Wagenborg Shipping B.V.

, A-series Shipboard Operation Manual, Part 15 Page 1 of 2

9 GUIDANCE FOR TIMBER CARGOES

1. GENERAL
Carrying timber products on deck, requires compliance with the IMO Code of safe
practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes.

2. PRE LOADING INSTRUCTIONS

‰ A pre loading plan and stability plan must be made based on the information given by
the CHD representative
‰ The outcome of the stability plan must give a guarantee for stability, draught, sheer
forces and bending moments
‰ Holds must be clean and dry

3. INSTRUCTIONS DURING LOADING

3.1 GENERAL
‰ If C/Ps or Fixing notes state “Prop. deck load”, this means approximately 1/3 on deck.
‰ If possible, the deck load instructions are based on loading:
in holds : red wood, thin timber, u/s, length packages
on deck : white wood, thick timber, low quality, truck packages
‰ When circumstances force the ship to load timber booked for the holds on deck, stow
it on the aftermost hatch and surround it by normal deck cargo to protect it. Advise the
CHD representative because the cargo is to be insured against the extra risk.

3.2 LOADING IN HOLDS

‰ After completion of cargo operations in the holds, the hatches are closed
‰ On the basis of the amount of timber loaded in the holds, the chief officers decides
how much timber can be carried on deck

3.3 LOADING ON DECK

‰ Ensure that the hatches are securely closed prior loading on deck
‰ Areas that require keeping clear must be kept free
‰ Ensure that all small stanchions are placed on the side of the hatch covers in order to
prevent shifting of the first layer of timber
‰ Ensure that a tight stow is maintained on every layer of cargo
‰ Breaking or halving of timber packages is not allowed. The only exceptions to this rule
are when it is needed for the safety of the ship or to put it on the tarpaulins on top of
the deck cargo
‰ Contact the CHD representative breaking or halving packages.
‰ The height of the deck cargo is not only limited by the regulations, but also by the
maximum permissible deck load, the stability including the effect of icing and the
lashing possibilities of the vessel.
‰ A deck cargo should always be completely wrapped in tarpaulins and with draining
overlaps.
‰ The tarpaulins should be fastened to prevent fluttering and must be covered with
timber to keep them down.

The deck cargo must be lashed according to the requirements of the IMO Code of safe
practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes.
General practice:
1 or 2 tiers on deck : 2 lashings per package
3 tiers on deck : 3 lashings per package

The chief officer tries to avoid excessive initial stability because the rapid and violent
motions in heavy seas will cause high stresses on the lashings. Of course the master can
increase the number of lashings as he sees fit, for instance with excessive stability.

Issue date 15-10-2012

 Wagenborg Shipping B.V., A-series Shipboard Operation Manual, Part 15 Page 2 of 2
9 GUIDANCE FOR TIMBER CARGOES

4. INSTRUCTIONS DURING SEA PASSAGE

Check lashings twice a day and make entries into the ship’s logbook

5. CARGO DAMAGE OR SHORTAGE

The condition of the cargo is to be checked during loading. Deficiencies are not only
noted on the M/R, but also immediately reported to the foreman, who is to inform the
shipper. When serious deficiencies are observed, stop the loading, immediately inform
the agent and phone the CHD representative.

Deficiencies are for instance:

- Packages of deviating shape (round, slack bands)
- Unmarked packages
- Too small packages
- Truck packets instead of length packets
- Loosely or insufficiently bundled packages
- Inadequate banding
- Wet or snow covered timber
- Dust covered timber
- Broken planks or boards
- Black or discoloured timber (unless mentioned as such on the B/L)

Dead freight should be claimed in consultation with the CHD representative, when less
cargo is delivered than ordered (C/P or fixing note).

Always clearly describe the damage, give the quantity, marks and numbers of packages
damaged, when possible a lot number

6. REFERENCES
IMO Code of safe practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes
Walfis fleetreporting module: Deadfreight letter and form Stevedore Damage Report
Part 15-3 Cargo damage and shortage

Issue date 15-10-2012