Cargo Securing and Sea Fastening Survey
JM Marine Surveys provides independent cargo securing and sea fastening surveys / lashing & securing surveys to assess the condition and execution of securing arrangements as found onboard, prior to sailing or during cargo operations.
Proper cargo securing and sea fastening are essential for the safe carriage of project cargo, heavy lift units, and non-standard shipments. Inadequate securing arrangements may result in cargo damage, vessel damage, delays, and subsequent insurance or contractual claims.
Scope of Attendance
During a cargo securing and sea fastening survey, we will typically attend onboard and assess, as applicable:
- Cargo positioning and distribution
- Type and condition of lashings (chains, wires, turnbuckles, web lashings)
- Arrangement, angle and apparent tension of lashings
- Attachment points and securing hardware
- Steel sea fastening structures and visible welds
- Support arrangements and load contact areas
- Measures intended to prevent sliding, shifting, rolling or tipping
- Any visible deficiencies or concerns
The assessment is carried out with reference to generally accepted standards and practices, including where relevant:
- IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)
- Class approved calculations.
- Principles of good seamanship
- Vessel-specific arrangements and limitations
- Cargo characteristics and intended voyage conditions
- Contractual or insurance-related requirements (where made available)
- No structural calculations, welding procedures, or engineering approvals are included unless expressly agreed in advance.
We attend securing and sea fastening surveys amongst others for:
- Project cargo
- Heavy lift cargo
- Breakbulk shipments
- Machinery and industrial units
- Offshore and energy-related equipment
- Cargo transported on MAFI trailers or transport frames
- Irregular, high-value, or top-heavy cargo
Attendance may be requested by owners, charterers, cargo interests, P&I Clubs, insurers, terminals, or project freight forwarders.
Reporting
Following attendance, a factual and independent report is issued, typically including:
- Identification and description of the cargo
- Description of observed securing and sea fastening arrangements
- Photographic documentation
- Remarks on visible deficiencies or limitations
- A factual conclusion based on observations made
The report reflects the condition of the securing arrangements at the time of inspection and is suitable for operational records, insurance purposes, and claim documentation.
Area of Operation
JM Marine Surveys provides cargo securing and sea fastening surveys throughout Northwest Europe, including but not limited to:
- Rotterdam
- Antwerp
- Amsterdam
- North Sea Port (Vlissingen, Terneuzen, Ghent)
- Other ports in the Netherlands and Belgium
- JM Marine Surveys attends cargo securing and sea fastening surveys across all Northwest European ports upon request.
Attendance can often be arranged on short notice, subject to operational circumstances.
Why JM Marine Surveys
- Independent and neutral attendance
- Experience with project and heavy lift cargo
- Practical, observation-based approach
- Reporting accepted by P&I Clubs and insurers
- Consistent service across NW European ports
Should you require a cargo securing and sea fastening survey / lashing and securing survey, please contact JM Marine Surveys to discuss scope, timing, and availability.