Loading and securing of cargo
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 June 2013
- Generated on 22 February 2026
- IMCA SF 10/13
- 2 minute read
A Member has highlighted two recent occasions in which containers and vehicles were inappropriately loaded and transported with their contents unsecured, which resulted in unnecessary manual handling of cargo.
What happened?
Unsafe packing of containers and loading of vehicles is something that still occurs. The potential exists for injury, environmental impact or equipment damage caused by unsecured cargo and/or not loading vehicles correctly.
items loaded directly onto a trailer with no pallets (making further manual handling by yard crew necessary)
items loaded directly onto a trailer with no pallets (making further manual handling by yard crew necessary)
equipment packed into a container unsecured
Lessons learnt
The following simple suggestions may be of use to members:
- Place items being shipped in suitable containers, giving consideration to the possible cargo handling capabilities of those receiving the load (i.e. forklift availability, access, container type).
- Ensure loads are distributed in a balanced and even way.
- Place heavier items at the bottom with lighter items on top – do not place heavy cargo on top of fragile cargo.
- Use packing to prevent damage between items of cargo.
- Lash down (and wedge if necessary) cargo, to prevent movement in transit.
- Do not pack sharp items next to soft skinned drums.
- Certain chemicals and materials, when combined (possibly through transit damage), can become toxic, highly flammable or explosive – it is imperative that such materials are kept apart.
- Ensure the doors and locking mechanisms are secure with locking device attached (including secondary securing device) and, where applicable, use door safety nets.
- Ensure no loose items have been left on the roof of the Cargo Carrying Unit (CCU) or container.
- Loading of cargo should be properly planned and implemented, to facilitate the ease of unloading on arrival at the destination.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.