Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p72
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 187222–190146

not be used to lift materials.

   16.                        Cargo Operations
Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) sets out requirements for loading or unloading a vessel. Guidance is available in:
       * ILO Code of Practice – Safety and Health in Ports
       * Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice – Managing Risks in Stevedoring.

The requirements of the port where cargo operations will take place should be complied with and these requirements should be made known to seafarers.
Before commencing cargo operations, clear methods of communication should be established between the ship's crew and terminal personnel or waterside workers. This is particularly important in the case of hazardous cargoes or hazardous operations. If hand signals are to be used, their meaning must be clear in advance to all those involved in the cargo operations.
Only competent persons should operate cargo handling equipment. Manufacturers' instructions regarding operation and maintenance as contained in the ship's cargo handling manual should be followed at all times.
The safe working load of equipment must not be exceeded, except in accordance with Marine Order 32. It is important, especially in older vessels, not to overstress any part of the ship's structure.
All equipment should be thoroughly examined by a responsible officer before use and regularly inspected during use. The frequency of examination should depend on the operation. No equipment should be used or operated unless the prescribed certificates of tests and examinations are on the ship and are current and valid.
Seafarers should wear appropriate PPE when carrying out cargo operations, fitting or securing deck lashings and should use specially designed leverage bars to tighten cargo tensioning devices.
When work is interrupted or has temporarily ceased, hatches should be left in a safe condition, with either guardrails or the hatch covers in position.
No other work should be carried out in a space in which cargo is being worked.
Seafarers should immediately report any damage of cargo handling equipment to a responsible ship's officer. Damaged equipment should be immediately taken out of service.
Cargo gear should be properly stowed to prevent it from breaking loose and posing a hazard when the vessel is at sea. Cargo should be stowed and secured assuming the worst weather conditions that may be expected.
When deck cargoes are carried, particularly timber, attention should be paid to ensuring the ship's stability throughout the voyage, especially in consideration of the possibility of added weight due to absorption of water or accumulation of ice or snow.

16.1              Lifting equipment
All lifting equipment used on board ship should be of good design, sound construction and material, adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used, free from defect, properly installed or assembled and properly maintained.
The