Packing, Stowage, Containerization, and Seaworthiness
Scope
This domain tests the physical risk factors a cargo surveyor must inspect: packing, stowage, container condition and seaworthiness. The exam links these facts to the ICC exclusions and to carrier liability.
Core rules
- Packing must be adequate for ordinary transit, handling and stowage. The ICC 4.3 exclusion applies to loss caused by insufficiency or unsuitability of packing or preparation.
- Stowage includes lashing, dunnage, segregation, weight distribution, ventilation and protection from heat, moisture and contamination. Shippers' stowage and carriers' stowage must be distinguished.
- Container fitness includes a valid CSC plate, sound structure, weathertight doors, intact seals, clean and dry interior, adequate ventilation and correct temperature setting for reefer cargo.
- Seaworthiness concerns the vessel's hull, machinery, crew, equipment and cargo spaces. The ICC 5.1 exclusion applies only where the insured knew of the unseaworthiness before loading; 5.2 similarly requires knowledge of container unfitness.
- Dangerous goods must be classified, packed, marked and segregated under the IMDG Code and the bill of lading terms.
Worked example
Steel coils are loaded into a container. The shipper uses inadequate timber dunnage; the coils shift, strike the doors and bend. The surveyor records the dunnage, lashing, container condition, seal number and stowage photographs. Because the loss was caused by the shipper's insufficient preparation, ICC 4.3 may exclude the claim. If instead the carrier's stevedores stowed the coils badly after a sound shipper's lashing, the insured may recover and the insurer may pursue subrogation against the carrier.
Traps
Do not call every container defect unseaworthiness; container fitness is a separate exclusion. Do not assume the insurer must prove the insured's knowledge of unseaworthiness without evidence. Record seal and CSC details before opening.