Cargo Watch

on a container ship 

This page is about how we were doing the cargo operations during my voyages on board the German vessel CONTAINERSHIPS VI in summer 2005. As I worked on board as deck rating this describes the works the ratings have to do. 

1. Unloading

• Approximately 1 hour prior to arriving in port or as appropriate the deck crew starts unlashing the containers and opening the clips on the hatches which will be opened.
• Directly after mooring those of the deck crew who form the cargo watch (usually 1 or 2 deck ratings) are lifted on top of the containers in a special container with openings which is called lash-box to undo the bridge fittings and chains with which the containers are arrested against each other.
• Now the containers get lifted away by crane or gantry. The watch keeper has to supervise this and to make sure that all twist locks are open and the operation runs smoothly. He has to take care that he is seen by the crane driver to reduce the danger of getting hurt. It is important to keep clear from any loads lifted through the air and it is forbidden to stand in the same bay as the crane works. 
• After unloading each tier either the watch keeper or in most ports the stevedores have to climb on top of the next containers to take away the twist locks so that the crane can plug in and pick them up. This happens either via lash box or by using a ladder. While on top of the containers it is necessary to move with great caution as there is no handrail. In strong winds or slippery weather the use of a harness and life line are compulsory.
• When the last tier on a hatch cover is unloaded the hatch cover needs to get prepared for opening. For this all remaining twist locks and all lash material has to be secured so that it cannot fall into the hold or foul the hatch cover.
• Now the hydraulic pump gets started. Caution: hatch covers must not be moved when the ship has list. In that case it is necessary to inform the watch officer that you are intending to open the hatch so that he can return the ship into an even position by pumping the ballast water from one side to the other.
• After checking that nobody is on top of the hatch cover the hatch gets opened.
• Now the crane removes the containers from the hold. In case of 20ft containers stored inside the hold cons need to be taken away between the tiers.
   

2. Loading

• Before starting with the loading the hold has to be prepared for the new containers. It needs to be checked for any items lying around or for any damage that might have occurred during the unloading. If there is time it might be a smart idea to sweep the ground. In case of 20ft containers to be put inside the cons must be set in place.
• Now the crane starts lifting the containers inside the hold. It is necessary to check that the containers are placed on the cons so that they cannot move when the ship starts rolling.
• It is also very necessary that the containers are placed in the spaces noted in the loading plan. This is especially important for heavy load containers that influence the stability and for containers with dangerous cargoes which need to get positioned in accordance with IMO guidelines. Any changes, problems or damages must be reported to the watch officer.
• In case of reefers these must be connected with the electricity as soon as possible and the temperature gets noted on the loading plan.
• When the hold is full - or all containers that are planned to get inside are placed inside the hatch covers get closed. After closing it is necessary to prepare it for the containers on top. This means that the twist locks must be put in place according to the loading plan and the lashing material which will be needed must be laid out in vicinity.
• After completing each tier the twist locks are laid out on top of the containers.
• If there are more than 2 tiers of containers on deck the watch keeper has to connect the uppermost containers with each other with bridge locks and / or chains.
• Either during the loading or immediately afterwards the are done according to the lashing scheme of the ship.
• The clips of the hatch covers get closed and all openings into the hold get closed and secured for the sea voyage. The twist locks get locked and all remaining material is stowed away.