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DECK CARGO SAFETY CODE

1. Application ^

1.1 This code applies to the loading and carriage of any cargo loaded on any exposed deck, other than timber dock cargo, on every ship that is at any place in Canada.

2. Stability ^

2.1 The Master should ensure that cargo shall not be loaded on the deck of a ship, unless that ship has an initial margin of stability sufficient to permit the maintenance of a safe margin of positive stability throughout the loading operation and voyage.

2.2 The Master should ensure that no cargo shall be loaded into, or discharged from, the lower decks while deck cargo is on board except when the Master has satisfied himself that the ship will retain safe positive stability throughout the cargo handling operation.

2.3 If at any time during cargo operations an abnormal list develops such list shall be corrected forthwith.

2.4 If a ship develops an angle of loll the Master shall cease all cargo operations forthwith until corrective measures have been determined and carried out (including, if necessary, the discharge of deck cargo, the loading of lower compartments or the filling of double bottom tanks) as may be required to return the ship to a normal safe condition of positive stability without loll.

2.5 The Master should determine the ship’s stability for the worst voyage condition taking into account the free surface effect of liquids carried on board the vessel.

2.6 Ships under 100 metres, (328 feet), in length should be provided with the stability information and direction as recommended by Resolution A.167 (ES-IV) of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) at Annex I. to enable the Master to calculate the minimum and maximum metacentric heights and a substantial range and area associated with the righting lever curve.

2.7 In all ships the Master should be guided by the ship’s stability documents in regard to the calculation of minimum and maximum metacentric heights and of substantial range and area associated with the righting lever curve.

3. Securing of Deck Cargo ^

3.1 The Master should ensure that cargo stowed on any exposed deck of a ship shall be stowed or secured so as to prevent its movement. When securing is necessary it should be carried out prior to the ship being exposed to any conditions likely to produce movement or shift of the deck cargo.

3.2 Vessels which are not normally fitted with securing arrangements, generally found in special purpose container vessels, should give particular attention to the stowage and securing of containers when carried on deck. Masters should be guided by the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization in Annex II.

4. Vessels fitted with side, bow or stern loading doors ^

4.1 The Master should ensure that cargo shall not be loaded on, or discharged from, any exposed deck of a ship fitted with side, bow or stern loading doors unless such doors are secured ready for sea, except as provided in Section 4.2.

4.2 Cargo may be loaded on, or discharged from, an exposed deck of a ship with side, bow or stern loading doors open when special safety precautions are observed. Such precautions should include routine procedures carried out by trained personnel, ensuring an upright condition, safe trim and a minimum freeboard below the door sill consistent with the designed safety criteria of that vessel. Due consideration shall be made of the prevailing sea, weather or other special conditions.

5. Safe Access ^

5.1 The Master should ensure that the deck cargo is stowed and secured in such a manner as to provide clear all round visibility from the navigation bridge and to give safe and satisfactory gangway access to all accommodation, working and machinery spaces, life-saving and firefighting equipment and other equipment and areas to which access is necessary for the safe working of the ship at sea and in port. He has the responsibility under the Safe Working Practices Regulations to provide guard rails, lines or other protection, around open hatchways and open spaces in the deck stow.

6. Stress on Deck ^

6.1 The stow of the deck cargo should be so arranged that the stress exerted by the cargo does not exceed the designed maximum permissible stress on the deck areas or hatches upon which it is stowed.

7. Inspection ^

7.1 In accordance with the provisions of the Canada Shipping Act a Port Warden shall, upon request of the Master or Agent, board a ship which is about to load, or has on board, a deck cargo, to survey the ship’s stability condition and the arrangements made for securing the deck cargo add providing safe gangway access and guard rails.

7.2 On the request of a port warden conducting a survey in accordance with Section 7. 1, he shall be supplied with a calculation or other satisfactory declaration of proof of the ship’s stability, signed by the Master.

8. Records of Office ^

8. 1 The details of any survey or inspection of a vessel made in accordance with this code shall be entered in the records of office of the Port Warden of which copies under seal shall be available to interested parties, as provided for in the Canada Shipping Act.

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