Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

Cargo Securing, Lashing and Stability Vocabulary glossary

The cargo securing and lashing vocabulary built on the CSS Code Annex 13: securing-device classes rated by Maximum Securing Load, the acceleration ellipse and acceleration factors by stowage location, abnormal-wave loads, and the force balance that determines lashing adequacy. Grounds each term in the Annex 13 calculation method for ship motions and cargo restraint.

422 defined terms.

Showing 250 on this page (page 1 of 2).

A

AA Class Securing Device: Annex 13 CSS Code designation for ships' fixed securing devices rated by Maximum Securing Load.
Abnormal Wave: Wave height significantly exceeding the significant wave height, considered in CSS Annex 13 acceleration tables.
Acceleration Ellipse: Graphical representation in CSS Annex 13 plotting transverse and vertical accelerations to determine resultant force on cargo.
Acceleration Factor: Multiplier applied in CSS Annex 13 based on stowage location (forward, midships, aft) and ship length.
Acceleration Force: External force on cargo derived from ship motion, calculated per CSS Annex 13 as mass times g times acceleration coefficient.
Accommodation ladder: Inclined ladder hung over the ship's side for access.
Accumulated Tolerance: Gap between cargo and securing structure that must be accounted for in lashing calculations.
Acrylic Fibre Rope: Synthetic lashing material; MSL = 0.30 x Breaking Load per CSS Annex 13.
Active Lashing: Lashing that is pre-tensioned and continuously resists cargo movement.
Additional Lashing: Extra lashing applied beyond minimum CSM requirements when sea conditions warrant.
Adjustable Stacker: Container fitting permitting deck stowage at variable heights.
Advanced Calculation Method: CSS Annex 13 method using balance of forces and moments for non-standardized cargo.
Aft Perpendicular (AP): Reference point at the after side of the rudder post; basis for draft and trim calculations.
Aggregate Deck Load: Total cargo mass on weather deck, limited by deck strength and stability criteria.
Air draft: Vertical distance from waterline to highest fixed point of the ship.
Air Pipe: Vent pipe from tanks; subject to head and closure inspection.
Allowable Lashing Force: Working load limit applied in CSS Annex 13 calculations, equal to MSL or LC.
Angle of Heel: Static or dynamic transverse inclination, considered in stability and lashing calculations.
Angle of loll: Static heel of a vessel with negative initial GM that has rolled to a position of positive righting arm.
Angle of Repose: Maximum slope (degrees from horizontal) a granular cargo holds without sliding; <=30 degrees triggers IMSBC trimming and shifting checks.
Angle of vanishing stability (AVS): Heel angle at which the righting arm GZ returns to zero on the static stability curve.
Annex 13: CSS Code annex titled "Methods to Assess the Efficiency of Securing Arrangements for Non-Standardized Cargoes."
Annex 14: CSS Code annex providing guidance on safe stowage and securing of coiled sheet steel.
Anti-Slip Mat: High-friction material (rubber, IICL-rated) raising effective coefficient of friction in lashing calculations.
Antiroll Tank: Passive or active tank reducing roll amplitude, indirectly reducing securing demands.
Approved Cargo Securing Manual: CSM accepted by flag Administration per SOLAS VI/5-1 and VII/5.
Articulated Lashing: Lashing with multiple links permitting angular freedom at connection points.
Athwartship Lashing: Lashing oriented transversely to the ship's centerline.
Athwartship Securing: Restraint primarily resisting transverse forces from rolling.
Attained Subdivision Index (A): Calculated probabilistic damage stability value under SOLAS Ch II-1 Part B-1; must equal or exceed R.
Automatic Twistlock (ATL): Container fitting that locks automatically on landing without manual operation.
Auxiliary Lashing: Secondary lashing supplementing primary securing.
Average Acceleration: Statistical mean acceleration used in CSS Annex 13 tabulated values.

B

Balance of Forces Method: CSS Annex 13 calculation comparing sum of external forces against sum of securing forces plus friction.
Ballast condition: Loading condition with no cargo, only ballast water and consumables.
Base Friction Force: Frictional resistance equal to mu times normal force, contributing to net securing force.
Bay plan: Stowage diagram showing every container slot on a vessel by bay, row, and tier.
Beam sea: Seas approaching the vessel from abeam.
Bedding: Material placed under heavy cargo to distribute load on deck or tanktop.
Belly Strap: Lashing passed around a heavy item, anchored on both sides.
Bilge keel: Longitudinal fin on the turn of bilge to damp roll motion.
Block coefficient (CB): Ratio of displaced volume to L*B*T.
Block stowage: Carrying cargo of one shipper or destination in a contiguous block.
Blocking: Use of timber, steel or other material to prevent cargo movement.
Bottle screw: Turnbuckle for tensioning standing rigging.
Bow Flare Slamming: Forward impact accelerations, particularly severe in CSS Annex 13 forward-zone factors.
Bow Stowage: Forward stowage with higher acceleration factors per CSS Annex 13.
BR (Breaking Load Ratio): Manufacturer-declared ratio between breaking load and rated capacity.
Brace: Rope for trimming a yard horizontally.
Bracing: Internal dunnage securing cargo inside a container against shifting.
Breaking Load (BL): Minimum tensile force at which a securing component fails, declared by manufacturer.
Breaking Strength (BS): Synonym for Breaking Load.
Bridge fitting: Steel piece linking the tops of two adjacent containers for athwartship stability on deck.
Bulk Cargo: Loose cargo subject to IMSBC Code; not normally lashed but governed by trimming and stability.
Bulkhead: Vertical partition dividing a ship into compartments.
Bull Rail: Longitudinal raised edge on ro-ro deck preventing lateral movement of trailers.
Bundling: Securing multiple items together as a single unit for stowage.
Buoyancy Force: Upward force equal to weight of displaced water; basis of stability calculations.

C

Cant Frame: Angled frame at bow or stern, relevant to forward zone stowage.
Capacity Plan: Diagram showing volumes, deadweights and centers for each compartment.
Cargo Battens: Wooden battens lining hold sides, providing friction and ventilation.
Cargo Information: Shipper-declared particulars required under SOLAS VI/2.
Cargo Securing Arrangement: Complete system of fittings, fixed and portable devices.
Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): Approved manual whose application is verified during lashing surveys.
Cargo Transport Unit (CTU): Container, swap body, vehicle, tank or other unit for transporting cargo.
Catwalk: Elevated walkway between container stacks, providing access for lashing.
CC (Container Code): Reference to ISO 1496 container test standards.
Cell Guide: Vertical structure in container hold positively locating containers without lashings.
Cellular container ship: Container ship with cell guides.
Centre of Buoyancy (B): Geometric center of underwater volume.
Centre of Flotation (F): Centroid of waterplane area.
Centre of Gravity (G): Point where total weight is considered to act.
Chain Sling: Lifting and securing device, typically Grade 8 or Grade 10 alloy steel chain.
Chain Tensioner: Lever or ratchet device for tensioning chain lashings.
Chassis: Wheeled trailer that carries an ISO container by road.
Chassis Securing: Lashing of chassis to ro-ro deck per CSS Code Annex 4.
Chock: Mooring fitting that guides a line outboard.
CL (Cargo Lashing): Generic notation for lashing in calculation worksheets.
Cleat: Two-horned fitting around which a line is belayed.
Coaming: Raised border around a hatch to keep out water.
Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code): IMO code adopted by resolution A.714(17) and amended by MSC.1/Circ.1352, MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.1 and MSC.1/Circ.1623.
Coefficient of Friction (mu): Dimensionless ratio of frictional to normal force; CSS Annex 13 lists representative values.
Combination carrier: Vessel able to carry containers and other cargo such as ro-ro or break-bulk.
Compaction: Settling of bulk cargo reducing its volume during voyage.
Compatibility: Ability of two fuels to be mixed without precipitation of asphaltenes, assessed by spot test (ASTM D4740).
Compression Fitting: Container fitting transmitting vertical compressive forces between corner castings.
Cone: Locating fitting placed in container corner casting to prevent horizontal movement.
Containment: Use of side structures to prevent transverse shifting.
Conventional Stowage: Stowage relying on friction, blocking and lashings rather than dedicated fittings.
Corner casting: ISO 1161 corner fitting at each of a container's eight corners for handling and securing.
Corner post: Vertical structural member at each corner of a container.
Corrosion Allowance: Reduction in MSL for components exposed to seawater.
Cradle: Frame supporting a boat or other object.
Crash Rail: Protective rail on ro-ro deck.
Critical KG: Maximum permissible vertical center of gravity satisfying stability criteria.
Cross-curves of stability (KN curves): Plot of KN versus displacement at fixed heel angles.
CSC Plate: Container Safety Convention safety approval plate; verified on container surveys.
CSM (Cargo Securing Manual): See Cargo Securing Manual.
CSS Code: IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing.
CTU Code: IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.

D

D-Ring: Forged ring lashing point welded to deck or structure.
Damage Control Plan: Plan required under SOLAS II-1/19 showing watertight subdivision.
Damage Stability: Required for passenger and cargo ships under SOLAS II-1, Parts B-1 and B-2.
Damaged Waterline: Waterline in flooded condition.
Deadweight (DWT): Difference between loaded and lightship displacement.
Deck cargo: Cargo carried on the weather deck.
Deck D-Ring: Welded D-shaped lashing point on weather deck.
Deck Fitting: Any welded or bolted device for cargo securing.
Deck Lashing: Lashing anchored to weather deck fittings.
Deck Load: Mass per square meter on deck plating; limited by classification rules.
Deck Pad: Pad eye welded to deck.
Declared Cargo Information: Shipper documentation per SOLAS VI/2.
Deflection Angle: Angle of lashing from vertical or horizontal, affecting effective securing force.
Departure Condition: Vessel state at departure including drafts, cargo, fuel, and stability.
Differential Heel: Heel arising from asymmetric loading.
Direct Lashing: Lashing from a fixed point on the ship to a fixed point on the cargo.
Displacement (Δ): Mass of water displaced equal to vessel mass at floating equilibrium.
Double Rod Lashing: Container lashing using two rods per fitting.
Double-bottom: Structural arrangement providing tanks below cargo holds.
Down-Flooding Angle: Heel at which water enters through unprotected openings.
Down-Flooding Point: Lowest opening that admits progressive flooding.
Drift angle: Angle between the ship's head and her track during a turn.

E

Effective Lashing Angle: Angle used to compute lashing's transverse and vertical force components.
Effective Tension: Tension in a lashing during dynamic loading.
Eight-Point Lashing: Container lashing arrangement using eight rods per container.
Ellipse Method: CSS Annex 13 method projecting accelerations onto an ellipse for combined force evaluation.
EN 12195-1: European Standard on calculation of lashing forces for road transport, also referenced for general lashing methodology.
EN 12195-2: European Standard for web lashings made from man-made fibres, defining LC.
EN 12195-3: European Standard for lashing chains.
EN 12195-4: European Standard for lashing steel wire ropes.
EN 12640: European Standard specifying minimum 20 kN lashing points on commercial vehicles.
EN 12641: European Standard for tarpaulin curtains on vehicles.
EN 12642: European Standard for strength of vehicle body structures, Code XL.
End Lashing: Lashing applied to ends of long cargo.
End Stowage Factor: Higher acceleration multiplier for forward and aft stowage in CSS Annex 13.
Equilibrium Heel: Steady-state heel under given moments.
Even keel: Floating with no list and no trim.
Excursion: Maximum motion amplitude of cargo permitted before lashing failure.
Eye Bolt: Threaded bolt with forged eye; lashing attachment.
Eye-Eye Chain Sling: Chain with eyes at both ends for direct connection.

F

Fail-Safe: Design principle ensuring failure of one element does not cause progressive collapse.
Fairlead: Fitting that leads a rope in the desired direction without chafe.
FEU: Forty-foot Equivalent Unit, capacity measure equal to two TEU.
Fibre Rope: Lashing material with MSL = 0.33 x BL per CSS Annex 13.
Field Lashing: Lashing applied in addition to fittings under exceptional conditions.
First-Tier Container: Container resting directly on deck or hatch cover.
Fittings, Fixed: Welded or otherwise permanently attached securing devices.
Fittings, Portable: Loose securing devices listed in the CSM inventory.
Five-Point Securing: Securing pattern with five anchor points around heavy cargo.
Flat rack: Container with collapsible or fixed end walls.
Flexibility: Ability of a lashing system to absorb dynamic loads.
Force Diagram: Vector diagram used in advanced calculation method.
Forward perpendicular (FP): Vertical line at the intersection of waterline and stem.
Four-Way Pallet: Pallet accessible from all four sides; relevant to packing per CTU Code.
Free Surface Correction (FSC): Subtraction from GM to account for tank free surfaces.
Free Surface Effect: Stability reduction accounted for under SOLAS II-1 stability calculations.
Freeboard: Distance from waterline to freeboard deck, governed by the Load Lines Convention but referenced in SOLAS.
Freeboard deck: Uppermost continuous deck per the Load Line Convention.
Freshwater Allowance (FWA): Allowance for the change in draft when moving between salt and fresh water.
Friction Coefficient (mu): CSS Annex 13 typical values: steel on steel dry 0.1; steel on steel wet 0.3; steel on timber 0.3; timber on timber 0.4; rubber mat 0.6.
Friction Increasing Material: Material such as rubber mat raising mu to 0.6 or higher.
Frictional Restraint: Component of net securing force from friction between cargo and deck.

G

General Cargo Ship: Multipurpose vessel; lashing arrangements per CSM and CSS Code.
General Criteria: IS Code 2008 (MSC.267(85)) Part A Chapter 2 minimum stability requirements including GM, GZ area and angle conditions.
GM (metacentric height): Distance from G to transverse metacenter M.
GMl (Longitudinal Metacentric Height): Longitudinal GM; governs trim changes.
GMt (Transverse Metacentric Height): Transverse GM.
Grade 10 Chain: Higher strength chain with minimum tensile strength 1,000 N/mm^2.
Grade 8 Chain: Alloy steel chain with minimum tensile strength 800 N/mm^2.
Grain Code: International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, mandatory under SOLAS VI/9.
Grain Heeling Moment: Transverse moment from shifting grain, calculated per Grain Code.
Grommet: Ring of rope or eyelet of metal.
Ground Lashing: Lashing from container base to deck D-ring.
GZ curve: Static righting arm versus heel angle.

H

Hammer Lock: Connector for joining chains of different sizes.
Hand Tight: Initial pre-tension applied without mechanical aid.
Hatch cover: Watertight cover over a cargo hatch.
Heavy Lift Cargo: Single piece above ship's gear capacity.
Heavy-Lift Vessel (HLV): Project-cargo ship with high-capacity cranes.
Heel: Transverse inclination of the vessel.
HFR (High-Friction Rubber Mat): Anti-skid material with mu of approximately 0.6.
High cube container: Container 9 feet 6 inches tall.
Hog: Longitudinal bending where ends sag relative to midships.
Hold Lashing: Lashings inside cargo holds.
Horizontal Lashing: Lashing parallel to deck.
HSS (High-Speed Craft): Subject to HSC Code rather than standard SOLAS lashing rules.

I

IACS UR: International Association of Classification Societies Unified Requirements; includes container lashing rules.
Identification Plate: Plate showing MSL, LC and standard on securing components.
IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, mandatory under SOLAS VII Part A.
IMDG Segregation: Separation requirements between dangerous goods classes.
IMSBC Code: International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, mandatory under SOLAS VI/1-1 and VII/7-1.
Inclining experiment: Test determining KG per IS Code 2008.
Initial stability: Stability range described by GM at small heel.
Intact Stability: Stability of undamaged ship; governed by IS Code 2008.
Intact Stability Code (IS Code 2008): MSC.267(85), mandatory under SOLAS II-1.
Intermediate Lashing: Lashing applied between primary lashings.
International Convention on Load Lines, 1966: Treaty assigning freeboard, with 1988 Protocol and 2003 amendments (MSC.143(77)).
Inverted Twistlock: Twistlock oriented for stacking on hatch cover.
IS Code: Intact Stability Code 2008.
ISO 1161: Corner fittings standard for series 1 containers.
ISO 1496: ISO standard for container specifications and testing.
ISO 3874: Standard for handling and securing of Series 1 freight containers.
ISO 9367: Standard for lashing and securing arrangements on ro-ro ships, Parts 1 and 2.

J

Jacking Bar: Hand tool for releasing twistlocks.
Jettison: Throwing cargo overboard to lighten the ship, may give rise to general average.
Joint Stowage: Stowage of multiple items secured as one block.
Jumbo Boom: Heavy lift derrick.

K

KB (Height of Centre of Buoyancy): Vertical distance from keel to B.
Keel (K): Reference baseline for vertical measurements.
KG (Height of Centre of Gravity): Vertical distance from keel to G.
KGmax Curve: Plot of maximum permissible KG against displacement to satisfy stability.
KM (Height of Metacentre): Sum of KB and BM; vertical distance from keel to M.
KN Values: Cross-curve values for righting arm calculations.

L

Lashing bridge: Elevated platform above the hatch covers from which containers are lashed.
Lashing Capacity (LC): Maximum lashing force declared by manufacturer per EN 12195-2 for web lashings.
Lashing Computer: Onboard software validating container lashing arrangements per class rules.
Lashing Eye: Forged or cast loop fitted to deck or cargo.
Lashing Force Calculation: Process detailed in CSS Annex 13 or class lashing rules.
Lashing Hook: Hook terminating a lashing.
Lashing Plan: Drawing showing lashing arrangement, included in CSM.
Lashing Point: Designated attachment for lashings, rated to a known MSL.
Lashing Pot: Recessed deck fitting accepting twistlock or stacker.
Lashing rod: Steel bar tensioned by a turnbuckle to lash containers.
Lateral Acceleration: Transverse component of motion-induced acceleration.
LC (Lashing Capacity): See Lashing Capacity.
Length between perpendiculars (LBP): Length from FP to AP.
Lever Arm: Horizontal distance between buoyancy and gravity forces; basis of righting moment.
Lift on Lift off (LoLo): Cargo handling mode; below-deck containers in cell guides.
Lightship: Vessel mass excluding cargo, fuels, water, stores, and persons.
Limit State: Condition where component reaches MSL or LC.
Load line: Statutory waterline mark per ICLL 1966.
Load Line Certificate: Statutory certificate issued under Load Line Convention.
Load Line Convention: ICLL 1966 as amended by 1988 Protocol and 2003 amendments.
Longitudinal Acceleration: Fore-and-aft component; typically 0.2g at midships in CSS Annex 13 standard tables.
Longitudinal Lashing: Lashing oriented along ship's centerline.
Loose Cargo: Cargo not packaged into a unit; secured by blocking or general lashings.

M

Mafi Roll Trailer: Heavy-duty roll trailer used on ro-ro vessels for project cargo.
Manilla Rope: Natural fibre rope; MSL = 0.33 x BL per CSS Annex 13.
Master Link: Top connection ring of chain or wire sling assembly.
Maximum Lashing Capacity: Synonym for LC.
Maximum Securing Load (MSL): Maximum permitted load on a securing device per CSS Code Annex 13; MSL = 0.5 x BL (shackles, rings, deck fittings), 0.7 x BL (steel band one-way), 0.7 x BL (chains), 0.8 x BL (wire rope single use)…
MEPC: Marine Environment Protection Committee.
Metacentre (M): Point through which buoyancy force acts for small heel angles.
Metacentric Height (GM): See GM.
Minimum Breaking Load: Synonym for Breaking Load.
Mixed Lashing: Combination of chain and wire lashings; calculation uses lowest MSL.
Moment of Inertia (waterplane): Determines BM through I/V.
MSC: Maritime Safety Committee.
MSC.1/Circ.1352: Amendments to the CSS Code.
MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2: Revised guidelines for the preparation of the CSM (latest revision).