The SOLAS amendment prescribes two methods of verifying the gross mass of a container. Given below is how the UK has implemented both methods.
Method 1: Using weighbridges, or lifting equipment fitted with load cells, or other approved (and calibrated) weighing equipment to determine a loaded container’s Verified Gross Mass (VGM). Calculations may be used as part of the method 1 process.
Method 1: users are required, on request by the MCA or other body, to provide both of the following:
Evidence that the weighing equipment has been supplied/maintained for the purpose of determining the VGM of a loaded container and is capable of producing a ticket (electronic record). Each ticket must include the container number, the VGM of the container, and the procedures for, and records of, any calculations which have been made. If this information is produced as an electronic record, it is essential that it is able to be produced without delay as a paper document.
Records kept of maintenance and verification (calibration) procedures, including any corrective / remedial actions taken.
method 2: involves a summation of the weight of the cargo, weight of pallets, dunnage (items used to secure the cargo etc.), and the tare weight of the container.
The UK Method 2 process was developed with the assistance of an industry working group with the aim of minimising bureaucracy whilst using shippers existing procedures. It is envisaged that the registration process provides a level playing field for all shippers. It should be noted, that the requirement to provide a gross mass has always been required by SOLAS and the change is that shippers now need to verify that they have arrived at an accurate value using either Method 1 or 2 – it is the shippers choice of which method is used.
The verified gross mass should be as accurate as reasonably practical taking into account methodology and operational variances.
The MCA will begin issuing ‘Method 2’ approvals by the next financial year (beginning 6 April 2016).
The MCA made the decision after the following new paragraphs 4 to 6 were added after the existing paragraph 3:
4 In the case of cargo carried in a container*, except for containers carried on a chassis or a trailer when such containers are driven on or off a ro-ro ship engaged in short international voyages as defined in regulation III/3, the gross mass according to paragraph 2.1 of this regulation shall be verified by the shipper, either by:
4.1. weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment; or
4.2. weighing all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be packed in the container and adding the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses, using a certified method approved by the competent authority of the State in which packing of the container was completed.
5 The shipper of a container shall ensure the verified gross mass** is stated in the shipping document. The shipping document shall be:
5.1. signed by a person duly authorized by the shipper;
5.2. submitted to the master or his representative and to the terminal representative sufficiently in advance, as required by the master or his representative, to be used in the preparation of the ship stowage plan***
6 If the shipping document, with regard to a packed container, does not provide the verified gross mass and the master or his representative and the terminal representative have not obtained the verified gross mass of the packed container, it shall not be loaded on to the ship. ______ * The term “container” should be considered as having the same meaning as defined and applied in the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, as amended, taking into account the Guidelines for the approval of offshore containers handled in open seas (MSC/Circ.860) and the Revised Recommendations on harmonized interpretation and implementation of the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, as amended (CSC.1/Circ.138/Rev.1).
** Refer to the Guidelines regarding the verified gross mass of a container carrying cargo (MSC.1/Circ.1475).
*** This document may be presented by means of EDP or EDI transmission techniques. The signature may be an electronic signature or may be replaced by the name, in capitals, of the person authorized to sign.”