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ANNEX B
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE UNDER-DECK STOWAGE OF LOGS
1. Introduction ^
The purpose of this annex is to recommend safe practices for the
under-deck stowage of logs and other operational safety measures designed to
ensure the safe transport of such cargoes.
2. Prior to loading ^
- each cargo space configuration (length, breadth and depth), the
cubic bale capacity of the respective cargo spaces, the various lengths
of logs to be loaded, the cubic volume (log average), the capacity of
the gear to be used to load the logs should be determined;
- using the above information, a pre-stow plan should be developed
to allow the maximum utilization of the available space; the better the
under-deck stowage, the more cargo can safely be carried on deck;
- the cargo spaces and related equipment should be examined to
determine whether the condition of structural members, framework and
equipment could affect the safe carriage of the log cargo. Any damage
discovered during such an examination should be repaired in an
appropriate manner.
- the bilge suction screens should be examined to ensure they are
clean, effective and properly maintained to prevent the admission of
debris into the bilge piping system.
- the bilge wells should be free of extraneous material such as wood
bark and wood splinters;
- the capacity of the bilge pumping system should be ascertained. A
properly maintained and operating system is crucial for the safety of
the ship. A portable dewatering pump of sufficient capacity and lift
will provide additional insurance against a clogged bilge line;
- side sparring, pipe guards, etc., designed to protect internal
hull members should be in place; and
- the master should ensure that the opening and closing of any high
ballast dump valves are properly logged. Given that such high ballast
tanks are necessary to facilitate loading and bearing in mind regulation
22(1) of the 1966 International Load Line Convention which requires a
screw down valve fitted in gravity overboard drain lines, the master
should ensure that the dump valves are properly monitored to preclude
the accidental readmission of water into these tanks. Leaving these
tanks open to the sea, could lead to an apparently inexplicable list, a
shift of deck cargo, and potential capsize.
3. During loading operations ^
- each lift of logs should be hoisted aboard the ship in close
proximity to the ship to minimize any potential swinging of the lift;
- the possibility of damage to the ship and the safety of those who
work in the cargo spaces should be considered. The logs should not be
swinging when lowered into the space. The hatch coaming should be used,
as necessary, to eliminate any swinging of the logs by gently resting
the load against the inside of the coaming, or on it, prior to loading.
- the logs should be stowed compactly, thereby eliminating as many
voids as is practicable. The amount and the vertical centre of gravity
of the logs stowed under-deck will govern the amount of cargo that can
be safely stowed on deck. In considering this principle, the heaviest
logs should be loaded first into the cargo spaces;
- logs should generally be stowed compactly in a fore and aft
direction, with the longer lengths towards the forward and aft areas of
the space. If there is a void in the space between the fore and aft
lengths, it should be filled with logs stowed athwartships so as to fill
the void across the breadth of the spaces as completely as the length of
the logs permits;
- where the logs in the spaces can only be stowed fore and aft in
one length, any remaining void fore or aft should be filled with logs
stowed athwartships so as to fill in the void across the breadth of the
space as completely as the length of the logs permits;
- athwartship voids should be filled tier by tier as loading
progresses;
- butt ends of the logs should be alternatively reversed to achieve
a more level stowage, except where excess sheer on the inner bottom is
encountered.
- extreme pyramiding of logs should be avoided to the greatest
extent possible. If the breadth of the space is greater than the breadth
of the hatch opening, pyramiding may be avoided by sliding fore and aft
loaded logs into the ends of the port and starboard space. This sliding
of logs into the ends of the port and starboard side of the space should
commence early in the loading process (after reaching a height of
approximately 2 m above the inner bottom) and should continue throughout
the loading process;
- it may be necessary to use loose tackle to manoeuvre heavy logs
into the under-deck areas clear of the hatchways. Blocks, purchases and
other loose tackle should be attached to suitably reinforced fixtures
such as eyebolt, or padeyes provided for this purpose. However, if this
procedure is followed, care should be taken to avoid overloading the
gear;
- a careful watch by ship’s personnel should be maintained
throughout the loading to ensure no structural damage occurs. Any damage
which affects the seaworthiness of the ship should be repaired;
- when the logs are stowed to a height of about 1 m below the
forward or aft athwartship hatch coaming, the size of the lift of logs
should be reduced to facilitate stowing of the remaining area; and
- logs in the hatch coaming area should be stowed as compactly as
possible to maximum capacity.
4. After loading, the ship should be thoroughly examined to ascertain its
structural condition. Bilges should be sounded to verify the ship’s
watertight integrity. ^
5. During the voyage ^
- the ship’s heeling angle and rolling period should be checked,
in a seaway, on a regular basis;
- wedges, wastes, hammers and portable pump, if provided, should be
stored in an easily accessible place; and
- the master or a responsible officer should ensure that it is safe
to enter an enclosed space by:
- .3.1 ensuring that the space has been thoroughly ventilated by
natural or mechanical means;
- .3.2 testing the atmosphere of the space at different levels for
oxygen deficiency and harmful vapour where suitable instruments are
available; and
- .3.3 requiring self-contained breathing apparatus to be worn by
all persons entering the space where there is any doubt as to the
adequacy of ventilation or testing before entry.
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