Height of timber deck cargoes above the ship's weather deck - SSB No.: 01/2019

RDIMS No .: 13474204
Date (Y-M-D) : 2019-01-02

Purpose

This Bulletin is to clarify the Canadian requirements regarding the maximum height of timber deck cargoes above the ship’s weather deck and the measurement of the height.

It has come to Transport Canada’s attention that there have been occasions where the maximum height of the timber deck cargoes permitted on deck was questioned due to different interpretations.

To avoid this situation in the future, all parties should be made aware of the following.

The height of cargo is measured from the base of the timber deck cargoes stow to the highest part of the cargo. For example, in case of a crowned top surface, the height shall be measured to the top of the crown. The average height of the timber deck cargoes shall not be used.

The maximum height of the timber deck cargoes above the ship’s weather deck shall be as specified in the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual (see the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations, s. 105). On a ship within a seasonal winter zone in winter, it shall not exceed one third of the extreme breadth of the ship (see the International Convention On Load Lines, 1966, Regulation 44 - Stowage).

These interpretations are based on the requirements of Part 1, Divisions 1 and 4 of the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations; the Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 1991 and 2011; and the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

Keywords

1. Timber deck cargo
2. Maximum height
3. Cargo Securing Manual

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).