Container Vessels

Question 1

What are the documents that are exclusive to container vessels?

Answer 1

• Document of Compliance (in Packaged Form)
• DG manifest
• Packing Certificate
• VGM’s (Verified Gross Mass) Certificate - confirming the weight of the cargo

Question 2

Name the codes & manuals in which container ships follow…

Answer 2

CODES:
- CSS (Code of Stowage & Securing)
- IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)
- CSC (Code of Safe Carriage of Containers)
- Storck Guide

MANUALS:
- CSM (Cargo Securing Manual)

Question 3

List the hazards that are related to container ships…

Answer 3

• Stack Weight
• GM (Cargo + Ballast) (VGM)
• SF/BM
• Torsional Stresses ( Cargo + Ballast)
• Ballasting/Deballasting
• Heeling Tanks
• Visibility from the Navigational Bridge
• Reefer Containers
• IMDG containers (Reefer + IMDG) (SADT)
• High value cargoes
• Out of Gauge (OOG cargo)
• Fumigated Container
• Lashing
• Security on Ship
• Cell guide damage
• Container damage
• Loading High cubes on deck
• Fire Fighting MSN 1669
• Weather routeing

Question 4

How can Stack Weight be a hazard to container ships?

Answer 4

• Too much weight on a stack on the hatch cover / tank top
• Leads to buckling of the structure

Question 5

How can GM be a hazard to container ships and how can you correct it?

Answer 5

• Lead to either a tender or stiff ship
• Stiff = whip-lash roll, acceleration force, loose lashings, cargo shift
• Tender = slow but prolonged roll, can loose lashings
• Manage by cargo or ballast
• Operational GM = 2% of beam

Question 6

How can SF / BM be a hazard to container ships?

Answer 6

• Cause extreme stress on the frames, make ship fatigued leading to damage

Question 7

How can Torsional Stress be a hazard to container ships?

Answer 7

• Caused by unequal load and or discharge of cargo in reference to the ship’s C/L
• Leads extreme stress on the frames, make ship fatigued leading to damage
• Correct with cargo or ballast

Question 8

How can Ballasting / deballasting be a hazard to container ships?

Answer 8

• If ballast D.B tanks too much, water can seep into tank top
• Cause free surface moments, reduction in stability

Question 9

How can visibility from the bridge be a hazard to container ships?

Answer 9

• Can obstruct view for safe navigation
• Either 2 ship lengths or 500m whichever lesser

Question 10

What is a Bill of Lading?

Answer 10

Document that provides the ownership of the cargo, acting like a receipt. It gives details of the cargo (quantity, type), owner and destination of the cargo

Question 11

What is the difference between a “Clean” and “Dirty” Bill of Lading?

Answer 11

CLEAN = the cargo does not have any defects or damage
DIRTY = the cargo does have damage or defects and it is noted on the lading

Question 12

What is a Letter of Protest?

Answer 12

A written piece of evidence of dissatisfaction on one part of the party - e.g. shoreside for not following agreed loading rate

Question 13

Where would you find your record of equipment to be able to carry dangerous goods?

Answer 13

Vessel’s Document of Compliance - Schedule II

Question 14

What list of equipment could you have in your Document of Compliance - Schedule II?

Answer 14

• Fixed fire systems
• Fire detection systems
• Remote activation of fire pumps
• Ventilation
• Bilge pump & alarm arrangements
• Electric wire protection
• Personnel protection (4 protection sets for chemical spills, two additional SCBA’s, dry powder extinguishers totalling 12kg)