Lashing equipment certification

Lashing equipment certification is the type-approval and marking of container securing components, twistlocks, bridge fittings, lashing bars, turnbuckles, and stacking cones, by a recognized organization so each part carries a documented minimum breaking load (MBL) and safe working load. Samples are pull-tested to destruction to establish MBL, and the approved design is marked with maker, MBL, and an approval reference. The certified gear’s MBL and SWL feed the strength limits in the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual, which the classification society approves on behalf of the flag state. Uncertified or unmarked lashing gear cannot be relied on in the securing calculation. Worn or deformed components are condemned at inspection.