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Timber Deck Cargo & Securing

2nd Mate
Chief Mate

times asked: 39; times asked
questions: 2; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · STRONG STOW • TIGHT LASH • SAFE VOYAGE

STRONG STOW • TIGHT LASH • SAFE VOYAGE TIMBER DECK CARGO MADE SAFE & SIMPLE Master the rules for stable stowage, secure lashing and crew safety. THE RULES BEHIND A SAFE VOYAGE

Slide 2 · SLIDE 1 OF 4

TIMBER DECK CARGO: STABILITY FIRST Timber deck cargo can provide additional buoyancy, but the applicable Load Line and stability requirements must be satisfied. 2008 IS CODE For ships carrying timber deck cargo, the normal intact stability criteria in IS Code 2.2 and 2.3 apply unless the Administration accepts the alternative timber criteria in 3.3.2. NORMAL CRITERIA – IS CODE 2.2 GZ AREA • 0°–30° ≥ 0.055 m·rad • 0°–40° or flooding angle ≥ 0.09 m·rad • 30°–40° or flooding angle ≥ 0.03 m·rad GZ ≥ 0.20 m at 30° or greater MAXIMUM GZ: ≥ 25° GM₀: ≥ 0.15 m TIMBER ALTERNATIVE – IS CODE 3.3.2 GZ AREA: ≥ 0.08 m·rad up to 40° or flooding angle MAXIMUM GZ: ≥ 0.25 m GM: ≥ 0.10 m throughout the voyage BOTTOM TAKEAWAY Timber cargo does not replace stability assessment – it changes the applicable stability provisions when the required conditions are met.

Slide 3 · SLIDE 2 OF 4

TIMBER DECK CARGO: STOW IT RIGHT A solid, compact and stable stow prevents movement that could cause the securing arrangements to slacken or the cargo to shift. LONGITUDINAL EXTENT The timber deck cargo should extend longitudinally between superstructures. If there is no limiting superstructure at the after end, extend at least to the after end of the aftermost hatchway. TRANSVERSE EXTENT The cargo should extend across the full beam, allowing for a rounded gunwale. Maximum allowance for rounded gunwale: 4% OF SHIP'S BREADTH UPRIGHTS (IF REQUIRED) • Use adequately designed uprights. • Uprights should be suitable for the breadth of the ship. • Spacing not more than 3 m. • Secured in strong angles, metal sockets or equally efficient means. SHORT TIMBER PACKAGES For outboard packages less than 3.6 m long: Reduce lashing spacing as necessary or provide other suitable securing arrangements. < 3.6 m BOTTOM TAKEAWAY A compact and well-distributed stow is the first line of defence against cargo movement.

Slide 4 · SLIDE 3 OF 4

TIMBER DECK CARGO: LASHING • KNOW THE NUMBERS The ship's Cargo Securing Manual and approved securing arrangement remain central to the operation. The 2011 Timber Deck Cargo Code provides the design principles. LASHING SPACING PACKAGED SAWN WOOD STOWAGE HEIGHT | MAXIMUM SPACING ≤ 2.5 m | 3 m > 2.5 m | 1.5 m For the foremost and aft-most sections, the applicable spacing should be HALVED. For ROUND WOOD: 1.5 m spacing irrespective of height. For outboard packages < 3.6 m: Reduce spacing as necessary or use other suitable provisions. Turnbuckle Chain length for adjustment Sliphook Lashings must be accessible so that they can be adjusted during the voyage. LASHING STRENGTH MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH 133 kN Lashings and components ≤ 5% elongation at 80% MBL No permanent deformation after proof load ≥ 40% of original breaking strength TIGHTENING DEVICE (MINIMUM LOAD) HORIZONTAL 27 kN VERTICAL 16 kN BOTTOM TAKEAWAY Do not substitute old generic lashing figures. Follow the 2011 Timber Deck Cargo Code and your ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual. | SailR Community | |

Slide 5 · SLIDE 4 OF 4

TIMBER DECK CARGO: SAFETY ALL THE WAY THE JOB DOESN'T END AT DEPARTURE Timber cargo can settle, absorb water and alter the ship's condition. Stability and securing arrangements must be maintained throughout the voyage. STABILITY THROUGHOUT THE VOYAGE Water absorption by timber Ice accretion where applicable Fuel and stores consumption Free surface effects For the timber alternative criteria (IS Code 3.3.2): GM ≥ 0.10 m throughout the voyage, taking account of water absorption and ice accretion. CREW ACCESS & PROTECTION Centreline lifeline Guard rails / lifelines ≤ 330 mm vertical spacing ≥ 1 m above cargo Walking surface ≥ 600 mm wide (where cargo is uneven) Guard rails or lifelines with ≤ 330 mm vertical spacing. Height of railing/lifeline at least 1 m above cargo. Centreline lifeline, preferably wire rope and kept taut. Safe walking surface ≥ 600 mm wide where cargo is uneven. ACCESS MUST REMAIN SAFE Cargo arrangements must not obstruct safe access to: Machinery spaces Sounding pipes Safety equipment Fire-fighting equipment Escape routes Obstructions must not prevent safe access or egress at all times. FINAL TAKEAWAY STABILITY → STOWAGE → SECURING → CREW ACCESS → VOYAGE MONITORING A timber deck cargo is only as safe as its stow, securing system and continuing voyage checks.

In exams

Asked 39 times across 2 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in 2nd Mate (37), Chief Mate (2).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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