6.1.1 Containers
are generally to be stowed in holds in the fore and aft direction,
but alternative arrangements will be considered. The securing arrangements
are to be designed on the basis of the most severe distribution of
loads which may arise in the container stack.
6.1.2 Containers
may be secured by locking devices only or by a combination of locking
devices, buttresses, shores or lashings. Containers are, in general,
to be restrained at every corner at the base of the stack and at all
intermediate levels.
6.1.3 Where
stacks consist of one or two tiers only, consideration will be given
to the omission of corner locking devices. Containers must, however,
be secured by a minimum of two corner locking devices.
6.1.4 Where
the calculations indicate that separation forces could occur at any
particular level, twistlocks or equivalent means of securing are to
be fitted at that level. Elsewhere, consideration will be given to
the use of double stacking cones.
6.1.5 Where
the calculations indicate that separation forces will not occur between
containers at any level, consideration will be given to the use of
stacking cones in lieu of locking devices throughout.
6.1.6 Buttresses
are generally to be of the tension and compression type and are to
be provided with means of adjustment to ensure tightness when fitted
in place. Where applicable, the attachment to the ship’s structure
is also to include means for vertical adjustment of the buttress to
match container stacks of different heights.
6.1.7 Shores of the compression-only type may be permanently attached to the ship
structure or they may be hinged or portable. When in place they are to abut the
container corner castings with minimal clearance. Means are to be provided to prevent
slackening of the device.
6.1.8 Adjacent
stacks of containers are to be linked in line with buttresses or shores
in order to transmit lateral loads. The fittings used for these linkages
are to be of adequate strength to transmit the loads imposed.
6.1.9 The
ship’s structure supporting shores and buttresses is to be reinforced
as necessary.
6.1.10 Proposals
for alternative securing systems, including systems relying on minimal
clearance between containers and hull structure, will be specially
considered.
6.1.11 Attention
is drawn to the safety at work aspects for fittings which require
operation on top of containers, e.g. double stacking cones, bridge
fittings, buttresses and shores. Where these fittings are used, fall
protection is to be provided.