Operational guide · Operational procedure

Ro-Ro Cargo Securing

A ro-ro configuration must be covered by the approved Cargo Securing Manual or a case-specific arrangement prepared by competent personnel and accepted or approved as required; an improvised onboard calculation does not replace the Manual.

Ro-RoCSS Codevehicle securingcargo securing

Operational Explanation

MSC.479(102) contains revised recommendatory guidelines for road vehicles within its scope. Annex 13 provides an assessment method for semi-standardised and non-standardised cargo. Neither authorises the crew to replace the approved CSM with an ad hoc calculation.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS VI/5.6: stowage and securing under the approved CSM. MSC.479(102): revised guidelines for securing arrangements of road vehicles on ro-ro ships. CSS Code Annex 13: assessment method that may be used in the relevant arrangement.

Scope of Application

Vehicles and cargo units on ro-ro ships within the configuration covered by the CSM. If no applicable instruction exists, do not load solely on an improvised calculation: obtain a case-specific arrangement prepared by competent personnel and accepted/approved under the Administration, CSM and Company procedure.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Check the CSM covers cargo type, weight, CoG and position.
Apply the instructions and devices prescribed by the Manual.
If the configuration is not covered, suspend loading and obtain competent engineering/case-specific arrangement.
Use Annex 13 only through the method incorporated in the CSM or accepted/approved arrangement.
Check installation against drawings and monitor during the voyage under CSM/SMS.

Practical Example

An exceptional vehicle with a CoG not covered by the CSM is not secured from a quayside spreadsheet: competent personnel prepare the arrangement, which is accepted or approved as required before loading.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Several incidents involving the loss or shifting of vehicles and semi-trailers on Ro-Ro ships in adverse sea conditions have been attributed, in the resulting investigations, to an insufficient number of securing points relative to the vehicle's weight and centre of gravity, or to lashing devices not correctly tensioned before departure.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid It
Crew calculates an out-of-CSM configuration ad hoc	Arrangement lacks the required approved basis	Stop and obtain competent, accepted/approved arrangement
MSC.479(102), Annex 13 and CSM treated as interchangeable	Guidance, method and binding document are confused	Identify each instrument's role and scope
Installation differs from drawings	Forces and geometry no longer match the calculation	Physically verify the arrangement before departure

What the PSCO Checks

Approved CSM, instructions for all specific stowage situations, conformity of the actual arrangement, devices and familiarisation. A calculation not incorporated or accepted through the applicable process does not by itself fill a CSM gap.

Operational Tips

Always check the vehicle's actual centre of gravity, not just its weight, before applying the standard number of securing points.
Inspect the integrity of the lashing points before every use, not only at their initial installation.
Recheck the securing after the first hours at sea in rough conditions, when the cargo's settling can loosen the devices.

Preparation checklist

Configuration covered by CSM or accepted/approved case-specific arrangement
MSC.479(102) used within scope
Annex 13 applied through authorised method
Devices and lashing points checked
Installation matches drawings/calculations

FAQ

If the CSM does not cover a configuration, may the crew calculate it with Annex 13?

Not autonomously. Use the method incorporated in the CSM or a case-specific arrangement prepared by competent personnel and accepted/approved as required.

Does MSC.479(102) replace the CSM?

No. It is recommendatory guidance for road vehicles within scope; the approved CSM governs the loaded configuration.

What is Annex 13's role?

An assessment method usable in the relevant CSM or engineering package, not authority to improvise.

Ro-Ro Cargo Securing

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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