What Goes Wrong?
Poor Stowage of Cargo
In rough weather, the ship`s stability is critical. If the cargo
moves, it can make the ship heel over [definition], becoming
difficult or impossible to steer and even causing it to capsize.
Modern vehicle ferries are also vulnerable to such problems. If a
vehicle on a ferry begins moving in rough weather, it can do
enormous damage to other vehicles and to the ship itself. On
occasion, rogue vehicles have gone right through the side of
ferries. It is usually the responsibility of the ship`s officers to
ensure the cargo is stowed carefully and is fully secured. For
instance, with a loose cargo like grain that can easily shift when
the ship rolls, boards are put in the hold to limit its movement.
If rough weather is anticipated on a ferry crossing, vehicles must
be fastened down with chains to prevent them moving. It may be beyond the crew`s ability or knowledge to prevent
things going wrong with the cargo. Timber is a light cargo that is
often carried on the decks of ships. If a lot of water washes over
one side of a ship in rough weather, the timber stored on that side
can become waterlogged. As a result, the ship may heel over that
way. When the oil is pumped out of a tanker, it can leave explosive
gases behind. A spark from something as innocent as dropping a
spanner into a tank can cause a massive explosion. Fortunately,
lessons have been learnt from this and precautions are now taken to
ensure tanks are free from gas before they are opened.
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