Foreword The proper stowage and securing of cargoes is of the utmost importance for the safety of life at sea. Improper stowage and securing of cargoes has resulted in numerous serious ship casualties and caused injury and loss of life@ not only at sea but also during loading and discharge. In order to deal with the problems and hazards arising from improper stowage and securing of certain cargoes on ships@ the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued guidelines in the form of either Assembly resolutions or circulars adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC); these are listed hereunder: ? Safe stowage and securing of cargo units and other entities in ships other than cellular containerships@ resolution A.489(XII) [see appendix 1]; ? Revised guidelines for the preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual@ MSC.1/Circ.1353 [see appendix 2]; ? Elements to be taken into account when considering the safe stowage and securing of cargo units and vehicles in ships@ resolution A.533(13)@ as amended [see appendix 3]; ? Guidelines for securing arrangements for the transport of road vehicles on ro?Cro ships@ resolution A.581(14)@ as amended [see appendix 4]; ? IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for packing of cargo transport units [see the Supplement to the IMDG Code (sales number IH210E)]; ? Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships@ resolution A.864(20) [see appendix 5]. The accelerations acting on a ship in a seaway result from a combination of longitudinal@ vertical and predominantly transverse motions. The forces created by these accelerations give rise to the majority of securing problems. The hazards arising from these forces should be dealt with by taking measures both to ensure proper stowage and securing of cargoes on board and to reduce the amplitude and frequency of ship motions. The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard to promote the safe stowage and securing of cargoes by: ? drawing the attention of shipowners and ship operators to the need to ensure that the ship is suitable for its intended purpose; ? providing advice to ensure that the ship is equipped with proper cargo securing means; ? providing general advice concerning the proper stowage and securing of cargoes to minimize the risks to the ship and personnel; ? providing specific advice on those cargoes which are known to create difficulties and hazards with regard to their stowage and securing; ?advising on actions which may be taken in heavy sea conditions; and ? advising on actions which may be taken to remedy the effects of cargo shifting. In providing such advice@ it should be borne in mind that the master is responsible for the safe conduct of the voyage and the safety of the ship@ its crew and its cargo.