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Unit Aims, Objectives and Prerequisites
C.1.2 - Container ship loading and discharging operations

1. Unit Aims

This Unit is designed:

1. To outline the four components of the ship operation , for loading and discharging.
2. To describe the principles followed when planning stowage on container ships and to explain how stowage affects the sequence of loading and discharge of containers.
3. To describe the lifting equipment used in container loading and discharging.
4. To describe the sequence of activities that make up the ship operation, for both lift-on-lift-off and roll-on-roll-off vessels.
5. To describe the work of the personnel involved in the ship operation.
6. To outline the safety procedures that must be followed in the ship operation.

2. Unit Objectives

After completing this Unit, the learner will be able to:

1. List and describe the component activities of the ship operation, for lift-on-lift-off (LoLo) and roll-on-roll-off (RoRo and StoRo) operations.
2. State and explain the major safety principles followed when planning the stowage of containers aboard ship.
3. State and explain the major operational needs taken into consideration when planning container stowage.
4. Describe in general terms the form and use of the ship operation work schedule documents, and outline the principles followed by planners when preparing them.
5. Name and distinguish between the four main types of quayside crane used for handling containers, and their ship-mounted equivalents, and describe their operation in general terms.
6. Distinguish between the five main types of spreader beam used for handling containers and describe their operation in general terms.
7. Describe the sequence of activities performed in a typical LoLo ship operation and the record-keeping requirements associated with those activities.
8. Describe the sequence of activities performed in a RoRo ship operation.
9. Describe the work activities of the personnel involved in the ship operation, both aboard ship and on the quayside.
10. List and explain the safe practices and good ‘housekeeping’ rules to be followed in the ship operation.
11. Define, recognize the best definition of, or distinguish between true and false statements concerning, the technical terms used in the Unit, as listed in sections 3 and 4 below.

3. Unit Prerequisites

It is assumed that trainees will, before starting this Unit, have completed successfully the following Units or will have demonstrated (for example by successfully completing the Tests for those Units) their understanding of the topics covered by them:

• Container terminal operations (C.1.1)
• Container construction (C.3.1)
• Container numbering and marking (C.3.2)
• Container ship construction (C.2.1)
• Container ship stowage plans (C.2.2)
• Container securing systems (C.2.3)