Maritime
FAQ: SOLAS Container Mass Verification
Requirements
May 26, 2016 by MI News Network
The declaration of the accurate gross mass of a packed
container is critical to maritime safety.
What are the new rules?
On 1 July 2016, new requirements to verify the gross
mass of a packed container enter into force under the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS).
Why have the requirements for verification of the gross
mass of the container been introduced?
Knowing the accurate gross mass of a packed container
is critical to ensure correct stowage and stacking and
avoid collapse of container stacks or loss overboard.
20
T
his is an important safety measure,
which is aimed at saving lives and
preventing injury and the destruction
of property.
Is declaration of gross mass a new
requirement?
There has always been a
requirement in SOLAS to declare the gross mass of
cargo and containers. The new requirement adds an
extra level requiring verification of the mass.
This is to ensure that the mass declared is a true
reflection of the gross mass of the packed container,
in order to avoid injury, cargo damage, loss of