Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)
A cargo securing manual (CSM) details how cargo onboard a ship should be stowed and secured. It is mandatory to have a cargo securing manual on board an ocean vessel and it guides its users on how to transport cargo safely from one point to another.
A cargo securing manual details all the cargo-securing equipment on board the vessel, whether fixed or portable. It specifies their locations and how they should be used to secure the different types of cargo that are transported. This manual also shows details of the chains, lashings, rods, etc. that are used to secure the cargo on the ship.
When the ship is in motion, and especially during bad weather, accompanied by rough seas, the cargo on board is subject to abnormal forces.
Calculating the strength of the available equipment and its accessories such as chains, lashings, etc. to counter these forces and how to fix them accordingly, is explained in the cargo securing manual. Wherever required, these are explained with appropriate diagrams or sketches.
Cargo securing manuals specify the allowable load capacity of equipment that is known as its MSL (Maximum Securing Load).
A Semi-standardized Cargo may be accommodated on such a vessel whereas, a non-standardized cargo requires special stowage and securing arrangements. The manual specifies where each type of item or cargo should be kept.
Any structural changes made to such equipment should reflect in the cargo securing manual.
A cargo ship may be carrying containers of different sizes. The cargo securing manual shows the stowage position for each different size, the maximum allowable stack of such containers, the maximum allowable stack mass, their sequence of stowage, etc.
The cargo securing manual of container vessels should have a Cargo Safe Access Plan (CSAP).
What is CSAP?
It is a plan that provides safe access to the cargo crew of the ship to containers for their stowage and securing.
A cargo securing manual is prepared in the working language of the crew of the vessel following the recommendations given in the guidelines by the SOLAS.
If it is prepared in a local language, a translation in English, French, or Spanish must be prepared and made available on the ship.
Ref: Marine Insight Website
