DEPARTMENT OF T RANSPORT MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE NO. M.

1167

CARRIAGE OF CONTAINERS AND FLATS IN SHIPS NOT

DESIGNED OR MODIFIED FOR THE PURPOSE
Notice to Shipowners, Masters and Deck Officers, Stevedores, Shippers
and Packers of Containers and Flats
This Notice supersedes Notice No. M.624
1. Shippers, Shipowners and Masters should be aware of the inherent dangers
when containers and flats are carried in ships not specially constructed or
effectively modified for the carriage of such cargo units, if they are not.
adequately secured against movement. Masters should satisfy themselves in this
regard for all containers and flats, whether stowed on or below deck, before the
ship leaves her berth. They should not accept units for loading which, from
external inspection, they consider to be structurally unsafe, or large units which,
if stowed athwartships, would result in an overhang of the ship’s side.

2. Containers carried on deck should be stowed one high only, preferably fore
and aft, prevented from sliding athwartships and securely lashed against tipping.
At no time should deck-loaded containers overstress the hatch covers or the
hatchway structure. In cases of doubt details of stress limitations should be
obtained from the Classification Society.
3. Securing of containers and flats should be by means of chains, wires or other
equally effective arrangements, in each case provided with means of tensioning.
Deck fittings should be so located that there will always be a good lead for
securing arrangements. It is not sufficient, however to ensure the security of the
unit itself in the ship; particular regard should also be paid to the security of the
cargo stowed on flats. Heavy metal products, vehicles and farm implements are
some of the more difficult cargoes and there are particular problems with bulky
cargoes stowed in polythene bags. It cannot be emphasised enough that it
should never be assumed that cargo which has been loaded on flats at inland
depots, and which may arrive at the port covered by tarpaulins, is adequately
secured for a sea passage.

4. It is particularly important that Masters obtain an accurate Cargo Stowage

Plan showing the distribution of weights and in addition, details of the contents
of any cargo units containing dangerous goods. It is also important that due
regard be paid to prevailing, forecast, and anticipated weather conditions during
the voyage.
5. Further to paragraph 3, the attention of Shippers and Packers of containers
and flats is drawn to the importance of ensuring that containers and flats are
suitably packed for the type of voyage to be undertaken, and if they contain
dangerous goods that they are marked with the appropriate identification label.
Guidance on packing is given in the IMO/ILO Guidelines for Packing of Cargo
in Freight Containers and Vehicles. (MSC Circular 383)*

6. Satisfactory means in the form of guard rails, life lines, walkways or

gangways, etc should be provided for the protection of the crew in getting to and
from their quarters, the machinery space, and all other parts used in the
necessary work of the ship. If fore and aft access cannot be gained on the deck
because of inadequate width to the side of containers, safe and efficient access
should be arranged over the top of the cargo.
7. The Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) (Deck Cargo) Regulations 1968 relate
to the safe stowage of deck cargoes and the provision of safe access for the
crew. Failure to observe the requirements under these Regulations renders a
master liable to proceedings under the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act
1967.

8. General guidance on the carriage of containers on deck is also given in

Chapter 28 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

* Expected to be published in Spring 1985 and will be available from the International Maritime
Organisation, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.

Department of Transport
Marine Directorate
London WC1V 6LP
March 1985

© Crown copyright 1985

Dd 8820586 C14 4/85 Ed(224453)