Ro Ro

Question 1

State the information that should appear on the vessels cargo plan.

Answer 1

• Order of discharge of vehicles if more than one port.
• Disposition of weights on the car deck.
• Position of any DG vehicles and containers.
• Drafts for each port arrival/departure.
• Vessel details.
• Ramp details.

Question 2

Outline the checks to be made on the cargo before it is loaded.

Answer 2

• Ensure the cargo is properly secured onto the unit.
• Ensure there are no leaking containers or drums.
• Check to ensure the vehicle has sufficient securing points attached.
• If unsure about the height run the vehicle under a trundle bar to ensure it will drive through the car deck.
• Make sure the vehicle is properly placarded and has the correct IMDG code paperwork if the vehicle is carrying DG.

Question 3

List the pre sailing checks the OOW should make prior to sailing.

Answer 3

• Ensure the car deck is empty of passengers before securing.
• Check the stow for any fuel leakage or smoke from overheated engines.
• If carrying reefer boxes that they are connected up.
• Ensure all lashing arrangements are tight.
• Any DG is reported and secured and segregated in line with the IMDG code.
• Ramp doors are locked and secured.
• Hydraulic boxes closed up and locked.
• Vehicles not parked on walkways.
• On leaving car deck ensure access doors closed and locked.
• Gangway all clear.
• On bridge play safety message.
• Confirm all accesses to the vessel closed and secured and ready to proceed to sea.
• Check engines and thrusters changed from central console to wings.
• Seek port clearance.

Question 4

Outline the duties of the Officer of the Watch with respect to safety during cargo operations

Answer 4

• The movement, stowage and securing of vehicles should be supervised by a responsible ships officer.
• Before being accepted for shipment every freight vehicle should be inspected.
• Ships ramps, car platforms, retractable car decks and similar equipment should be operated by trained personnel.
• Drivers should not move vehicles until directed to do so by a competent person. Reversing alarms should be fitted to vehicles.
• Passengers and drivers should not be permitted to remain on vehicle decks without the express permission of a responsible ships officer.
• Prominent notices should be displayed on vehicle decks to bring this to the attention of passengers and drivers.
• The period prior to disembarkation when passengers are required to return to their vehicles should be kept to a minimum.
• Whenever possible ships ramps should not be used for pedestrian access. Hand signals by crew supervising the loading or discharging of vehicles should be unambiguous.
• Permanent walkways must be clearly marked and signposted.
• Vehicles should not be parked on permanent walkways.
• Prominent notices must be displayed to advise persons on vehicle decks of the dangers from moving vehicles.
• Personnel working on vehicle decks should wear suitable high visibility clothing.
• Crew members must be easily identifiable by passengers and drivers.
• No attempt should be made to secure a vehicle until it is parked, the hand brake is applied, and the engine is switched off.
• Personnel engaged in securing vehicles should take care to avoid injury from projections on the underside of vehicles.
• Persons inspecting vehicle decks during a voyage should exercise care to avoid injury from swaying or moving vehicles.
• Noise levels on deck should not exceed 85 decibels.
• No smoking or naked lights should be allowed on vehicle decks.
• Ships ramps and vehicle decks should be adequately lit.
• Ships ramps, lifting appliances and vehicle decks should so far as practicable be kept free of water, oil and grease.

Question 5

State the MCA code that should be consulted for advice on the securing of Ro-Ro cargo.

Answer 5

The MCA Code is “Roll-on/Roll-off ships Stowage and securing of Vehicles Code of Practice”