Cargo Handling and Stowage
Scope
Cargo Handling and Stowage tests safe stowage, securing, stability, draft survey, IMDG segregation and cargo care. The rating must understand how weight distribution affects stress and stability and how to secure a load for sea passage.
Core rules
- Stowage factor (SF) is volume per unit weight; cargo mass = volume ÷ SF.
- Heavy cargo goes low and central; high cargo raises KG and reduces stability.
- Lashings must be tight, angled to resist rolling and pitching, and protected against sharp edges.
- IMDG classes must be segregated; incompatible dangerous goods need the required separation.
- Draft survey uses displacement before and after; correct for density and trim.
Worked example
A hold has 2,000 m³ of usable space. The cargo stowage factor is 1.5 m³/t. Cargo mass = 2,000 ÷ 1.5 = 1,333.3 t. If the question gives a broken stowage allowance of 10%, usable volume becomes 1,800 m³, so mass = 1,200 t. State the allowance before dividing.
Traps
Multiplying by SF instead of dividing, ignoring broken stowage, and assuming a container lashing is adequate without checking the securing manual are frequent errors. Never stow IMDG cargo by guesswork or accept shore figures without checking.