National Cargo Bureau affirms IMO’s cargo-stowing code

National Cargo Bureau affirms IMOÆs cargo-stowing code    The New York-based National Cargo Bureau (NCB), a non-profit surveying company, has issued a 'white paper' urging the implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing, known as the CSS Code.
   The CSS Code contains a series of 13 annexes providing recommendations concerning the stowage and securing of non-standardized cargoes, for which a vessel does not have an approved fixed or installed securing system on board.
   'The Code represents something of a departure from tradition, effectively utilizing an engineering approach requiring a balance between securing forces and potential upsetting forces,' NCB said in its paper.
   Annex 13 of the Code provides simplified methods of calculating that balance. 'A knowledge of basic physics and mathematics is still required, but calculus is avoided. The methodology is user friendly and well within the capabilities of the average deck officer,' NCB said.
   In the past, a ship's master or chief mate could 'look at the securing of a piece of cargo and give it his blessing based entirely upon his judgment and seagoing experience,' the white paper said.
   'Unfortunately, a strong case could be made nowadays that the traditional seafaring knowledge pool has largely evaporated with the result that, in many instances, there is now insufficient experience to lead to good judgment,' NCB noted.
   'Annex 13 allows consistent, definitive assessments to be made for the benefit of all concerned,' NCB said.
   National Cargo Bureau's white paper was prepared by Capt. P.I. Anderson, the bureau's deputy chief for technical data, and Capt. P.S. Peers, surveying manager in NCB's San Francisco office. For more information about implementing the CSS Code, call NCB at (212) 785-8300.