Cargo planning definitions
• (a) Gross tonnage is the internal cubic capacity of the
vessel expressed in gross tons. It is also called gross
registered tonnage. One hundred cubic feet equals one
gross ton.
• (b) Net tonnage is the tonnage remaining after deducting
from the gross tonnage all nonrevenue-producing space
taken by the boilers, engines, shaft alleys, steering
apparatus, chain lockers, charthouse, crew quarters, and
so forth.
Cargo planning definitions
• d. Bale Cubic Capacity. Bale cubic capacity is the space
available for loading cargo measured in cubic feet
extending to the inside of the cargo battens on the frames
and to the underside of the beams. This measurement is
used to compute the space available for general cargo.
• e. Grain Cubic Capacity. Grain cubic capacity is the
maximum space available for cargo. It is measured in
cubic feet from the inside of the shell plating to the
underside of the deck plating. This measurement is used
for computing cubic space available for loading bulk
commodities
Cargo planning definitions
• STOWAGE PLANNING FACTORS. The amount of cargo that can be
placed in a vessel will vary according to the skill and compactness with
which it is stowed. The following factors help to determine the space
available in the vessel for cargo, the amount of cargo that can be stowed,
and the most economical use of space
• . Broken Stowage. Broken stowage is lost cargo space in the holds of a
vessel due to the contour of the hull and/or the shape of the cargo and
prestowage methods. Dunnage, ladders, and stanchions are examples of
broken stowage. Broken stowage is shown as a percentage figure which
is an estimation of the space that will be lost. The percentage factor will
be applied to the cargo or the ship's space
Cargo planning definitions
• . Stowage Factors. The stowage factor is the relation of
cube (cargo or space) to weight (cargo).
• (3) CSF is a number that expresses the relationship between
the LTONs of cargo allocated to a compartment and the
cubic space within that compartment, less an allowance for
broken stowage. The CSF is obtained by subtracting
broken stowage from the cubic capacity of the
compartment, and then dividing the LTONs allocated to the
compartment into the remaining space..
Cargo planning definitions
• Although the VSF is used to determine basic tonnages
going to each compartment, the CSF helps determine the
commodities that can be used to fill those tonnage
allocations. For example, compartments with a low CSF
(high broken stowage) will tend to be filled with high
density items
Cargo planning definitions
• . Free Space. Free space is the space in the hold that is
available for additional cargo after loading has been
completed
• Full and Down. A vessel is said to be full and down when
all the available cubic capacity has been used (full) and
sufficient weight is aboard to submerge the vessel to its
legal loadline (down). All the weightlifting and cubic
capacities of the vessel will then have been used.
Arrival
• Draft readings must be taken immediately upon arrival in
port. Personnel will insert sailing and arrival drafts in the
log. Draft readings must also be taken before and after
receiving fuel, after the loading or discharging of cargo,
or after any other great change in weight
During cargo operation
• A ship's officer must take the vessel's draft at 0700 and 1700 when
the ship is alongside the wharf. This reading indicates the effect of
cargo being taken aboard on the ship's trim and shows the amount of
fuel and water consumed.
• Sagging
• Hogging
• List
• Trim
• SF/BM
cargo planning
• . STABILlTY. Stability is a critical factor on vessels.
For proper stability, personnel should load a vessel to
produce easy rolling, neither too fast nor too slow.
Personnel must ensure that the vessel does not carry
excessive deckloads that could make it top-heavy
cargo planning
• . STOWAGE AND CAPACITY BOOKLET. Stowage and capacity
booklets contain information on the following:
• Hatch size.
• Headroom under deck.
• Weight limitations per square foot.
• Cargo boom capacity.
• Obstructions (ladders, escape hatches, bulkheads, and overhead beams).
• .
cargo planning
• Vessel capacities (bale cubic, grain cubic, fuel, water, and
stores).
• Vessel dead weight scale.
• Trim table.
• Loadlines.
• Deck plans.
cargo planning
• Loadline. The loadline and Plimsoll marks are placed
amidships on both sides of the hull of a vessel to denote
the maximum mean draft to which a vessel may be
lawfully submerged for a particular voyage, depending on
the area to be traveled and the season of the year.
cargo planning
cargo planning
• . VESSEL DEAD WEIGHT SCALE. The cargo planner
should know the dead weight tonnage of the vessel before
planning the loading. Dead weight tonnage is determined
by using the vessel dead weight scale. A particular
vessel's dead weight scale gives the dead weight and
displacement tonnages and the effects these tonnages
have on the mean draft
cargo planning
• . WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. Cargo planners prorate the
weight of the cargo to be loaded throughout the cargo
compartments. Tonnage will be distributed so that no
undue strain is placed on any one part of the vessel
• Vessel Stowage Factor. An efficient method used to
determine distribution is the VSF. The VSF, an important
measurement in cargo stowage, is usually stated as the
number of cubic feet that one LTON (2,240 pounds) of
particular lot of cargo will occupy when properly stowed
and dunnaged in the ship's hold
cargo planning
• Cargo with a stowage factor of more than 40 is
called measurement freight; cargo with a stowage
factor of or below 40 is called dead weight freight.
Cargo planning calculation
• To find the VSF, the bale cubic capacity noted in the stowage plan
is divided by the CDWT. For example, assume that all cargo will
be stowed below deck in a vessel having a bale cubic capacity of
456,525 cubic feet and a cargo carrying capacity of 8,425 LTONs.
This results in a vessel stowage factor of 54.2. If only 7,430
LTONs are allocated, the bale cubic capacity of the vessel (456,525
cubic feet) divided by the weight of the cargo available for loading
(7,430 LTONs) results in a VSF of 61.4. The cubic capacity of
each compartment is then divided by the VSF to determine the
number of tons to be planned for each compartment.
Cargo planning calculation
• . Compartment Stowage Factor. To find the
compartment stowage factor, the bale cube taken from the
stowage plan is noted and 10 percent of this figure is
deducted as broken stowage. This results in a remaining
space figure. The remaining space figure is divided by
proposed tonnage. This result is rounded off to the
nearest whole number and is the CSF.
Cargo planning calculation
• . TRIM TABLE. The trim of a vessel is the difference of
the forward and aft draft. Trim is largely dependent upon
the stowage of cargo. Most shipmasters prefer the stern
to be from 2 to 6 feet deeper in the water than the bow.
Cargo stowage
Cargo planning stage-1
• OVERALL CARGO LOAD PLANNING. Once the cargo
planner is notified that a vessel is to be loaded, he begins
to formulate a plan for loading the vessel. A prestowage
plan is never firm, and it is frequently necessary to change
it. However, having a prestowage plan helps expedite
cargo loading and helps ensure maximum use of the
vessel's dead weight carrying capacity. Planning for the
vessel loading is listed below
Cargo planning stage-1
• Obtaining Vessel Characteristics. Apply the procedures below to obtain
vessel characteristics.
• (1) When preparing the cargo loading plan the cargo planner first obtains the
following information pertinent to the particular cargo vessel to be loaded:
• (a) Type of vessel.
• (b) Number of hatches.
• (c) Capacity and location of cargo booms.
• (d) Bale cubic capacity.
• (e) Dead weight tonnage.
Cargo planning stage-1
• (f) Weight of fuel, water, stores, dunnage, and so forth.
• (g) Cargo dead weight tonnage (vessel dead weight less
fuel, stores, and so forth).
• (h) Estimated deck cargo space.
• (i) Seasonal load draft.
Cargo planning stage-1
• (2) The foregoing information can be obtained from three
sources:
• (a) Stowage and Capacity Booklets.
• (b) The local representative.
• (c) The vessel itself.
cargo planning stage-2
• Determining VSF. The VSF is determined by dividing the
bale cubic capacity of the vessel by the weight of the
cargo to be loaded below deck.
cargo planning stage-2
• . Making Initial Cargo Allocation. Cargo in LTONs is
initially allocated to compartments below deck by dividing
the cubic capacity of each compartment by the VSF.
cargo planning stage-2
• Determining the Vessel's Trim. To ensure that the
distribution of weight planners use a trim table to
estimate the loaded trim. The method used here for
estimating trim assumes that all fuel, water, and stores
necessary for this voyage are on board when the vessel
[Link] additional fuel, water, and stores are required
before sailing, their weight and location should be
included when estimating the loaded trim.
Cargo stowage
• Preparing a Prestowage Plan. Cargo handlers must
prepare a plan showing where the cargo will be [Link]
prestowage plan (also called the loading plan) is tentative and
will be changed several times before or during actual loading.
The prestowage plan must be prepared before any cargo is
loaded. It should show cargo distributed throughout the cargo
compartments in a manner which prevents undue strain on
any portion of the vessel. Cargo handlers should stow cargo
so that the vessel will be stable and correctly trimmed.
Cargo stowage
• Analysis of cargo. Of the commodities , the types
requiring special attention are listed below.
• (a) Heavy lifts.
• (b) Weight cargo or bottom cargo. This cargo is suitable
for bottom stowage in the lower holds or between decks.
As a rule, the stowage factor of weight cargo is lower than
the VSF. The items and respective dimensions listed
below are examples of weight cargo.
Cargo stowage
• Filler cargo. Filler cargo is normally used to prevent or help reduce
broken stowage during transport. It consists of small durable packages
or pieces of cargo that may be stowed in the spaces between larger
pieces. Filler is also the term applied to small cargo used to reduce the
space above larger packages where headroom is restricted or where
space is irregular and limited. Small packages used to fill the space
between larger pieces must not be subjected to undue pressure,
dragging, or possible damage. Dunnage and blocking material should
be used to prevent this type of damage. Examples of filler cargo could
include rubber tires, roofing paper, baled clothing, and items of this
nature.
Cargo stowage
Cargo stowage
Draft
Arrival
9 ft forward, 18 ft 8 in aft, 13 ft 10
in mean
Immersion
15 ft 5 in forward, 9 ft 8
in aft
Sailing
24 ft 5 in forward, 28 ft 4 in aft, 26 ft 5
in mean
Cargo stowage
• Specific allocation of cargo. Using the data found in a weight
distribution plan and the cubic capacities of the compartments,
personnel can allocate cargo to specific compartments according
the guidelines listed below.
• (a) Deduct allowance for broken stowage from each compartment.
• (b) Allocate cargo by weight and cubic capacity to ensure that
maximum space is used.
• (c) When possible, stow like items together to reduce delay in
discharging and error in checking.
Cargo stowage
• (d) Place heavy lifts within reach of the heavy lift or jumbo
booms, except when the discharging port will furnish
equipment for discharging heavy lifts.
• (e) Keep items of other services (Navy, Air Force) together
if possible.
• (f) Stow items requiring special handling such as mail,
post exchange, or security cargo, in a safe place.
• (g) Personnel must not exceed the weight limitations per
square foot.
Cargo stowage
• Compartment stowage factor. cargo is allocated to
each compartment using the VSF. This factor does not
make an allowance for broken stowage; the CSF is used
for this purpose. To find the CSF, the allowance for
broken stowage (10 percent in this example) is subtracted
from the cubic volume of each compartment and the
difference divided by the weight allocated to it. Another
method is to deduct 10 percent from the VSF, which in
this case produces a compartment stowage factor of 58.
Cargo stowage
• The cargo stowage factor is used to allocate general cargo
to compartments. To determine the space required to
load several commodities in one compartment, cargo
handlers should multiply the weight in tons of each
commodity by its stowage factor.
Cargo stowage
• Cubic capacity maximization. When allocating cargo to
ensure maximum use of the cubic capacity of the
compartment, cargo handlers must consider the size of
the cargo, the size of the hatches, and the overhead
clearance.
Cargo loading
• a. Cargo is normally delivered to the port by railroad cars,
lighters, and trucks. Heavy-lift cargo is scheduled for delivery
at a specified time and place to effectively coordinate the use
of heavy lift gear.
• b. After the date and hour have been determined for the
vessel to start loading, the bottom cargo is called forward
before the vessel is ready to start loading. Filler cargo is also
assembled on the pier to be used as needed.
Cargo loading
• a. If cargo were equally distributed in each hold, and
tons handled per hour for all commodities were constant,
estimating the working time would be relatively easy and
accurate. However, these ideal conditions do not exist.
Cargo loading
• CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS. Conventional
cargo vessels are constructed with several hatch openings
on the weather deck into the holds below. In the deck
arrangement of a conventional cargo ship, cargo is
lowered through the main deck hatch opening into one of
the between deck levels in the hold. It is landed in the
hatch square and moved forward, aft, or into the wings by
machine or by hand, where it is stowed. The hatches are
numbered in order from bow to stern and the various deck
levels are normally designated as upper tween deck, lower
tween deck, and hold.
Cargo loading plan
• BREAK-BULK VESSEL STOWAGE PLANS. The break-
bulk vessel cargo stowage plan is a complete diagram of a
vessel's cargo space showing the location (both on and
below deck) of all cargo aboard ship.
Cargo loading plan
• General. The stowage plan looks like a vessel when
viewed from the side. It contains information about cargo
stowed in the vessel's hold, tween decks, and forecastle
deck. The cargo shown in the tween decks is shown from
the birds-eye view.
Cargo loading plan
It contains the following information
• A summary of cargo to be discharged at each port.
• A summary and location of heavy lifts.
• Information on the capacity and location of heavy lifts.
• Information on the capacity and location of the ship's boom.
• General information such as the location of special items of cargo
(protected, controlled, sensitive, mail, high-value, and so forth).
Cargo loading plan
• Ships vary in their size and hatch configuration. Some ships have
anywhere from five to seven hatches. Some hatches are two levels and
some are four levels deep. Not all ships are built the same way; some
have the superstructure closest to the bow, some have it in the center,
and some have it at the stern. However, the stowage plan for any given
ship can be interpreted in the same basic manner. Before discharge
operations begin, personnel must be familiar with the cargo aboard ship.
To read a cargo stowage plan, personnel must know where to locate
information on the plan relating to the loading and discharge of the
cargo (ship's data), boom and hatch configuration (deck data) and
stowage location (hold data).
Cargo loading plan
• Draft measurements. Draft measurements are given at
forward and aft points as well as the mean (average) draft
of the vessel. (Drafts are expressed in feet and inches.)
The cargo stowage plan provides space for recording the
vessel's draft before and after loading.
Cargo loading plan
• Loading location. The port of pier within the loading port is entered
in this block.
• Destination. This space shows the final cargo discharge port of the
voyage. The vessel may make several stops on its way to this
destination.
• Port of discharge codes. On the second line of stowage plan, beneath
the vessel block, is the port of discharge codes
• Deck Data. . It contains information about cargo stowed on the
vessel's main deck, specifies the type of standard and heavy-lift gear of
the vessel.
Cargo loading plan
• On-deck cargo stowage. Large pieces of cargo such as
trucks and cranes can be stowed on deck so long as they
are properly secured. Cargo is on deck, not on the
square of the hatch. Personnel could open the hatch and
discharge all cargo without having to move the trucks or
cranes.
Points to remember
• cargo information
• Cargo quantity
• Port rotation
• Draft restriction
• Cargo calculation
• Stowage plan
• Loading plan(including deballasting operation).