Marine lashing refers to the process of securing cargo (especially containers) firmly on a vessel using various lashing equipment and tools to prevent movement or falling during transportation. This operation is critical for ensuring the safe navigation, stability of the vessel, and the integrity of the cargo.
Precautions for Marine Lashing
Regular Inspection of Ship's Cargo Hold and Lashing-related Equipment
Ships need to regularly inspect the railings, lighting equipment, and refrigerated container plugs/sockets in the cargo hold area to ensure they are in working condition, thereby supporting the normal conduct of lashing operations.
Management of Equipment Certificates and Documents
Ships should carry product certificates and documents for the cargo lashing equipment, including information on the manufacturer, product model, schematic identification, strength test results, non-destructive testing results, and maximum lashing load. This data is crucial for the correct use of marine lashing equipment.
Maintenance and Record of Marine Lashing Equipment
Responsible crew members must regularly inspect, maintain, service, discard, or update lashing devices, and promptly clean or replace damaged equipment to ensure its safety and reliability for the next use.
Inspection of Container Structural Sensitive Parts
Special attention should be paid to cracks and fractures in sensitive parts of containers such as top rails, bottom rails, headers, door sills, corner posts, corner fittings, and locking rods. The integrity of the container's structural components is crucial for the safety of marine lashing, as any structural defect can lead to cargo stowage issues.
Understanding Ship Structure and Load Capacity
Responsible crew members must understand the maximum allowable loads of cargo hold hatch covers, decks, and bottom holds, as well as the load-bearing capacity of components like side frames, bulkhead stiffeners, and deck beams. During container loading and lashing operations, it's important to avoid damage to the ship’s structural strength due to excessive stacking or overloading.
Regular Inspection and Welding Repair
During navigation, regular patrol inspection of marine lashing should be conducted. Focus on checking for cracks at the weld seams between fixed lashing equipment and the ship's structure. If cracks are found, they should be repaired by a qualified welder following approved welding procedures to ensure the continued safe use of the equipment.
Measures to Cope with Adverse Sea Conditions
Ships should establish contingency plans for dealing with adverse sea conditions and emergencies. For example, before bad weather arrives, crew members should reinforce lashing equipment and reduce potential threats to ship safety by adjusting the course, speed, and optimizing voyage plans. Additionally, promptly obtain the latest weather information and reassess the effectiveness of lashing devices when necessary.
