SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Method 2 for verifying the gross mass of a shipping container involves weighing all cargo and contents, including dunnage and pallets, and adding this weight to the container's tare weight as listed on the container itself.
This method ensures an accurate declaration of a container's weight, which is crucial for safe loading and transportation on vessels. Incorrect weight declarations can lead to accidents, damage to cargo, and even loss of life.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Weigh all cargo items: Each piece of cargo that goes inside the container must be individually weighed.
- Weigh all contents: This includes any dunnage (materials used to secure cargo, like wood or inflatable bags) and pallets used in the container.
- Record the weights: Accurately record all individual weights.
- Sum the weights: Add up the weights of all cargo and contents.
- Obtain the Container Tare Weight: Find the tare weight marked on the container itself (usually on the door). The tare weight is the weight of the empty container.
- Calculate the Gross Mass: Add the total weight of the cargo and contents (from step 4) to the container's tare weight (from step 5). This sum is the Verified Gross Mass (VGM).
Formula:
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) = Cargo Weight + Contents Weight + Container Tare Weight
Important Considerations:
- Accuracy is Critical: The weights must be accurate. Weighing equipment must be calibrated and certified.
- Documentation: The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) must be documented and provided to the shipping line before the container is loaded onto the ship.
- Responsibility: The shipper is typically responsible for obtaining and documenting the VGM.
- Enforcement: Contracting governments to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are responsible for implementing and enforcing the SOLAS regulations through their national authorities. Failure to comply can result in the container not being loaded onto the ship.
In summary, SOLAS Method 2 is a straightforward way to determine a container's gross mass by weighing everything that goes into it and adding that to the container's empty weight. This method is vital for ensuring safe maritime transport.
