Ro-Ro Cargo Securing
A ro-ro configuration must be covered by the approved Cargo Securing Manual or a case-specific arrangement prepared by competent personnel and accepted or approved as required; an improvised onboard calculation does not replace the Manual.
Operational Explanation
MSC.479(102) contains revised recommendatory guidelines for road vehicles within its scope. Annex 13 provides an assessment method for semi-standardised and non-standardised cargo. Neither authorises the crew to replace the approved CSM with an ad hoc calculation.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS VI/5.6; MSC.479(102), §§2, 6–7; MCA — CSM / MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2. Distinguish road-vehicle recommendations, the CSS Annex 13 method and the approved CSM. MCA guidance includes UK-specific provisions.
Scope of Application
MSC.479(102) addresses regular carriage on international voyages in unsheltered waters: defined road-vehicle categories with authorized maximum total mass between 3.5 and 40 t, and articulated road trains up to 45 t; buses are excluded. These limits define the guidance, not an exemption from safe securing and the CSM for other vehicles. Obtain the required competent and accepted/approved arrangement for configurations outside the manual.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Check the CSM covers cargo type, weight, CoG and position.
- Apply the instructions and devices prescribed by the Manual.
- If the configuration is not covered, suspend loading and obtain competent engineering/case-specific arrangement.
- Use Annex 13 only through the method incorporated in the CSM or accepted/approved arrangement.
- Check installation against drawings and monitor during the voyage under CSM/SMS.
Practical Example
An exceptional vehicle with a CoG not covered by the CSM is not secured from a quayside spreadsheet: competent personnel prepare the arrangement, which is accepted or approved as required before loading.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Crew calculates an out-of-CSM configuration ad hoc | Arrangement lacks the required approved basis | Stop and obtain competent, accepted/approved arrangement |
| MSC.479(102), Annex 13 and CSM treated as interchangeable | Guidance, method and binding document are confused | Identify each instrument's role and scope |
| Installation differs from drawings | Forces and geometry no longer match the calculation | Physically verify the arrangement before departure |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Verify reliable mass and centre-of-gravity data, securing-point geometry and condition; do not derive securing from weight alone.
- Check semi-trailer supports and suspension arrangements against the CSM and configuration: landing legs are not automatically suitable for sea transport.
- Examine and retension during the voyage where practicable and necessary, only with safe access and under the CSM/SMS. Do not send personnel onto an unsafe deck merely because several hours have elapsed.
Preparation checklist
- Configuration covered by CSM or accepted/approved case-specific arrangement
- MSC.479(102) used within scope
- Annex 13 applied through authorised method
- Devices and lashing points checked
- Installation matches drawings/calculations
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint e8793d5f7641