The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a bulletin on cargo securing of containers.

Improperly stowed and secured cargoes cause severe harm to people, the environment, ships and other cargoes. These safety issues may result in serious incidents, environmental pollution and reputational damage to the shipping industry.

The AMSA bulletin presents case studies of container loss, which identified factors such as inadequate maintenance of securing devices, corrosion of fittings, insufficient cargo planning, and lack of officer training. These incidents underline the importance of compliance with the SOLAS convention and the ship’s approved Cargo Securing Manual throughout the voyage. Practical strategies highlighted include the maintenance and monitoring of securing arrangements, ensuring clear procedures and proper crew training, and preparing for adverse weather and sea conditions through effective weather routing. Implementing these measures is essential to prevent container loss and secure safety.

For further details, please refer to the attached bulletin.