Lashings for heavy vehicles on roll-on roll-off ships
This guidance identifies:
- why vehicles travelling on ro-ro ships must be lashed safely and securely
- which vehicles must have securing points that fall under Maritime Rule 24B.10 and comply with NZS 5444:2005, and what the master of the ro-ro ship you are travelling on will look for when they check securing points on those vehicles.
Why safe, secure lashing is important
The master of a ship must be satisfied that they can secure all items of cargo on the ship, including vehicles. If cargo moves when the ship rolls or pitches, it can be a significant hazard to people, other cargo and the ship itself.
The master of a ship is responsible for the safety of that ship and all persons and cargo on board. To ensure that safety, the master can refuse any vehicle which cannot be appropriately secured for the planned voyage.
For certain vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more of gross mass, there are specific requirements for the securing points to allow them to be carried on board a ro-ro ship. These requirements make sure the vehicle can be secured to the deck of the ship so the motion of the ship cannot cause the vehicle to bounce, roll, slide or topple. The securing points on the vehicle must be the right dimension, in a place where crew can safely attach lashings, and strong enough to take the forces involved.
Vehicles required to follow Maritime Rule 24B.10
Maritime Rule Part 24B sets the requirements for stowage and securing of cargoes, including cargoes on ro-ro ships.
When a ro-ro ship is 45 metres long or longer on a coastal or international voyage, certain vehicles must have suitable points where the crew can attach lashings to secure the vehicle.
If you have a road freight, road tank or road livestock vehicle (including semitrailers) that has a gross mass of 3.5 tonnes or more, your vehicle must have securing points that meet the requirements of Maritime Rule 24B.10. This specifies that the securing points must meet the standards set out in Part 2 of the New Zealand Standard Load Anchorage for Vehicles 5444.2005.
The securing points must be clearly marked, and located to make sure that the vehicle can be effectively restrained by lashing and the lashings can be readily and safely attached.
For lashings to be able to be readily and safely attached, access to the securing points must:
- not be obstructed by anything; and
- be within easy reach of the crew.
If the master is not satisfied that the securing points are good enough to secure the cargo for the intended voyage, or if their location presents a hazard to crew when attaching lashings, they can refuse to take the vehicle.
Information plate
You must have information plates on each side of your vehicle that show how many securing points there are on that side. Each information plate must have a number indicating how many securing points are on that side of the vehicle, and a sketch of an anchor. See the example below.
For specific details about the plates, see NZS 5444:2005 pp.34–36.
If your securing points do not meet the standard
If your road freight, road tank or road livestock vehicle (including semitrailers) has a gross mass of 3.5 tonnes or more it must comply with the rule for you to travel on a ferry.
If it does not, in some circumstances you may be granted an exemption. Follow the link below to find guidelines on how to apply and an application form.
Other vehicles
If your vehicle is not a road freight, road tank or road livestock vehicle (including semitrailers) that has a gross mass of 3.5 tonnes or more, your vehicle still has to be able to be adequately secured. (For example, it would be possible to adequately secure a vehicle with a securing point on the chassis or sub-frame that is secure and strong enough to hold the vehicle and any load – that is, carry the weight of the vehicle.) This applies to:
- a vehicle weighing less than 3.5 tonnes gross mass
- a caravan, motor home or other similar type vehicle
- a horse float
- a vehicle the purpose of which is the transport of domestic animals
- a fire appliance
- a vehicle incorporating a tank, or tanks, that is ancillary to the primary purpose of that vehicle
- other vehicles which are not road freight, road tank or road livestock vehicles.
When you ship one of these types of vehicle, the master of the ship you are on must be satisfied that they can secure your vehicle appropriately for the voyage. If there is a possibility that the vehicle cannot be secured appropriately, the master may refuse to carry it.
If your vehicle is 3.5 tonnes gross mass or more but does not have to meet the requirements of MR 24B.10, check with the operator of the ship you will be travelling on to be sure your vehicle can be adequately secured.