Deck General · Cargo Gear & SWL
The 'Safe Working Load' (SWL) marked on a cargo block or shackle is:
- AThe load at which the gear will break
- BThe weight of the gear itself
- CThe maximum load the gear may safely lift in service✓ Correct
- DThe proof-test load
Explanation
SWL (or WLL, working load limit) is the maximum permissible working load, set well below the breaking strength by a safety factor. The proof load is higher and the breaking load higher still.
Authority: Knight's Modern Seamanship; ILO/ICHCA cargo gear standards
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