Securing Manuals carried on board ships prepared
appropriately and in a consistent manner, and to:

5

.1

apply the revised guidelines in its entirety for containerships, the keels of
which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or
after 1 January 2015; and

.2

apply chapters 1 to 4 of the revised guidelines to existing containerships, the
keels of which were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction
before 1 January 2015.

This circular supersedes MSC/Circ.745.

***

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MSC.1/Circ.1353
Annex, page 1
ANNEX
REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF
THE CARGO SECURING MANUAL

PREAMBLE
1
In accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
(SOLAS) chapters VI, VII and the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing
(CSS Code), cargo units, including containers shall be stowed and secured throughout the
voyage in accordance with a Cargo Securing Manual, approved by the Administration.
2
The Cargo Securing Manual is required on all types of ships engaged in the carriage of
all cargoes other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes.
3
The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that Cargo Securing Manuals cover all
relevant aspects of cargo stowage and securing and to provide a uniform approach to the
preparation of Cargo Securing Manuals, their layout and content. Administrations may continue
accepting Cargo Securing Manuals drafted in accordance with Containers and cargoes (BC) –
Cargo Securing Manual (MSC/Circ.385) provided that they satisfy the requirements of these
guidelines.
4
If necessary, those manuals should be revised explicitly when the ship is intended to
carry containers in a standardized system.
5
It is important that securing devices meet acceptable functional and strength criteria
applicable to the ship and its cargo. It is also important that the officers on board are aware of
the magnitude and direction of the forces involved and the correct application and limitations of
the cargo securing devices. The crew and other persons employed for the securing of cargoes
should be instructed in the correct application and use of the cargo securing devices on board
the ship.
CHAPTER 1  GENERAL
1.1

Definitions

1.1.1
Cargo securing devices are all fixed and portable devices used to secure and support
cargo units.
1.1.2
Maximum securing load (MSL) is a term used to define the allowable load capacity for a
device used to secure cargo to a ship. Safe working load (SWL) may be substituted for MSL for
securing purposes, provided this is equal to or exceeds the strength defined by MSL.
1.1.3
Standardized cargo means cargo for which the ship is provided with an approved
securing system based upon cargo units of specific types.
1.1.4
Semi-standardized cargo means cargo for which the ship is provided with a securing
system capable of accommodating a limited variety of cargo units, such as vehicles, trailers, etc.
1.1.5
Non-standardized cargo means cargo which requires individual stowage and securing
arrangements.

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Annex, page 2
1.2

Preparation of the manual

The Cargo Securing Manual should be developed, taking into account the recommendations
given in these Guidelines, and should be written in the working language or languages of the
ship. If the language or languages used is not English, French or Spanish, a translation into one
of these languages should be included.
1.3

General information

This chapter should contain the following general statements:
.1

"The guidance given herein should by no means rule out the principles of good
seamanship, neither can it replace experience in stowage and securing
practice."

.2

"The information and requirements set forth in this Manual are consistent with
the requirements of the vessel's trim and stability booklet, International Load
Line Certificate (1966), the hull strength loading manual (if provided) and with
the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
(if applicable)."

.3

"This Cargo Securing Manual specifies arrangements and cargo securing
devices provided on board the ship for the correct application to and the
securing of cargo units, containers, vehicles and other entities, based on
transverse, longitudinal and vertical forces which may arise during adverse
weather and sea conditions."

.4

"It is imperative to the safety of the ship and the protection of the cargo and
personnel that the securing of the cargo is carried out properly and that only
appropriate securing points or fittings should be used for cargo securing."

.5

"The cargo securing devices mentioned in this manual should be applied so as
to be suitable and adapted to the quantity, type of packaging, and physical
properties of the cargo to be carried. When new or alternative types of cargo
securing devices are introduced, the Cargo Securing Manual should be
revised accordingly. Alternative cargo securing devices introduced should not
have less strength than the devices being replaced."

.6

"There should be a sufficient quantity of reserve cargo securing devices on
board the ship."

.7

"Information on the strength and instructions for the use and maintenance of
each specific type of cargo securing device, where applicable, is provided in
this manual. The cargo securing devices should be maintained in a
satisfactory condition. Items worn or damaged to such an extent that their
quality is impaired should be replaced."

.8

The Cargo Safe Access Plan (CSAP) is intended to provide detailed
information for persons engaged in work connected with cargo stowage and
securing. Safe access should be provided and maintained in accordance with
this plan.

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Annex, page 3
CHAPTER 2  SECURING DEVICES AND ARRANGEMENTS
2.1

Specification for fixed cargo securing devices

This sub-chapter should indicate and where necessary illustrate the number, locations, type and
MSL of the fixed devices used to secure cargo and should as a minimum contain the following
information:
2.1.1

a list and/or plan of the fixed cargo securing devices, which should be supplemented
with appropriate documentation for each type of device as far as practicable. The
appropriate documentation should include information as applicable regarding:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7

name of manufacturer;
type designation of item with simple sketch for ease of identification;
material(s);
identification marking;
strength test result or ultimate tensile strength test result;
result of non destructive testing; and
Maximum Securing Load (MSL);

2.1.2

fixed securing devices on bulkheads, web frames, stanchions, etc. and their types
(e.g., pad eyes, eyebolts, etc.), where provided, including their MSL;

2.1.3

fixed securing devices on decks and their types (e.g., elephant feet fittings, container
fittings, apertures, etc.) where provided, including their MSL;

2.1.4

fixed securing devices on deckheads, where provided, listing their types and MSL; and

2.1.5

for existing ships with non-standardized fixed securing devices, the information on MSL
and location of securing points is deemed sufficient.

2.2

Specification for portable cargo securing devices

This sub-chapter should describe the number of and the functional and design characteristics of
the portable cargo securing devices carried on board the ship, and should be supplemented by
suitable drawings or sketches if deemed necessary. It should contain the following information
as applicable:
2.2.1

a list for the portable securing devices, which should be supplemented with appropriate
documentation for each type of device, as far as practicable. The appropriate
documentation should include information as applicable regarding:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7

name of manufacturer;
type designation of item with simple sketch for ease of identification;
material(s), including minimum safe operational temperature;
identification marking;
strength test result or ultimate tensile strength test result;
result of non destructive testing; and
Maximum Securing Load (MSL);

2.2.2

container stacking fittings, container deck securing fittings, fittings for interlocking of
containers, bridge-fittings, etc., their MSL and use;

2.2.3

chains, wire lashings, rods, etc., their MSL and use;

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2.2.4

tensioners (e.g., turnbuckles, chain tensioners, etc.), their MSL and use;

2.2.5

securing gear for cars, if appropriate, and other vehicles, their MSL and use;

2.2.6

trestles and jacks, etc., for vehicles (trailers) where provided, including their MSL and
use; and

2.2.7

anti-skid material (e.g., soft boards) for use with cargo units having low frictional
characteristics.

2.3

Inspection and maintenance schemes

This sub-chapter should describe inspection and maintenance schemes of the cargo securing
devices on board the ship.
2.3.1
Regular inspections and maintenance should be carried out under the responsibility of
the master. Cargo securing devices inspections as a minimum should include:
.1

routine visual examinations of components being utilized; and

.2

periodic examinations/re-testing as required by the Administration. When
required, the cargo securing devices concerned should be subjected to
inspections by the Administration.

2.3.2
This sub-chapter should document actions to inspect and maintain the ship's cargo
securing devices. Entries should be made in a record book, which should be kept with the
Cargo Securing Manual. This record book should contain the following information:
.1

procedures for accepting, maintaining and repairing or rejecting cargo
securing devices; and

.2

record of inspections.

2.3.3
This sub-chapter should contain information for the master regarding inspections and
adjustment of securing arrangements during the voyage.
2.3.4

Computerized maintenance procedures may be referred to in this sub-chapter.

CHAPTER 3  STOWAGE AND SECURING
SEMI-STANDARDIZED CARGO
3.1

OF

NON-STANDARDIZED

AND

Handling and safety instructions

This sub-chapter should contain:
.1

instructions on the proper handling of the securing devices; and

.2

safety instructions related to handling of securing devices and to securing and
unsecuring of units by ship or shore personnel.

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Annex, page 5
3.2

Evaluation of forces acting on cargo units

This sub-chapter should contain the following information:

3.3

.1

tables or diagrams giving a broad outline of the accelerations which can be
expected in various positions on board the ship in adverse sea conditions and
with a range of applicable metacentric height (GM) values;

.2

examples of the forces acting on typical cargo units when subjected to the
accelerations referred to in paragraph 3.2.1 and angles of roll and metacentric
height (GM) values above which the forces acting on the cargo units exceed
the permissible limit for the specified securing arrangements as far as
practicable;

.3

examples of how to calculate number and strength of portable securing
devices required to counteract the forces referred to in 3.2.2 as well as safety
factors to be used for different types of portable cargo securing devices.
Calculations may be carried out according to Annex 13 to the CSS Code or
methods accepted by the Administration;

.4

it is recommended that the designer of a Cargo Securing Manual converts the
calculation method used into a form suiting the particular ship, its securing
devices and the cargo carried. This form may consist of applicable diagrams,
tables or calculated examples; and

.5

other operational arrangements such as electronic data processing (EDP) or
use of a loading computer may be accepted as alternatives to the
requirements of the above paragraphs 3.2.1 to 3.2.4, providing that this
system contains the same information.

Application of portable securing devices on various cargo units, vehicles and
stowage blocks

3.3.1
This sub-chapter should draw the master's attention to the correct application of
portable securing devices, taking into account the following factors:
.1

duration of the voyage;

.2

geographical area of the voyage with particular regard to the minimum safe
operational temperature of the portable securing devices;

.3

sea conditions which may be expected;

.4

dimensions, design and characteristics of the ship;

.5

expected static and dynamic forces during the voyage;

.6

type and packaging of cargo units including vehicles;

.7

intended stowage pattern of the cargo units including vehicles; and

.8

mass and dimensions of the cargo units and vehicles.

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Annex, page 6
3.3.2
This sub-chapter should describe the application of portable cargo securing devices as
to number of lashings and allowable lashing angles. Where necessary, the text should be
supplemented by suitable drawings or sketches to facilitate the correct understanding and
proper application of the securing devices to various types of cargo and cargo units. It should be
pointed out that for certain cargo units and other entities with low friction resistance, it is
advisable to place soft boards or other anti-skid material under the cargo to increase friction
between the deck and the cargo.
3.3.3
This sub-chapter should contain guidance as to the recommended location and method
of stowing and securing of containers, trailers and other cargo carrying vehicles, palletized
cargoes, unit loads and single cargo items (e.g., woodpulp, paper rolls, etc.), heavy weight
cargoes, cars and other vehicles.
3.4

Supplementary requirements for ro-ro ships

3.4.1
The manual should contain sketches showing the layout of the fixed securing devices
with identification of strength (MSL) as well as longitudinal and transverse distances between
securing points. In preparing this sub-chapter further guidance should be utilized from
IMO Assembly resolutions A.533(13) and A.581(14), as appropriate.
3.4.2
In designing securing arrangements for cargo units, including vehicles and containers,
on ro-ro passenger ships and specifying minimum strength requirements for securing devices
used, forces due to the motion of the ship, angle of heel after damage or flooding and other
considerations relevant to the effectiveness of the cargo securing arrangement should be taken
into account.
3.5

Bulk carriers

If bulk carriers carry cargo units falling within the scope of chapter VI/5 or chapter VII/5 of the
SOLAS Convention, this cargo shall be stowed and secured in accordance with a Cargo
Securing Manual, approved by the Administration.
CHAPTER 4  STOWAGE AND SECURING
STANDARDIZED CARGO
4.1

OF

CONTAINERS

AND

OTHER

Handling and safety instructions

This sub-chapter should contain:

4.2

.1

instructions on the proper handling of the securing devices; and

.2

safety instructions related to handling of securing devices and to securing and
unsecuring of containers or other standardized cargo by ship or shore
personnel.

Stowage and securing instructions

This sub-chapter is applicable to any stowage and securing system (i.e. stowage within or
without cellguides) for containers and other standardized cargo. On existing ships the relevant
documents regarding safe stowage and securing may be integrated into the material used for the
preparation of this chapter.

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4.2.1

Stowage and securing plan

This sub-chapter should consist of a comprehensive and understandable plan or set of plans
providing the necessary overview on:

4.2.2

.1

longitudinal and athwartship views of under deck and on deck stowage
locations of containers as appropriate;

.2

alternative stowage patterns for containers of different dimensions;

.3

maximum stack masses;

.4

permissible vertical sequences of masses in stacks;

.5

maximum stack heights with respect to approved sight lines; and

.6

application of securing devices using suitable symbols with due regard to
stowage position, stack mass, sequence of masses in stack and stack height.
The symbols used should be consistent throughout the Cargo Securing
Manual.

Stowage and securing principle on deck and under deck

This sub-chapter should support the interpretation of the stowage and securing plan with regard
to container stowage, highlighting:
.1

the use of the specified devices; and

.2

any guiding or limiting parameters as dimension of containers, maximum stack
masses, sequence of masses in stacks, stacks affected by wind load, height
of stacks.

It should contain specific warnings of possible consequences from misuse of securing devices or
misinterpretation of instructions given.
4.3

Other allowable stowage patterns

4.3.1
This sub-chapter should provide the necessary information for the master to deal with
cargo stowage situations deviating from the general instructions addressed under
sub-chapter 4.2, including appropriate warnings of possible consequences from misuse of
securing devices or misinterpretation of instructions given.
4.3.2

Information should be provided with regard to, inter alia:
.1

alternative vertical sequences of masses in stacks;

.2

stacks affected by wind load in the absence of outer stacks;

.3

alternative stowage of containers with various dimensions; and

.4

permissible reduction of securing effort with regard to lower stacks masses,
lesser stack heights or other reasons.

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4.4

Forces acting on cargo units

4.4.1
This sub-chapter should present the distribution of accelerations on which the stowage
and securing system is based, and specify the underlying condition of stability. Information on
forces induced by wind and sea on deck cargo should be provided.
4.4.2
It should further contain information on the nominal increase of forces or accelerations
with an increase of initial stability. Recommendations should be given for reducing the risk of
cargo losses from deck stowage by restrictions to stack masses or stack heights, where high
initial stability cannot be avoided.
CHAPTER 5 – CARGO SAFE ACCESS PLAN (CSAP)
5.1
Ships which are specifically designed and fitted for the purpose of carrying containers
should be provided with a Cargo Safe Access Plan (CSAP) in order to demonstrate that
personnel will have safe access for container securing operations. This plan should detail
arrangements necessary for the conducting of cargo stowage and securing in a safe manner.
It should include the following for all areas to be worked by personnel:

5.2

.1

hand rails;

.2

platforms;

.3

walkways;

.4

ladders;

.5

access covers;

.6

location of equipment storage facilities;

.7

lighting fixtures;

.8

container alignment on hatch covers/pedestals;

.9

fittings for specialized containers, such as reefer plugs/receptacles;

.10

first aid stations and emergency access/egress;

.11

gangways; and

.12

any other arrangements necessary for the provision of safe access.

Guidelines for specific requirements are contained in annex 14 to the CSS Code.

___________

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