7.1 Cargo Handling Gear
7.1 Cargo Handling Gear
Unlike a port warehouse with forklifts and conveyor belts, a ship relies on a specialized system of cargo handling gear to efficiently load, unload, and move cargo within its holds.
The type of cargo handling gear a merchant vessel employs depends heavily on the nature of the cargo it carries. Broadly, we can categorize cargo ships into two main types:
- General Cargo Ships: These vessels handle a wide variety of cargo types, from palletized goods to machinery. Their cargo handling gear is typically versatile, often consisting of deck cranes or derricks. These cranes are mounted on the ship's deck and equipped with winches and booms to lift and maneuver cargo.
- Specialized Cargo Ships: These ships are designed to transport specific cargo types such as containers, bulk liquids (oil, chemicals), or vehicles. Their cargo handling gear is tailored to their specific function. For instance, container ships utilize massive gantry cranes capable of hoisting and stacking containers across the ship's width.
The ship's size, trade route, and port facilities all influence the choice of cargo handling gear.
Statutory Demands and Certification
The safe operation of cargo handling gear is paramount. Merchant vessels are subject to a strict set of international regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These regulations, known as the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Convention Concerning the Prevention of Accidents in Connection with the Loading and Unloading of Ships (ILO Convention No. 125), outline the design, construction, testing, and operation of cargo handling equipment.
Compliance with these regulations is mandatory. Flag states (the country under which a ship is registered) enforce the regulations through inspections and certification processes.
Each ship undergoes regular surveys to ensure its cargo handling gear meets the required standards and is in good working order.
The Register of Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear
Every merchant vessel maintains a crucial document called the Register of Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear. This register serves as a historical record of all lifting equipment onboard, including details such as:
- Type and capacity of each appliance
- Manufacturer information
- Dates of inspections and tests
- Maintenance records
The register plays a vital role in ensuring the continued safe operation of cargo handling gear by providing a clear picture of its condition and service history.