Basic Reasons of Loss or Damage to the Cargo

1. Severe and adverse weather conditions and lack of appreciation of the various forces implicated – Various conditions of the Beaufort wind scale not taken into account as the vessel encounters the worst at any given moment. Responsible personnel looking after the carriage of the cargo sometimes fail to foresee the ship’s characteristics and bad weather behavior

2. Lack of knowledge of relevant rules and guiding recommendations – Failure to follow the guidelines or the regulations for cargo lashing and securing may spell catastrophe

3. Cost control pressures – The economy downfall leads to cost cutting procedures which in turn means less quality cargo securing work

4. Inadequate time and personnel to complete the securing cargo before departure – Due to excessive paperwork and short port turn-around, basics of cargo lashing and handling on ships are sometimes overseen

5. Basic seamanship techniques not applied adequately for total immobility of the cargo – Dunnage not utilized in an effective manner or for that matter taking lashing materials around sharp edges which causes them to part or even insufficient force, steadiness and/or number of lashings

6. Improper usage of the cargo securing gear – Wire loops and eyes made up wrongly. Lack of knowledge in the use of bull dog grips, bottleneck screws, wire slings/strops, etc.

7. Lack of continuity in strength between the various securing components – Ship’s overall characteristics and age of construction play a major role in effective cargo work

8. Incorrect of unbalanced stowage and inadequate weight distribution – Inadequate stability and control measures taken