1.3 Forces
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - CSS Code - Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing1 – Resolution A.714(17) - Chapter 1 - General - 1.3 Forces

1.3 Forces

  1.3.1 Forces which have to be absorbed by suitable arrangements for stowage and securing to prevent cargo shifting are generally composed of components acting relative to the axes of the ship:

  • longitudinal;
  • transverse; and
  • vertical.
Remark:

Note For the purpose of stowage and securing cargo, longitudinal and transverse forces are considered predominant.

  1.3.2 Transverse forces alone, or the resultant of transverse, longitudinal and vertical forces, normally increase with the height of the stow and the longitudinal distance of the stow from the ship's centre of motion in a seaway. The most severe forces can be expected in the furthest forward, the furthest aft and the highest stowage position on each side of the ship.

  1.3.3 The transverse forces exerted increase directly with the metacentric height of the ship. An undue metacentric height may be caused by:

  • improper design of the ship;
  • unsuitable cargo distribution; and
  • unsuitable bunker and ballast distribution.

  1.3.4 Cargo should be so distributed that the ship has a metacentric height in excess of the required minimum and, whenever practicable, within an acceptable upper limit to minimize the forces acting on the cargo.

  1.3.5 In addition to the forces referred to above, cargo carried on deck may be subjected to forces arising from the effects of wind and green seas.

  1.3.6 Improper shiphandling (course or speed) may create adverse forces acting on the ship and the cargo.

  1.3.7 The magnitude of the forces may be estimated by using the appropriate calculation methods as contained in the Cargo Securing Manual, if provided.

  1.3.8 Although the operation of anti-roll devices may improve the behaviour of the ship in a seaway, the effect of such devices should not be taken into account when planning the stowage and securing of cargoes.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.