Break Bulk Cargo: Stowage, Dunnage and Damage Prevention
For break bulk, weight, dimensions and centre of gravity come from reliable data and are verified according to risk; the evidence package follows cargo and contract and does not require draft surveys at every stage.
Operational Explanation
Break bulk cargo (non-containerised general cargo: steel coils, timber, bagged goods, pallets, machinery) requires piece-by-piece stowage planning, different from the logic applied to standardised container or bulk units. Dunnage (separation and weight-distribution material, typically timber) must be placed under the cargo to provide uniform surfaces and distribute the weight, avoiding exceeding the maximum permissible load on the tank tops.
Stowage and securing shortcomings are among the most frequent causes found in investigations into break bulk damage: the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual must always be followed, with documentation of the dunnage standard used and continuous supervision of the handling carried out by the stevedores.
Regulatory Reference
There is no single IMO code dedicated to general break bulk cargo; the ship-specific approved Cargo Securing Manual and the general principles of the CSS Code apply, supplemented by documented industry practices (P&I Club, IIMS) on stowage, dunnage and damage prevention.
Scope of Application
Every ship carrying non-containerised general cargo (break bulk), including bulk carriers with mixed cargoes, with the crew responsible for verifying stowage and documentation during operations.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Obtain and verify reliable weight, dimensions and centre-of-gravity data for each item as required for safe stowage and securing.
- Require competent engineering assessment where data, shape, supports or risk do not permit ordinary verification.
- Plan stowage, dunnage, supports, access and securing under CSM and ship limits.
- Document tally, apparent condition, mate's receipts/reservations, photographs and condition reports.
- Use draft survey only where an appropriate and agreed quantity-measurement method.
Practical Example
Example: during the loading of steel coils, the crew checks the weight and centre of gravity of each coil before positioning it, applies timber dunnage of adequate thickness to distribute the load on the tank top, and photographically documents the completed stowage before closing the holds.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Stowage planning without a piece-by-piece calculation of weight, dimensions and centre of gravity | Cargo instability and risk of damage during transport | Always plan break bulk stowage piece by piece, not by analogy with standardised cargoes |
| Over-stowage of the cargo, with accumulated weight that the lower layer cannot support | Damage to the cargo in the lower layer during transport | Always verify the load-bearing capacity of the lower layer before adding further layers on top |
| Imprecise cargo tally, especially for bagged goods | Inability to demonstrate the actual condition of the cargo at loading in the event of a cargo claim | Carry out an accurate, documented tally for every type of break bulk cargo, particularly bagged goods |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Do not treat break bulk as an extension of container stowage logic: it requires dedicated piece-by-piece planning.
- Always document the dunnage standard used, do not limit yourself to an unrecorded visual check.
- Always verify the load-bearing capacity of the lower layer before adding further stacked layers of break bulk cargo.
Preparation checklist
- Reliable weight/dimensions/CoG data obtained and checked
- Engineering assessment required where necessary
- Dunnage and deck/tank-top limits checked
- Tally and apparent-condition records aligned
- Draft survey used only where appropriate and agreed
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 645a0342d0c2