Deck General · Cargo Handling & Securing

When securing general cargo with lashings, the primary purpose of dunnage placed between the cargo and the ship's structure is to:

Explanation

Dunnage (typically timber, matting, or airbags) serves multiple functions: it lifts cargo off the tank top to allow ventilation and drainage, protects cargo from sweat and bilge water, prevents chafing against metal structure, and helps distribute point loads. It is a fundamental breakbulk cargo seamanship practice.

Authority: 46 CFR

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