Glossary of Ships Cargo Handling Terms

8/3/2019 Glossary of Ships Cargo Handling Terms

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GLOSSARYOF

CARGO-HANDLINGTERMS

BY

AND

CAPTAIN A. G. COURSE, Master MarinerM.e.LT.

O.B.E., E.R.D.COLONEL R. B. ORAM

GLASGOWBROW N, SON & F ER GU SON , L TD ., N AU TI CA L P UB LI SH ER S

52 DARNLEYSTREET


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--_-- --~--~-- -~----.-.-.---~--~~--------~-------- --~------

Copyr ight in a ll Count rie s s igna to ry t o the Be rne Conven ti onAll righ ts reserved

PREFACE

First Edition 196 ISecond Edition 1974

S EVERAL difficulties have faced the authors of thisglossary. Cargo handling is, in itself, not a process thatpermits of a simple definition. Ostensibly covering themanipulation of raw materials or manufactured goods fromthe producer to the consumer, there is no rigidly definedchannel through which the average cargo can be relied uponto pass. The packaging requirements of one type of goodsmay well be determined by the pack mule transport whichconstitutes the terminal links in the chain of transportationthat connects the grower and the retailer. Modern transportfacilities may, on the other hand, make possible the transferof mammoth pieces of machinery direct from the ship to anewly built factory overseas. Aircraft freight is a line thathas developed rapidly since the Second World War, and whichis quickly acquiring its own terms. Each of the processes bywhich cargo is distributed relies on a terminology peculiar toitself.There isa record of an early cargo manifest of more than

2,000 years ago. The Greeks no doubt had a word for it astheir ancestors sailed their merchant galleys through theLevantine Archipelago. Most of the terms in use today,and which figure in the following pages, have grown up withthe industry. In few professions can the rash of scientificterminology, calculated to bemuse the layman, have hadso little impact as in that of the master stevedore. Thedocker can generally be relied upon to find a word for it;although sometimes terms used by seamen and dockersdiffer. Terms that describe day-by-day processes havegenerally come up from below-even such post-war wordsas the forklift t ruck, the mobile crane and the container aresimple, straightforward terms that convey exactly the parentfunction.A feature of the softwood business of the Surrey Com-mercial Docks, in London, during the immediate post-waryears was an influx of oil-driven vesselseach carrying a small

quantity oftimber from the Baltic. Fifty vesselseach carrying100 tons of timber present problems of berthing and cargohandling that are very different from the one vessel thathas 5,000 tons. In a moment of exasperat ion the entire fleetwas dismissed by a harassed dock official as " a collection oftoshers." The armada of cockleshells was known henceforthas "the toshers." The name was quickly accepted asdescribing a vessel in the softwood trade that carried lessthan 500 tons. In this fashion are words born into thebusiness of cargo handling.

1 974 B ROW N, SON & FERGUSON, LTD. , G LASGO W G41 2SGPrinted and Made in Great Bri tain


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A. G. COURSER. B. ORAM

Because of this inexactness of definition, this almostproprietary attitude by ports to certain words, there hasarisen the accepted variation, often encountered, in themeaning of the same word. "Stevedore" has been givenso many different meanings, even in ports in this country,that it is practicable merely to list these and to leave thecontext to determine the appropriate definition. Processes,particularly those involved in the warehousing of goods,have come and have gone and with them have disappearedthose words which had been handed down from one genera-tion to the next. Fifty years ago logwood, indigo, fancy woodsand sugar, with its by-products, held the dock stage. Todaythe terms that were then in daily use are echoes only offorgotten trades. The wealth of terminology producedthrough the middle ages, and peculiar to the wine and spirittrade, will likewise disappear if the new fashion spreads ofshipping potable liquids in glass-lined tanks.In conclusion we must take note of a peculiarity of thecargo handling argot-its often deliberate contrariety. Theceiling of a ship is the floor, the wet in a cask of rum is thedry space between the liquid and the bung, the contents isthe amount of liquid that could be inserted and what is

actually there is not the contents but the ullage, yet anullaged cask isone short ofits original contents. In the viewof some authorities this "through the looking-glass"approach to the more simple terms is deliberate-it wasoriginally intended to protect" the craft and the mystery"of those who earned their livelihood by handling cargo.Before we condemn such restrictive practices we mustremember that all mercantile history-until very recenttimes-has been marked by the measures taken to ensuresecurity. The earliest navigators-the Greeks and theCarthaginians-took excessive security measures to dis-courage other seafaring tribes even from learning their waybeyond the Pillars of Hercules. In the 15th century the mostprized possessions of Henry the Navigator were the chartsbrought back to Portugal by his captains, who had eachventured a few hundred miles farther down the west coastof Africa.It is the hope of the authors of this glossary that theirefforts may let a little light on to a subject that has remainedundocumented for too long.

FOREWORDOVER sixty more terms used in connection with cargohandling have been included in this new edition.They are mostly concerned with containerisation inships and have been kindly given to us by Captain]. F. C.Dowie, master mariner and Containership Manager ofOcean Fleets Limited, to whom we are very grateful.Definitions connected with barges as containers have alsobeen included and terms used in operations on InlandWater Transport take their place in this volume. Some termsno longer used, have been deleted. Barge Container Termsare included under Barge Containers and Ship ContainerTerms under Containers, Ship Terms.

A. G. COURSER. B. ORAM


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GLOSSARYOF

CARGO-HANDLING TERMS

Abaft A Accommodation CraftAbaft. A word used byseafarers, meaning nearer the stern, e.g. " Thecargo slings are abaft NO.3 hatch." "Abaft" cannot be used withreference to anything astern of a ship; the correct expression isthen "astern of." The words ahead or astern can refer to themovements of a ship or her engines or to the movement ofanothership, or to the direction, with reference to the ship, of a stationaryobject ahead or astern.

Absorption. A term used in air freight to denote the acceptance bythe carrier of the goods of a joint rate or charge which isless thanthat which would be received if there was no joint rate or charge.The term is contained in the International Air Transport Associa-tion's glossary of traffic terms, which has been unanimouslyadopted as the recommended practice by air traffic companies.

A-Burton. Describes the stowage in a ship's hold of casks andbarrels, etc., across the ship. The usual method ofstowage is foreand aft. For casks containing liquids the term" bung up anda-burton" describes succinctly that method of stowage. Burtontier ofbags-bags placed across the fore and aft stowage.

Accommodation Craft. There is an alternative term, "Captain'sEntry Craft"; it is the name given to a barge engaged by ashipowner to replace one ordered by the receiver of the goods andwhich failed to be alongside when the cargo was ready for dis-charge. The right of the ship to engage such craft prevents delayin the discharge ofcargo at the hold concerned.

B


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Accommodation Ladder Advance Freight "AU Licence2 Advice Note 3AccoInInodation Ladder. The ship's gangway, complete with hand

rails, when fitted alongside the ship, with the lower platform justabove water or quay level. The tup platform is fitted at the levelof one of the decks; sometimes it provides access through a doorin the ship's side. Regulations for ships' accommodation laddersare laid down in S.R. & O. 279 of 1934.

cargo, of a tramp ship operating under charter party. In caseswhere it is stipulated that a proportion of fi 'eight is to be paid inadvance on account of the ship's disbursements, this is a loan andnon-payment in the event of the loss of the ship and/or cargodoes not apply.

Advice Note. A form used in road transport which describes theconsignment carried. Usually it contains the consignor's andconsignee's names and addresses, the description and weight ofthe goods and the haulier's reference number.

AffreightInent, Contract of. This is a contract for use when ashipowner carries goods at an agreed rate of freight. When partof the ship is occupied by a merchant's goods the contract ofcarriage will take the form of Bills of Lading. In the case of thewhole ship being booked or chartered, Bills of Lading will still beused but overriding conditions of carriage will be laid down inthe Charter Party.

After-peak. An enclosed space or tank under deck and farthest aftin a ship; sometimes used as a fresh water tank, but more oftenas a water ballast tank for trimming the ship. In sailing ships theafter-peak was used as a food store under the saloon and was knownas the lazarette.

Act of God. A term used to describe an accident or damage, theresult ofnatural causes outside the possibility ofhuman preventionand for which the carrier will not take responsibility. It appliesalso to road and rail transport claims, and when used in connectionwith shipping refers to Particular Average. (q.v.)

AdIniralty Marshal 's Stop or Arrest. This is a process carriedout when a ship is held as security for a debt. A writ is securedto the fore-mast, or other prominent position on board, indicatingthat the ship is under arrest and may not leave her berth until thewrit is removed by the Admiralty Marshal. The debt may be theresult of damages awarded in an Admiralty Court (from whichthe order for the arrest comes) in connection with a collision,damage to premises or a judgment in a County Court for debt.The writ is withdrawn when the shipowner has provided aguarantee for the money owed, signed by a bank, or has providedsufficient bail. The right of arrest is based on the AdmiraltyCourts Act, 1861, and is now put in force under the JudicatureAct, 1925.

Air Waybill. Sometimes referred to as an Air Consignment Note, itis prepared by, or on behalf of, the shipper of the goods. Anumbered document is issued for each shipment and this is usuallyprepared at the same time as the Bill of Lading. On it is recordedthe name of the shipper (consignor), the receiver (consignee), theorigin of the goods and their destination, the nature of the con-tents, the declared value, total number and dimensions ofpackages,the charges, weight and routing. The conditions of carriage arealso printed on the air waybill.

Alcoholic Content. The percentage of alcohol present in a liquid.It is ascertained by means of a test made by H.M. Customs, andis the basis on which duty is determined.

Ad ValoreIn. A phrase used when goods are assessedfor charges bytheir value instead of by their weight or measurement. This isthe method applied to such valuable cargo as gold and silver coins,precious metals and stones, etc., which are normally carried inthe ship's strong-room. Freight is usually charged on a percentageofthe value. Ifno value isdeclared then the liability ofthe carriersas to value is provided for in the Bill of Lading. Import duty ongoods may also be imposed on an ad valorem basis.

Advance Freight. As a rule freight on cargo shipped under a charterparty does not become due until the goods are delivered at theirport of destination. When advance freight is paid it cannot berecovered ifthe ship and/or her cargo is lost. To offset the expenseof insurance a percentage-e-usually three per cent.-is deductedfrom the advance rate when paid. In late years advance freighthas been paid on a considerable portion, and even on the whole

"A" Licence. A public carrier's licence required by a road haulierto allow him to carry goods for hire or reward in authorisedvehicles which are required to be kept in a fit and serviceablecondition. There are certain statutory limits on the weight ofvehicles, speed and drivers' working hours. Records of times ofwork, including driving hours, must be kept.


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"A" Contract Licence 4 Always Safely Afloat American Rule 5 Angle of Repose------"A" Contract Licence. A licence which allows a road haulier tocarry goods for hire or reward on a specific contract for one firmfor a minimum period of a year.

Alleyway. A covered-in passage way on a ship, found on the upperdeck or in the accommodation below decks.

she may get, always afloat." Sometimes, however, it is agreedthat a ship shall discharge at a river berth where she takes thebottom around the lowwater period. This applies when the riverbed at the berth is known to be level and has no obstructionswhich could damage the bottom of a ship."Always safely afloat" is a clause which sometimes worries

masters of tramps. They fear that when their ship isresting againsta small bank of mud at the bottom of a quay wall, or when thefore-foot (bottom of the stem) is resting in soft mud, that they arenot then afloat, within the meaning of the term. This view isnot correct, and no harm can come to their ship. A ship is stillafloat when she is "smelling the mud" in a dock or river althoughhandling her may be more difficult without the help of tugs.c c Smelling the mud" is a phrase used when a ship's bottom isvery close to the liquified mud but not resting in it. A ship is notconsidered to be aground when she touches the soft bottom butdoes not remain in that position.

Allocation of Berth and Appropriated Berth. Many liner com-panies whose ships visit a port regularly rent a berth to whichtheir vessels, and those chartered by them, have right of access.It is most necessary for a ship that is loading to a schedule andrequires shed accommodation, where cargo can be received somedays before her own arrival, to be able to proceed immediately toa regular berth. Appropriated berths are berths on long termagreements made between dock companies or port authorities andshipping companies. An appropriated berth that is not occupiedis regarded as being available to the ships of other companies.When it occurs it is usual for the principal company to be granteda rebate in respect of the use oftheir appropriated berth by vesselsof other lines.Companies whose ships do not make use of rented or appro-

priated berths apply to the dock owners, stating their require-ments. A berth is then reserved, when this is practicable, for theexpected time of arrival (E.T.A.) of the ship. Whether she isdischarging and/or loading, her dimensions, draught, quantityand type of cargo have to be taken into account in allocatingthe berth.

American Rule. A rule used to measure the contents of Americanhardwood, in superficial feet (q.v.). It is characteristic of thismethod that it provides an agreed "give and take" result. Ifthe number of inches beyond the complete number of feet in thelength of a piece of American hardwood is sixor more the lengthis " thrown up" to the next foot for purposes of computing ~hemeasurement. Similarly, the length is" dropped down" when theodd inches make up less than six.

All Told. When the deadweight tonnage of a ship is followed in acharter party by the phrase " All Told" the total deadweight isinferred. This includes fresh water, bunkers, stores, etc., theweight of these being added to the weight of the cargo.

Amidships. This is a term, used on board ship, which has threemeanings. It can mean halfway between the stem (front) and thestern of the ship, or the middle of the breadth of a ship at anyposition in her length. It is also used with reference to the wheeland the rudder. When the latter is in the fore and aft line of theship, or is centred, the wheel and rudder is said to be amidships.When used as an adjective the first letter of the word is omittedfor instance, the middle fore and aft beam in a hatchway is calledthe" midship beam."

Allowance, Free Baggage. The weight of baggage which may becarried on account of a passenger in an aircraft, without extracharge.

Always Safely Afloat. A clause in a charter party inserted with theobject of preventing a loaded ship being sent to a port where shewould take the ground during the low water period, or whereshe would have to be lightened, by discharging part of her cargointo barges, before she could enter the port. Usually the clausestates: "The ship is to proceed to ... or so near thereto as

Angle of Repose. The angle at which the surface of a dry bulkcargo, inclined from the horizontal, will flow like a liquid, downto the low side. The angle of repose for wheat is 23 degrees, so,if a ship loaded with wheat in bulk has a free surface in the lowerholds, the grain will run to the low side when she rolls to an angleof 23 degrees or more.


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Annealing 6 Arrived Ship Average, Part icular & Gen. 7 Bale SpaceAnnealing. Cargo chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels used in

hoisting and lowering cargo are required by the various FactoriesActs to be annealed by a competent annealer at specified intervals.Those ofhalf-inch size and smaller, in general use, must be annealedat least every six months, and others at least once every twelvemonths. Annealing consists of heating metal slowly to a giventemperature and then allowing it to cool slowly. This removesinternal stresses and induces or restores resiliency and elasticity.For details of annealing requirements for cargo handling gear inU.K. ports see S.R.O. 279of [934.

Her lay-days (q.v.) count from that time. Where a dock or berthisnamed in the charter party the ship isnot considered an s c arrivedship" until she reaches that dock or berth.

Apparent Good Order and Condition . The description appliedin a Bill of Lading to goods for which the chief officer (Erst mate)has given a clean receipt. As the cases, bales or packages cannotbe opened for inspection, a receipt for their external conditiononly can be given; hence" in apparent good order and con-dition," which does, in fact, constitute a clean Bill of Lading. Ifthe Mate's Receipts are claused "case stained," "bales wet,""a number of packages short shipped" or any other damageis recorded, then the Bill of Lading made out from the Mate'sReceipt is a "claused bill." As a Bill of Lading is a documentof title and is negotiable, its value varies with the amount andcondition of the goods recorded on its face. \Vhen the amount ofthe parcel is in dispute it is usual to qualify the Bill as follows:" X packages in dispute, if on board to be delivered." The chiefofficer should not give a clean receipt for damaged goods inexchange for a letter of indemnity; nor yet should the master orhis agent do sowith reference to the Bill of Lading.

Average, Particular and General. These two terms are used withreference to damage or lossto ship and/or cargo during a voyage.Particular Average isapplied to a loss which is due to an "Act ofGod," and relates to damage caused by stranding, collision, fireand alsodamage to cargo occasioned by bad weather. The ownersof the ship or cargo bear the loss, which is usually covered byInsurance.General Average is applied to a loss attributed to an "Act of

Man." It may result from a deliberate sacrifice made of part ofthe cargo, or the ship, in order to save the whole. When this isdone the other cargo owners and/or the ship owner, are requiredto contribute towards the lossof the part.

Average Adjuster. The person responsible for the amount to bepaid by each contributor to general average. An Average State-ment is sent to everyone concerned so that a final settlement canbe effected. The necessary information for the apportionment ofliability isobtained from the master and owner ofthe ship involved.It isnot always easy to differentiate between general and particularaverage; this may be one of the duties of the Average Adjuster.

Appropriation. When a parcel is short landed the receiver is some-times invited by the shipping company to accept similar goods,landed in excess, from another parcel. Ifhe agrees to do so, theexcess goods are said to be " appropriated" against the shortageand no claim results.

Average Bond. Should there be a possibility of general averageclaims, the master will in this case require the owners of the cargo(the consignees) to sign an Average Bond before the cargo isdelivered. It is a guarantee given by each consignee, who mustalso declare the value of his goods, to pay his contribution, and isusually given on a recognised form such as "Lloyds' AverageBond." It is countersigned by the consignee'S banker or otherguarantor.

Apron. An American term for the area on the quay, between theship and the shed, that is used for working cargo. Where there isno shed this area may also be used for piling or stacking the cargo.

BBale Space. This is measurement space in a ship's hold and is

measured from the inner edges of the frames at the side of the ship,from the underneath edge of the beams at the top of the holds andfrom the ceiling at the bottom. It ismeasured in cubic feet and isused for working out the cost ofthe carriage of the goods includedin the measurement. Cargo which measures 40 cu. ft. or more perton weight is classed as measurement tonnage and its cubic capacityis divided by forty to obtain the tonnage.

Arrived Ship. A term used when a vessel under a charter partyarrives in port and her master has given notice in writing of thetime when his ship will be ready to load or discharge the cargo.


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Barge--_-----------------_ - - ------------Bananas, Carriage of 8 Barge Containers 9 Bedding Out--_--------_ --- ----

Bank, Loading. A platform at the level ofa cargo shed floor and thefloors ofroad vehicles and railway wagons. Where the level of theland transport floor and bank is not quite the same as the floors ofthe vehicles and wagons a metal plate is used for overcoming thedifference, and trucks are used for transferring the goods. Handand power trucks, belt conveyors, and, with heavy lifts , mobilecranes are used for the operat ion. Loading banks are normallybuilt at the back of cargo sheds (the opposite side from the quay),and sometimes at each end. They play an important part in thehandling of " small " goods by road transport in large towns andcities. At central depots the goods are off-loaded from collectionvehicles at one bank, re-sorted to their destination points and thenconveyed to the appropriate bays or sections from whence they areloaded on to the delivery vans from another bank. Here thefloor of the bank is the exact height of the floor of the road trans-port vehicle. Factories also have loading banks for the deliveryof their goods to road transport.

Barge Containers-(a ) Bacat. Barge aboard Catamaran. A Danish designed systern

similar in principle to Lash (q.v.) but barges can be carriedbetween the catamaran hull and on deck. A 2,500 ton dead-weight ship can carry eighteen 140-ton capacity barges, orten BACAT barges and three LASH (q.v.) barges.

(b ) Lash Sysrems Inc. A patented system comparable to con-tainers (q.v.) whereby a 400-ton capacity barge is transported,fully loaded, via Inland Waterways, and floated or hauled onboard a ship for ocean transportat ion. Arriving at the ship'sport of discharge, or as near as the depth ofwater will allow,the barge is placed afloat and transported via Inland Water-ways to the destinat ion of the cargo in it .

(c ) Containers, Seabees. A name given to ships acting as con-tainerships to carry loaded barges with S50-ton cargo capacityusing the same method as the 400-ton Lash System (q.v.).

Bananas, Carriage of. Special care must be taken in stowingbananas to prevent their ripening too quickly. They are carriedin specially ventilated bins, in ships, at a temperature of 55 degreesFahrenheit, 13 degrees Centigrade. The air in the holds must bechanged at least once a day during the voyage. Careful handling indischarge isimperative and a satisfactory and speedy method consistsin placing each stem in a canvas pocket on a mechanically drivenconveyor belt. A bunch of bananas isa stemofnine hands or over.Stems are graded under the headings sixes, sevens or eightsaccording to the number ofhands on them.

Barrel (cask). A wooden receptacle made of staves and heldtogether with hoops. Itwill contain liquid or solid merchandise.There are special names for barrels holding wine or spirits (q.v.).

Basic Pay. A sum of money agreed to be paid to transport workersfor each four-hourly period of engagement. The rate is negotiatedon a national level. There are two rates, one applying to the majorand one to the minor ports in the U.K.

Barge. A flat-bottomed, swim-headed craft usually capable ofcarrying from 100 to 200 tons of cargo-there are a few with acapacity of 360 tons on the London River-not fitted for pro-pulsion other than by large oars known as sweeps. They are towedto and from their dest inat ion. The swim-head consists of a bowalmost the same width as the rest of the barge but constructedwith an overhang inclined upwards. Barges, specially built foruse on Continental rivers and canals, carry several thousand tons.They are flat-bottomed craft with a normal ship's bow and haveliving quarters on board. There are still a few sailing bargesworking on the London River and round the coast that rely solelyon the wind for propulsion, but most ofthem have now been fittedwith motors. They are Hat-bottomed with normal bows.

Beam Scale. A "deadweight" scale with two suspended pans orplatforms; one is for iron weights and the other for the goods.At the central position on the beam from which both pans aresuspended isan upright pointer. When this isin a vertical positionthe weights are equal to that of the package being weighed. Notto be confused with a steelyard weighing machine.

Bedding Out. The process of laying out the floor of a shed so thatthe incoming cargo can be separated. Where a parcel containsseveral marks it may be convenient to keep like qualities together.On a "bedding board" placed at the pitch where the cargo isbeing landed the original marks are displayed alphabetically, andagainst each mark is placed the " bed number" into which thebag or case is to be placed by the truckman. Thus, goods sub-marked JKL, OPF and KMP (all covered by the same Bill ofLading) might be piled in bed NO.3 and so on.


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Belt Conveyor 10 .. B" Licence Blister II Blowing In and Blowing OutBelt Conveyor. See Conveyor Belt. trade of the carrier. This is usually limited to a district, class ofgoods and persons for whom the goods are carried.Bight. When referred to a rope it is a length between the ends. In

the case of a sling it is a short length of any part of it. It can alsorefer to a loop or bend in a rope.

Blister. The name given to the gunny (sacking) patch sewn on to abale of wool, after the wool, which has been removed for in-spection, has been replacecl. As this cannot be hydraulicallypressed, as are the rest of the contents of the bale, a protuberanceis formed.

Bill of Lading. A document of title which is a stanclard stampedreceipt for goods. It can be made out in favour of a namedindividual or " to order." In the latter case the title is transferredin accorclance with the terms of endorsement made on the reverseside of the Bill. The Bill of Lading is a legal document specifyingthe contract ofcarriage. In the case of air transport it specifies thetype of service of the carrier, complete pick up and delivery, orpick up only and delivery only, or airport to airport only. Billsof Lading are usually made out in sets of three, "one beingaccomplished the other two are null and void."

Blockboard. A type of plywood, made of laminated strips of timber,faced with a veneer.

Bill of Sight. See" Import of Dutiable Goods."

Block, Cargo. A piece ofgear consisting ofa grooved iron or woodensheave which revolves in an iron or wooden shell, which isstrappedor stropped for strength. A rope or wire passes through the blockand round the sheave, thus giving a roller lead to a rope or wirewhen taking an angle; a number of blocks used in conjunctionwith each other form a purchase, or tackle, which gives extrapower for lifting. All British Standard blocks for cargo workingare inscribed with the maker's name, or trade mark, the identifica-tion number and the safe working load (q.v.) in tons, as requiredby Docks Regulations, 1934. The size of the sheave is measuredon its outside diameter.

Billet. A term used for an oak log from which the sections containingthe heart wood and the sap wood-which is of the least valuedecoratively-have first been cut. The remaining sectors of thelog are then cut so as to provide, on the face of each piece, themaximum impingement of the medullary rays so that the effectof these" sliding" over the face ofthe board, or plank, isobtained.The boards or planks so cut are known as wainscot oak and are ofconsiderable value.

Block Speed. An air transport term, in which the distance betweenthe airport of departure and the airport of arrival is divided bythe total time taken.

Bin Boards. Portable boards used for dividing different consign-ments of bulk grain in granaries.

Block Transfer. When a quantity of cargo has been shut out froma loading ship because her holds are full, the shipping companymay issue a " block transfer" of that cargo to a following loadingship of the same, or of another line. The cost of transferring theshut-out cargo issaved ifthe transfer can be made to a ship loadingat the same berth. The operation is known in some ports as a" general transfer."

Bleeding Iron. A metal tool, about two feet long, with one end shapedlike a gouge. It is used for taking a sample of the contents of abag, from its centre. The gouged end isjabbed into the bag andwhen withdrawn a small amount of the contents remain in thefluted end of the bleeding iron. Known also as a sampling iron.

" B "Licence. A road carrier's licence of a limited nature. It allowshim to carry goods for hire or reward, subject to the special con-ditions imposed by the licensing authority in connection with the

Blowers. A colloquial term used to describe pneumatic suction graindischarging machines (elevators) by the corn porters engaged onthe discharge. The grain is actually caught in a powerful airstream and sucked up. It is one of many dock terms that arecontradictory.

Blowing In and Blowing Out. The starting and stopping of thesuction process in grain elevator pipes.

Blending. The operation of physically mixing different kinds of onecommodity, such as tea, sugar or spirits.


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Board Bouncing a Bouge2Board. A term used in the hardwood trade to specify cut timber more

than six feet long, six inches wide and less than two inches thick.\Vhen applied to softwood the term is generally accepted asapplying to cut timber of dimensions less than those of a deal(q.v.).

Bond. The name given to the hoisting and lowering wire on a crane.Bond. An undertaking entered into by an approved warehouse-

keeper, making him responsible for the payment to the Crown ofthe duty to which the goods in his premises are subject. There aredifferent types of bonds, according to the nature of the goodsstored. Only goods which fall within the dutiable category of thebond may be stored; thus free goods, or such goods as cannedfruit , would not be permitted by the Crown to be stored or takento account in a spirit bond.

Bond, Storage In. To store goods in a " bonded warehouse" animporter has to complete a " warehousing entry," which is lodgedat the Custom House (in London), and then instructions are givenpermitting the goods to be conveyed, in locked vans or barges,under the supervision of a Custom's Watcher. If goods are to bemoved to a bonded warehouse not at the port ofentry, the importerhas to enter into a bond for double the amount of duty payable onthe goods, the bond being cancelled on their arrival. To secure therelease of goods from a bonded warehouse for home use theimporter completes a document in the required form for thegoods and pays the duty required.

Boot. A leather cup, strapped to the operator's knee, in which abottle ofwine isrested. It isused in wine vaults and storage places.

Bouge. A cooper's term for that portion ofa wine or spirit caskwhichhas the largest circumference. The bung hole, or the shive, of thecask is found at the bouge and in the centre of the bouge stave.The word" bouge " is a French term meaning" bilge of a cask."Seamen use the English word " bilge," and, in fact, do not knowthe word bouge in this respect.

Bouncing a Bouge. This is the operat ion of replacing a damagedbouge stave without emptying the cask. I t is an expert operat iondone by a cooper and only a small amount of wine or spirit isremoved from the cask before carrying it out. As the bung hole iscut out of the bouge stave this is the part most easily damaged.

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Brass Plate Merchant 1 3 Broken Stowage---- ------ ---Brass Plate Merchant. The name given to a merchant who has nostorage facili ties for the goods he imports and who relies on theclockcompany or the port authority for warehousing space. He isthus able to buy and sell goods without the responsibility and theadded cost of having them in his personal charge.

Break-bulk Cargo. A general cargo listed in a number of Bills ofLading, each consisting of different commodities. It is so called todistinguish it from a bulk cargo.

Breaking Bulk. The act of commencing to discharge a ship's cargo.Where deck cargoes are carried breaking bulk is counted [romthe time the first set of cargo is lifted off the deck. Otherwise it isthe time oflifting the first set from the hold, after the hatch covershave been removed. The time and date of breaking bulk arerecorded by the ship's clerk. From this t ime the periods allowedfor the lodgement ofdocuments and applications [or delivery of thecargo commence. Rent on cargo stored in warehouses may alsodate [rom breaking bulk.

Breaking Out. The operat ion, usually carried out in a transi t shedor a warehouse, of removing a part of a stack or pile of goods. Itcan be applied also to the contents of a ship's hold.

Breaking Strain. The amount of pull, recorded in tons, on a rope,wire or chain which is required to break it. As a simple methodthe breaking strain ofa manilla or hemp rope can be calculated bysquaring the circumference and dividing by three. Similarly forwire with twelve wires in each strand, the circumference should besquared and the result multiplied by two. For wire with twenty-fourwires in each strand the circumference should be squared and theresult multiplied by three. Rope and wire being of differentqualities these breaking strains are approximate. Most firmsmanufacturing wires will supply a table of working and breakingstrains for their products, and these should be consulted. Forascertaining the breaking strain of chain, square the diameter, ininches, ofthe metal in the chain, and multiply by thirty.

Bridge Plate. See" Toe Board."Broken Stowage. Where packages of cargo stowed in a ship's hold

are irregular in size gaps will occur between them, causing spaceto be lost. Even when packages are regular in size obstructions inthe hold, such as stanchions, pillars, ladders or overhead beams,


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Brought-in pass 14 Bull-ropeall C3"l1Seaps in stowage. The condition so caused is known asbroken stowage.

Brought-in pass. A document issued, on request, by a dock. com-pany to a carrier, part ofwhose load isnot intended to be deliveredwithin the dock premises. Thus, a carman applying for goods ata dock may already have a part-load. The issue of a brought-inpass in respect of this excludes the part-load from .polic~ orcustom's scrutiny, to which the remainder of the load IS subject.The same process is applicable to a barge which brings in goodswhich it intends to take out again.

Bucket Elevator. A machine used for discharging grain from a ship'shold. The first type of machine to be used on bulk grain, it con-sisted of buckets fixed to an endless metal belt. The grain wasscooped out of the hold by the movement of the bucket chain andwas tipped on to a chute, down which it flowed into a barge or toa silo ashore. Egyptian cotton seed has been discharged success-fully by this method. Bucket machines have now, generally, beensuperseded by suction elevators.

Bulk. The name given to a pile ofsoftwood timber discharged froma ship and stacked on the quay, prior to the operation o~bre~ki~gdown and sorting to dimensions. A term also applied indis-criminately to a quantity ofcargo.

Bulk Cargo. A term used to describe a cargo carried in bulk, notpackaged in separate units. Coal, sugar, oil and ores are examplesof bulk cargoes.

Bulkhead. The steel wall, usually watertight, that goes across, orathwartships, of a ship, at the ends of each of the holds. It canalso refer to the grain tight steel wall that is sometimes builtlengthways, or fore and aft, along the middle of a ship. It is a.lsoused, loosely, for any wall in a ship. Partial steel c:ntre-lmebulkheads and portable steel divisions are now (1960) being fittedin cargo liners which carry grain and general cargo on differentpassages during the same voyage.

Bull-rope. A rope used generally for the horizontal movement ofcargo. To drag cargo under plumb, prior to lifting, it is oftennecessary to use a rope from the winch or crane, through a block,to give a fair lead, and this isknown as a bull-rope. Very oft:n abull-rope is merely an extension of the crane bond or the wmchrunner. See" Dragging Out."

Bunch Of IS BushelBunch Of. See" Bananas."Bunch of Fours. A piece ofgear which consists offour legs of chain,wire or rope of equal length, which are connected together at theupper end by a ring, each having a hook at the bottom end. Itis normally used for lifting a wooden tray on which cargo hasbeen placed, the four hooks being each hooked on to an eye at acorner of the tray with" points inward." The hook on the end ofthe ship's lifting gear or shore crane engages in the ring on thetop of the bunch offours.

Bung. 1\10reexactly known as a " shive," it is the wooden plug whichisfitted in the hole in the middle of the bouge stave in the centreof the cask. The liquid in the cask is siphoned or run out of thebung hole asrequired. Casks are stored bung up and bilge (bouge)free, and for this reason are stowed on parallel timber, or metalrails, known as skids. The rivets of the hoops are always placedin line with the bung. This enables the position of the bung to befound more easily, especially in the indifferent light normally to befound in vault or cellar stowages.

Burr. The name given to the" whorl" or timber wart which is anexcrescence on the trunk of the tree. It is caused by disease, butthe contortions of the texture can be cut into decorative veneers.The best known burrs come from Amboina Island in the EastIndies, and may be as much as three feet in diameter.

Burtoning. An American term which describes the working of aUnion Purchase (q.v.) for loading ordischarging cargo into or out ofship's hold. Two fixed derricks are used. One plumbs the hold aand the other the quay or the barge overside. The wires from thetwo derrick heads are shackled together sothat when a set ofcargois lifted by one derrick it can be pulled sideways until it is under-neath the other derrick and can then be lowered. In the port ofNew York the process is carried out by leading the quayside wirethrough a block at a point on the quay shed wall. The gear isthen known as a" house-fall." (q.v.).

Bushel. The standard measure for grain. One Imperial Bushel equals2,218.19 cu. in. This measure of grain, although absolute, willvary in weight; even with the same type of grain there may bedifferent weight according to whether the units are large or small,hard or soft. Moisture content will alsoaffect the weight. Although


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Butt 1 6 Camel-------~-- ----weight now forms the basis of all sales of grain,. the l~ushe~meas~restill continues. Bills ofLading and Ships' Manifests invariably givea bulk grain cargo in tons weight. It is, however, the custom in thegrain trade for orders to be given to the ship in terms of ~uarters,each of which consists of eight bushels. The order then IStrans-posed by the ship's clerk to weight, according to the type of grain,e.g., oats are 304 lb. to a quarter, barley 400 lb., rye 424 lb., ~aize480 lb. and wheat 496 lb. At one time bushels were used in thedischarge of a ship, four bushels being poured into each sack.

Butt. A wooden cask containing about I 12 gallons, equivalent to625 bottles, of sherry. The staves of the cask are he~d together byten hoops five at each end. Starting at one end of the butt and, " I b"working towards the middle, the names of the hoops are c 11m(or chime) and" square." These are set close together; then thereis a space before the "lower quarter," another space and thenh "b "follows the" quarter"; after a further space comes t e ouge.Butts when full must not be stowed more than three high-bungup and bouge free-owing to the damage that would be caused tothe lower tiers by the pressure. Butt is also the term used for thejoints of steel plates forming the side of the ship.

Butting. A term from the tobacco trade. When the base of a tobaccoleaf stem is cut (and the amount removed must not be more thanone-tenth of the total length of the leaf) the process is known asbutting. C

Cabinet Pile. A method of piling cut timber, such as flooring orstrips. To build a cabinet pile the timber is firs.tsorted t~ len~th,width and thickness; each collection of pIeces of identicaldimensions beinz kept in a separate horizontal tier, or drawer,within the pile. oWith the largest pieces at the bottom, the ~iletends to take on a pyramidical form, each separate length beingwithdrawn a few inches from the face of the pile.

Calf-dozer. A small type of bull-dozer, used in a ship's hold fortrimming bulk cargoes from the wings and the ends of the holdsto the square of the hatch.

Carrrel, The name given by corn porters to the nozzles that fit on theend of the pipes of pneumatic suction machines, and which c~meinto direct contact with the grain in the hold. Also the name gIvento a vessel used in the lifting of sunken ships in certain cases of

Canals 17 Captain' s Entry Craft------------~----salvage; the camel is filled with water when attached to thesunken ship. Later the water ispumped out so as to give buoyancyto raise the sunken vessel.

Canals, see Waterways.Can Hooks. Sometimes known as barrel hooks, they are used for

lifting casks, and consist of a chain secured to a large ring on top.On this chain are two rings, free to run in either direction alongthe chain and having a broad chiselled or chamfered hook attachedto each of them. When used for lifting, these broad ended hooks arefitted round the chimes, or ends of a cask. When the weight of thecask is taken by a crane Of winch, they tighten up and cannot bereleased until the weight is taken off. They provide a quick andsafe method ofhandling strong casks or drums, it being the normalpractice to lift a number ofcasks at a time, using several sets ofcanhooks on the one purchase.

Cantlines. The space between the upper halves of two casks orbarrels lying lengthwise next to each other in stowage. The lowerhalf of the cask stowed on top fits into the space and rests partlyon each cask underneath. This compact stowage is known asstowing the top tier of casks in the cantlines of the lower tier.

Cant Staves. The two smallest staves in the head of a cask. Theyform a chord at each end of the head. "Jumping a cant" is theoperation of fit ting a new cant stave, in place of a damaged one,without emptying the cask of its liquid contents. This is an expertjob carried out by a cooper.

Canvas Nets. Nets made of canvas and bound with manilla or sisalrope. They are used for discharging carcases of meat, baggage,mail and similar cargo difficult to sling.

Canvas Sling. An ordinary rope sling with canvas sewn between theropes, which may be a foot or more apart. One use for a canvassling is to lift live animals, the canvas being placed under theanimal's belly. Canvas slings are also used as a means of pro-tecting fine bag cargo such as pockets of granulated sugar.

Captain's Entry Craft. Barges which are obtained by the ship inan emergency, to take cargo which it was not anticipated wouldbe placed in craft. The name originated in the days when thecaptain of a ship was personally responsible for the discharge ofhis ship.

c


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Car Decks 18 Cargo Net Cargo Surveyor Cat Head9------- -----~ -----Car Decks. Additional decks which can be installed in the lower holdof a ship in order to accommodate motor vehicles, unpacked andon wheels. They may be made in the form of timber, slatted, ormetal and may vary in degrees of permanency. An open steel cardeck fitted in a bulk carrier can, it is claimed, be left in positionwhen the vessel carries her return dry cargo, i.e., ore or grain,which is largely self-trimming.

Cargo Surveyor. A qualified person, usually a master mariner, whocan give a certificate of survey in respect of the stowage of, ordamage to, cargo carried in a ship's hold. He may be required tocertify that the hatches have been properly covered and the cargoproperly stowed. On the other hand he may give his reasons fordamage to cargo, i.e. , by condensation, salt water, fresh wateror improper stowage. Survey certificates are required for recoveryunder insurance policies. They also serve as protection againstclaims made on shipowners; merchants sometimes employsurveyors for their own protection.

Carding. A term used in the tobacco trade, covering the process ofattaching addressed cards to a parcel prior to despatch. The termis also used in the wool trade for the straightening of the fibres ofthe wool and laying these out so that they are parallel. The shortfibres are drawn out on a carding machine, which consists of aseries of rollers, covered with a material resembling fine steel wirebrushes.

Cargo Tray. A piece of gear used for loading or discharging cargointo or out of ships, as well as for internal operations, in ports.Generally about 5 ft. square it ismade ofwood and isstrengthenedround its four sides with steel bands. The sides are raised a fewinches to save the cargo from falling off. An eye bolt is fitted toeach corner of a cargo tray to take the bunch of fours used forlifting. The purpose of the cargo tray is to prevent cargo, inpackages, from being crushed; care must be taken to see that thegoods are not piled too high nor the top packages too near to thesides. Wooden spreaders are sometimes used to prevent the ropeor chain of the bunch of fours crushing the top tiers of cargo onthe tray.

Carling. The name sometimes given to the fore and aft beams ofa hatchway, which serve to support the hatches. They are alsocalled "sister beams" (from" assistant beams") or " fore andafters." Carling is also a term in naval archit~cture denoting afore and aft vertical plate extending for the whole length of. ,thehatchway at the bottom of the coamings inside the hold, forconnecting the half beams. ','

Case Clamps, Cargo handling gear consisting ofmetal clamps oftensurfaced with brads, for gripping wooden cases and which operateon a chain sling. See" Dog Hooks" for the method.

Casks. The name given to barrels in which dry goods or liquids arecarried. Used extensively for wines and spirits, they are thengiven individual names such as pipes, butts, hogsheads, quarters,etc.

Cargo Battens. Long pieces of timber fitted horizontally on to thesteelframes on the inside of a ship's hull, in the holds. They are aprotection for the cargo against coming into contact with the steelconstruction of the sides of the ship, from whence it might receivedamage by sweat or friction.

Cargo Distribution Charts. Charts prepared with the object ofshowing how air cargo should be distributed within the aircraftso as to give proper balance.

Cargo Hooks. Hand hooks which are used by transport workers togive assistance in moving cargo. The hook gives a grip on thepackage that could not otherwise be obtained and in some casesprevents injury to arms and hands. Cargo hooks need to be usedwith discretion, for many types of fine goods can be seriouslydamaged by penetration by the hook. See" Hook, Dockers, andHook, Crane or Derrick."

Cargo Net. A square or octagonal rope net, the mesh of which ismade of two inch manilla rope, with a larger sized rope on theoutside. Itmeasures about 12 ft. round the sides and has an eyeon each corner so that it can be lifted with one hook. When it isconvenient to leave the net open at the top a bunch offours isusedfor lifting. It forms a quick method of discharge as there is noneed to stack the goods carefully inside the net. Only cargo thatisnot likelyto be damaged by crushing should be handled by nets.Cargo nets made ofwire are in increasing use.

Cat Head. A term originating in sailing ship days-a large fixedblock projecting from each side of the bow and used for reevingoffa tackle to liftthe anchor. The term isnow employed for a fixed

--~------------'-'---'------------------------------


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Cawood Hargreaves System 20 Chandler's Shop Chilled Meat 21 lie" Licen , : L c .crane, projecting from the upper floor of a warehouse, as used forlifting goods in or out ofa teagle opening (q.v.) on that floor.

Cawood Hargreaves System, Transport ofcoal on canals in trainsoperated by Cawood Hargreaves Limited. These trains consist ofup to four rfio-ton capacity box-shaped barges, pushed fromastern as a single unit by a tug attached to the last barge in thetrain. Each barge can be lifted out of the water at a power stationand emptied into a hopper. This system gives an improved utilisa-tion of the tug and is more economic than other towing methods.

Ceiling. The floor of a barge or the wooden floor on the bottom ofa ship's hold.

Centre of Buoyancy. The point at the centre of the under water areaof a ship which varies as the ship rises or sinks in the water. Itis the point through which the total force ofbuoyancy acts verticall yupwards.

Centre of Gravity. The centre of the weight of a ship and all thatshe contains. It isthe point through which the whole of the weightacts vertically downwards.

Chafing. A rubbing together of two bodies which is sometimes thecause of damage in the hold ofa ship. Bags or bales or other piecesofcargo may chafe against the steel construction ofthe hold duringthe rolling and pitching of the ship in bad weather. To reduce orobviate the damage the cargo should be protected by dunnage orhessian placed on or round the steelwork. Chafing can also bereduced by correct chocking-off of the cargo when it is stowed.Ropes or wires used in the discharge ofcargo are frequently chafedby rubbing against the coamings (q.v.).

Chain Sling. A length of chain with a hook at one end and a ring atthe other. It is commonly used for discharging steel rods, rails orgirders and, in some cases, heavy timbers, particularly when theseare long and have to come out of the hatchway tilted so as toreduce the effective length. In use a round turn is taken aroundthe set and the hook hooked on to the standing part of the chain.To give the tilt it is slung some way from the centre. To preventthe sling from slipping and to protect the cargo, pieces of dunnagewood are inserted between the sling and the set.

Chandler's Shop. A colloquial term to describe the cargo of a shipwith a large number of small Billsof Lading.

Chilled Meat. Meat which is stowed in pre-cooled chaml r.." ""inga temperature of 22 degrees Fahrenheit, -4cI,>greesCer tigT'"lr-.At sea it iscarried at 29 degrees. The carcases all' hung eacl. . )hook, within the insulated chamber and carbon dioxide is inu .duced into the holds in limited amounts. The air in lh,~chamber i,changed by fans 20 to 25 times an hour. There islittle destruction ofthe cellular tissues of the meat when it is carried at 29 degreesFahrenheit, 2 degrees Centigrade, and it can be subsequentlyexposed in shops for longer than ispossible for frozen meat. At about35 degrees Fahrenheit, 2 degrees Centigrade, the meat will keepfor several weeks, as the activity of the bacteria, which causesdecomposition, is arrested at this temperature.

ChiInb or Chil lle. The circumference of a cask or barrel at itsextreme end. The cask staves protrude for a short distance beyondeach head of a cask and are strengthened at their extreme endswith metal hoops made ofa soft alloy containing lead.

Chock-a-block. A term in common use to denote that a cargo holdor compartment is completely full and that nothing further canbe stowed in there.

Chocking-Off. The process of fixing pieces of dunnage or mats inbetween packages of cargo, or between cargo and cargo battens,or cargo and bulkheads as well as under overhead beams in orderto prevent the cargo from shifting in the hold.

Circular Net Board. A landing board for cargo in the form of acircular wooden platform about six feet in diameter. This formsthe base and rope nets are attached vertically so as to form aprotective skirt when the cargo is lifted.

Clarifying. An operation for clearing foreign bodies from winewhich is passed through a gravity filter before being bottled-anelectric power filter may also be used. The filter is made ofspecially prepared paper or it may take the form ofchambers filledwith asbestospulp. The filtermedia ismade to grade tosuit differenttypes of wines. Some wine experts consider that wine filtering istoo drastic a process and advocate leaving the wine completelyrested for several weeks prior to bottling.

" C "Licence. A licence held by a private carrier allowing him tocarry goods by road in connection with his trade, but not forhire or reward.


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Clip Hooks 22 Collection Waybill Colorado Claro 23 ConsigneeClip Hooks. Flat hooks which generally lie together in oppositedirections, in pairs, and which ensure a safe hold on to the ring onwhich they hook. Sometimes they are secured at the top with awire seizing which makes it impossible for them to open when theweight on them is eased up.

Colorado Claro. The name given to the colour of a medium browncigar.

Colorado Madura. The name given to the colour of a deep browncigar.

Closing Date. The last date fixed for the reception of export cargoat the shed where the ship is to load. Usually the closing day isafew days before the date ofsailing.

Colouring. A process employed when light coloured spmts arerequired to take ona darker hue; they are coloured bythe additionof a soluble substance, such as caramel or burnt sugar. Subjectto a slight loss of proof (q.v.), this is the method used to darkenrum.Coanrings. Built up steel plates around a ship's hatchways. Their

purpose is to provide protection against water entering the holdfrom the surrounding deck; they alsoact asa protection toworkers.The height of the coamings on the weather deck is specified byDocks Regulations (S.R. & O. 279 of 1934). The object is toprevent workers from falling into the hold.

Con. An abbreviation for a " contingency allowance" -an additionalpayment made to a transport worker who is required to carry outa duty calling for skill considered to be in excessof that which theemployer has a reasonable right to demand; examples are,driving a crane or a mechanical truck, rafting timber, weighinggo~ds, measuring and many other like duties. The con is usuallypaid, at an agreed rate, for a full working period. The practiceoriginated in recognition of a contingency arising in which the~orker was expected to do a job beyond the level then obtaining.SIxty years ago a con of threepence was paid for writing cards, incopperplate, for attachment to bales ofwool lotted for public salein the docks of London. Many cons, although their retention isjealously guarded, now rank as anachronisms.

Coffeedam, A space between four walls or bulkheads in a ship, thepurpose of which is to retain the water that may leak throughone of them. They are to be found, for example, where a door inthe side of a ship, at shelter or tween deck level, is used forloading or discharging a cargo. To ensure that water does notleak through during bad weather at sea another watertight door,about six feet inboard, is constructed with side walls between thetwo doors. When the doors are closed this forms a cofferdam,which will prevent water from entering the hold.

Collection Order. An order issued by a road transport operatorrequesting the supplier of the goods to deliver them to the driveras stated on the order.

Condensation. The moisture which forms on steel surfaces in carzoholds; it is more often called" sweat." It occurs when cool :irfails to hold as much water vapour in suspension as it had donewhen ~arm. A cold sea will cool the structure of a ship, causinga drop Inthe temperature of the hold. Condensation results whenthis occurs suddenly. Condensation can be reduced or preventedby the correct trimming ofdeck ventilators which pass air into theholds. It is increased when air is restricted from entering theholds, especially when heavy seas break on board and ventilatorshave to be closed. The bad weather ofthe south-west monsoon in theIndian Ocean is,forinstance, conducive to condensation. Mechani-cal methods of dehumidification .and ventilation, operatingautomatically, are now available for the prevention of conden-sation in holds.

Coffin. A colloquial word applied to the rectangular cargo spacebetween the two tunnels, which enclose the propellor shafts, atthe bottom of the after holds of a twin-screw ship having herengines forward of these holds. Owing to its boxlike shape it isparticularly suitable for bulk cargo or for parcels that wouldrequire chocking-off in open stowage.

Collection Waybill. A copy of the collection orders which is keptin the traffic office of a road transport operator, recording thecollections made by each driver for a given day. In unloading atthe depot the quantity and condition of the goods can be checkedagainst the collection waybills.

Consignee. A merchant to whom goods are sent or conveyed. Theperson to whom cargo is consigned on the Bill of Lading.


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Clip Hooks 22 Collection Waybil lClip Hooks. Flat hooks which generally lie together in oppositedirections, in pairs, and which ensure a safehold on to the ring onwhich they hook. Sometimes they are secured at the top with awire seizing which makes it impossible for them to open when theweight on them is eased up.

Closing Date. The last date fixed for the reception of export cargoat the shed where the ship is to load. Usually the closing day isafew days before the date of sailing.

Coamdng s, Built up steel plates around a ship's hatchways. Theirpurpose is to provide protection against water entering the holdfrom the surrounding deck; they alsoact asa protection toworkers.The height of the coamings on the weather deck is specified byDocks Regulations (S.R. & O. 279 of 1934). The object is toprevent workers from falling into the hold.

Cofferdam, A space between four walls or bulkheads in a ship, thepurpose of which is to retain the water that may leak throughone of them. They are to be found, for example, where a door inthe side of a ship, at shelter or tween deck level, is used forloading or discharging a cargo. To ensure that water does notleak through during bad weather at sea another watertight door,about six feet inboard, is constructed with side walls between thetwo doors. When the doors are closed this forms a cofferdam,which will prevent water from entering the hold.

Coffin. A colloquial word applied to the rectangular cargo spacebetween the two tunnels, which enclose the propellor shafts, atthe bottom of the after holds of a twin-screw :ship having herengines forward of these holds. Owing to its boxlike shape it isparticularly suitable for bulk cargo or for parcels that wouldrequire chocking-off in open stowage.

Collection Order. An order issued by a road transport operatorrequesting the supplier of the goods to deliver them to the driveras stated on the order.

Collection Waybill. A copy of the collection orders which is keptin the traffic office of a road transport operator, recording thecollections made by each driver for a given day. In unloading atthe depot the quantity and condition of the goods can be checkedagainst the collection waybills.

Colorado Claro 23 ConsigneeColorado Claro. The name given to the colour of a medium brovcigar.Colorado Madura. The name given to the colour of a deep browncigar.Colouring. A process employed when light coloured spirits arerequired totake ona darker hue; they are coloured by the additionof a soluble substance, such as caramel or burnt sugar. Subjectto a slight lossof proof (q.v.), this is the method used to darkenrum.

Con. An abbreviation for a " contingency allowance" -an additionalpayment made to a transport worker who is required to carry outa duty calling for skill considered to be in excess ofthat which theemployer has a reasonable right to demand; examples are,driving a crane or a mechanical truck, rafting timber, weighinggoods, measuring and many other like duties. The con is usuallypaid, at an agreed rate, for a full working period. The practiceoriginated in recognition of a contingency arising in which the~orker was expected to do a job beyond the level then obtaining.SIxty years ago a con of threepence was paid for writing cards, incopperplate, for attachment to bales of wool lotted for public salein the docks of London. Many cons, although their retention isjealously guarded, now rank as anachronisms.

Condensa~io~. The moisture which forms on steel surfaces in cargoholds; It ISmore often called" sweat." It occurs when cool airfails to hold as much water vapour in suspension as it had donewhen ~arm. A cold sea will cool the structure of a ship, causinga drop IIIthe temperature of the hold. Condensation results whenthis occurs suddenly. Condensation can be reduced or preventedby the correct trimming ofdeck ventilators which pass air into theholds. I t is increased when air is restricted from entering theholds, especially when heavy seas break on board and ventilatorshave to be closed. The bad weather ofthe south-west monsoon in theIndian Ocean is,forinstance, conducive to condensation. Mechani-cal methods of dehumidification arid ventilation, operatingautomatically, are now available for the prevention of conden-sation in holds.

Consignee. A merchant to whom goods are sent or conveyed. Theperson to whom cargo is consigned on the Bill ofLading.


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Consignor ---- 24 Container, Cathedral Arch Container, Dble . Male Fit .------------------------------~ontainer, Cells 25Consignor. A merchant who sends goods to a receiver. The person

consigning the cargo on the Bill of Lading.Consignment Note. A document connected with rail and roadtransport which gives detailed instructions, governing each con-signment, from the consignor to the carrier. It can refer to oneor to several consignments and may be sent to the carrier inadvance or handed to him when the goods are collected. Itstates the name of the consignor and place of collection, the nameand address of the consignee and place of delivery, the number ofpackages, the description ofgoods and their gross weight, whethercarriage paid or carriage forward and the price of the goods ifthe carrier is to collect C.O.D. The note alsodefines the conditionsof carriage of the goods.

Consolidated Rate. A charge made by a public warehousekeeper atso much per ton for comprehensive services. These may includelanding goods from craft or receiving goods from ship, or lighterageto a receiving department, weighing, sorting, sampling, measuring,piling, supplying landing or measurement accounts and warrants,somany weeks' free rent, re-weighing at delivery and delivery. Itsoperation enables the receiver to make use of the period of freerent to dispose of the goods.

Containership Terms.Container, Bay-Row-Tier. Co-ordinates within a cellular con-

tainership. A bay is an athwartship section of the ship, onecontainer in length. A row is a longitudinal section of the ship,one container wide. A tier is a vertical section of the ship, onecontainer deep. Thus the position of a container within the shipis shown; 21-07-08, i .e. Bay 21, Row 07, Tier 08.

Container, Bedstead. A flat framework with 1.S.0. (q.v.) cornercastings. Can be used to split up the total weight that could beexerted on the bottom containers when stacked nine high.

Container, Cathedral Arch. The joining together of the top of twoadjacent guidance bars in the shape similar to a church window.This provides gather (q.v.) or centring effect for containers (q.v.)entering the guidance system. It can only be done where cells(q.v.) are sufficiently apart in an athwartship direction to enableenough gather (q.v.) to be obtained. Ifsay six-inch gather (q.v.)is required, then the cells (q.v.) must be at least twelve inchesapart.

Container, Cells. The guidance system enabling the containers (q.v.)to drop in a vertical line in the ship consisting ofone complete tierof containers (q.v.) stacked one on top of the other.

Container, C.F.S. Container Freight Station.Container, Clip on Units. Portable refrigeration units for attach-ment to insulated containers (q.v.).

Container, Crab or Trolley. That part of the crane which carriesthe sheaves leading to the falls and which cross travels (q.v.) alongthe bridge of the crane.

Container, Cross Travel. The motion of the crab or trolley (q.v.)across the bridge of the crane, i.e., at right angles to the longtravel (q.v.).

Container, C.W.E. (Customs). Cleared without examination.C.Y. Container Yard.

Container, Cycle. The complete evolution ofa specific operation oran interval of time during which some regular and recurring eventtakes place. Thus the cycle of the wharf crane is its completeoperation loading two containers (q.v.) into the vessel, movinginto another cell (q.v.) to pick up two containers (q.v.) for dis-charge, and returning to exactly the same point from which itcommenced the operation. The. cycle of the internal transfersystem is the time taken for one vehicle to complete an operationand return to the point from which it started.

Container, Depot. Area to which L.c.L. (q.v.) containers (q.v.)are taken to be packed or unpacked. (Australia; U.K. Con-tainerbase).

Container, Depot Terminal. Area in which containers (q.v.) areboth packed and unpacked and also stacked for handling to andfrom the vessel.

Container, Double Male Fitting. The locking device which fitsinto the top corner fitting of one container (g.v.) and the bottomcorner fitting of another stacked on top of the first one, enablingthe two to be locked together and to be locked to adjacent contain-ers (q.v.) in the stack.

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Container, Dual Exchange 26 Container, Gaps Between Container, Gather 27 Container, PontoonsContainer, Dual Exchange. The discharge and loading of a vesselconcurrently, i.e., when the crane moves into the ship it carries acontainer (q.v.) to be loaded; when it comes back it carries acontainer (q.v.) to be discharged-all in one cycle (q.v.).

Container, Gather. Half the centring effect produced by any deviceto assist containers to be handled. That is, half the total off-linemeasurement of two Flippers (q.v.) or Flip-flops (q.v.) or twoCathedral Arches (q.v.).

Container, E.C.F. Export Cargo Form.Container, F.C.L. Full Container Load, consigned to one consignee.

A container (q.v.) that is full ofcargo for one particular unpackingwarehouse. Normally this would be from one shipper.

Container, Feeder Service. The use of a secondary and ~robablysmaller vessel to provide a short leg of an overall voyage m orderto reduce the number of calls necessary for the main line ship.

Container Flat Rack. Container (q.v.) bed frame without sides orends. Used to carryover height and over width uncontainerablecargo such as tractors, cable reels, heavy lifts, etc. The cargo andthe flat racks are often loaded separately, the cargo then beingsecured by lashings or timber as in conventional ships.

Container, Flip-Flops. Wedged shaped pieces of metal set at theends oftwo adjacent cells (q.v.) in an athwartships direction. Wherethe cells (q.v.) are too close to enable the guidance system to beflared out to assist in the entry of containers (q.v.), flip-flops arefitted. They are positioned at an angle approximately fortydegrees from the vertical to provide gather (q.v.) for the con-tainer (q.v.) entry into the adjacent cell (q.v.).

Container, Flippers. Curved or angled springs or b~rs of steelextending down from the spreaders (q.v.) at an angle m order. toprovide the spreader with sweep or gather (q.v.) when beinglowered over the container (q.v.) enabling the spreader to centreitself.

Container, Groupage. A container (q.v.) which has been loadedby a Forwarding Agent or depot may contain a number of smallconsignments (or L.C.L.'s) (q.v.). The contents are referred to asGroupage.

Container, I.C.F. Import Cargo Form.Container, I.M.V. Internal Movements Vehicle. Tug andtrailer for transferring containers (q.v.) from Maritime Terminalto Stocking area. Not licensed to operate on public highways.

Container, Interface. Point at which two systems meet, i.e., roadtransport and terminal-terminal and ship.

Container, Pontoons. Large sections of hatch cover.

Container, I.S.O. International Standards Office.Container, Long Travel. Movement of a crane along its own rails.Container, Marititne Tertninal. Freightliner (q.v.) Terminusinside Customs area of port container (q.v.) terminal.

Container, L.C.L. Less than Container Load-a container (~v.)with cargo frommore than one shipper tomore than one consignee.

Container, Overheight, Overwidth. Expressed in centimetresindicates the amount by which the cargo in an open top or flat-rack (q.v.) exceeds the normal dimensions of a container (q.v.).This information is required for stowage purposes and for terminalhandling.

Container, Freightliner. All-container (q.v.) express railway ser-vice between Containerbases and Ports.

Container, Packing Bays. The space allocated in a depot for thepacking ofa container (q.v.) to be packed or unpacked.

Container, GapsBetween Containers. The gaps between contain-ers (q.v.) in a fore and aft direction is that gap which lies betweentwo containers (q.v.) stowed in the ship end to end, fore and aft.The athwartship gap is that gap which lies between two con-tainers (q.v.) stowed in the ship side by side or in a transverseposition across the ship.

Container, Packing Certificate. For dangerous goods. Certifiesthat goods are packed according to D.T.I. (Department of Tradeand Industry) requirements. Accompanies the container (q.v.)from shipper to consignee and should be sighted at every interface(q.v.).


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Container, Portainer 28 Container, Spreader~-~-------~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~-Container, Portainer. Trade name given by Pacific Coast Engin-eering Company to the crane which works the ship.

Container, P.T.I. Pre Trip Inspection of refrigerated or otherspecialised containers (q.v.) to ensure their satisfactory functioningor condition.

Container, Reefer Slot. (In certain containerships). A stowageposition on deck which, by reason of its proximity to a junctionbox, is suitable for a refrigerated container (q.v.). From such aposition the electric cable will reach the junction box and elec-tricity can be supplied to run the refrigerating unit.

Container, Rotating Crab. A crab (q.v.) or trolley (q.v.) which hasthe ability to turn the load in a horizontal plane.

Container, Row. See under Bay, Row, Tier.Container, Seapallet. A container (q.v.) with wire mesh or otheropen design, sides and ends. It may have collapsible sides andends.

Container, Side Loader. A vehicle somewhat similar in operationto a fork-lift truck (q.v.) but one in which the tines or mastlifting attachment moves out in a transverse direction from the sideof the vehicle. The load is then pulled back and placed on theflat traybody of the vehicle for transport.

Container, Skeletal Trailer. A trailer constructed specifically forthe safe carriage of I.S.O. (q.v.) containers.

Container, Standardised. Standard Size Containers now in use inEurope are as follows:

20 foot-20 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.40 foct=-qo ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.-6 in.

Container, Soft Top Container. Container (q.v.) with a remove-able waterproof" tilt" or roof. Also known as a Top-Loader orOpen Top.

Container, Spreader. The device used for lifting containers (q.v.)from the top. This is the same size in plan area as the container(q.v.) and as the guidance system it has to fit. It carries on it thereeling drum for electric controls, power pack for operating therams which can vary the distance apart that the two spreaders lie.

Container, S.P.C. Container, Twist Lock9------------~~-- .---------~~~~~-It also carries the sheaves for the falls,and the equaliser bars. Italso carries the four twist locks (q.v.).

Container, S.P.C. Stowage Planning Centre.Container, Straddle Carrier. A four-wheeled transporting vehiclewhich straddles the load. The load can be picked up or set downby hydraulically or mechanically operated mechanism incorpor-ated in the engine which is placed above the load. A straddlecarrier can go over the top of a container (q.v.) to pick it up andtransport it. It can be of such a size as to be able to transport asingle container (q.v.), or be ofa sufficientheight to transport andstack them three high. And be of sufficient width to travel overthe top of a vehicle and move the container (q.v.) transferring itsideways and landing it on another vehicle or the ground.

Container, T.E.Q. or T.E.V. "Twenty foot equivalent". Inreferring to the size of containerships, or allocation of cargo spacein a containership, it is the practice to quote numbers of con-tainers (q.v.) in T.E.Q.'s, that is, 8 x 20 and 7 x 40 equal to8+ I4=22 T.E.Q. (or T.E.U.). Similarly, a ship is somet imesreferred to as 1500 T.E.Q.-a more informative measure of sizethan 27,000 gross tons. This system is only appropriate to thoseships built for the trades where the container (q.v.) standard isbased on the 20 feet module, it is obviously not applicable to the35 feet module trades.

Container, Ter-mfnaf, The area where containers (q.v.) are stackedready to be loaded into the vessel; or are stacked immediatelyafter discharge from the vessel.

Container, Tier. See under Bay, Row, Tier.Container, Twin Dual Exchange. The discharging and loadingoftwo containers (q.v.) each way, each time.

Container, Twin Lift. The lifting of two containers (q.v.).Container, Twist Lock. A device for locking spreader (q.v.) tocontainer (q.v.); container to hatch cover or container to con-tainer on deck. It connects to corner casting of container and islocked hydraulically on spreaders (q.v.) or by hand on deck. SeeDouble Male Fitting.


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Container 30 Container, InsulatedCo~tainer. An aluminium or other metal unit for carrying cargo. It

IS generally fitted with lugs or brackets at each corner for hookingon heavy wires for lifting for easy transference from one form oftransport to another. It can take the form of a case, crate or tankand i.sspecially constructed for "door-to-door" carriage, whichmay mclude transport by road, rail, sea or even air. It is usuallyfilled with one merchant or owner's goods. Furniture removalvans, without wheels, are often fitted as containers and were infact, a very early form of container. The word in the U.S.A.indicates a cardboard carton. There a container is a van or box.

Containerisation. The process of stowing and carrying cargo incontainers. The stowing may be done at the shipper's depot or atthe ship's side, depending on the extent and nature of the cargo.Carrying of the cargo or the time that it is containerised dependson the continuance, during the various stages of transportation,offacilities suitable for handling the container. Thus goods shippedin containers that weigh several tons may have to be taken fromthe parent container if the journey from the port lies amongprimitive conditions, i.e., pack mule or manual porterage.

Container, Collapsible. A container that is built of parts and canbe easily dissembled after the contents have been removed. Sometypes are collapsed by concertina action. This type of containerhas the advantage that litt le space is occupied when returningcontainers empty.

Container, Demountable. A type ofcontainer that can be detachedfrom a transporting unit by hydraulically operated legs, placed ateach corner.

Container, Expendable. A container of a temporary nature, usedfor a singlejourney only. A wooden case, built around a " knocked-down" motor car, and for which no use beyond the port ofdischarge is intended, would be regarded as an expendable con-tainer, as would specially constructed cartons of a valueinsufficient for return and re-use.

Container, Insulated. A container having an insulated interior,used for the carriage of meat and dairy produce, etc. It may alsotake the form of a specially constructed rail wagon that can besteam-heated for the carriage ofbananas during the winter months.

Container, Refrigerated-------- 3 1 Crate for CargoContainer, Refrigerated. A container with an insulated interiorin which the temperature can be reduced so that conditions aresuitable for the carriage of chilled or frozen meat.

Container, Special Type. These are containers that are designedto carry liquids, chemicals or homogeneous goods, which may beloaded or discharged by gravity or by compressed air. The numberand variety of these containers is increasing owing to the timesaved by this method of transport.

Contents. The capacity of a cask, expressed III gallons and tenthsof a gallon.

Controlling Hold. This is the hold-usually the largest--which willtake the longest time to load or to discharge. This governs thetime taken to complete cargo operations and may affect theturnround time of the ship in port. To complete the cargo workat all holds at about the same time it may be necessary to employmore gangs or to work overtime at the controlling hold.

Cooper. A craftsman who makes, repairs and maintains woodencasks or barrels, both for the carriage ofliquids or dry merchandise,such as wines, spirits or tobacco. Coopering is the practice ofmaking and repairing casks.

Conveyor Belt. A power driven belt for the continuous movementof cargo. Bananas are usually discharged from ship to quay byconveyor belt, so are chests of tea and similar cased goods. Con-veyors are being used increasingly for the mechanised movementof cargo.

Corn. A term for grain, seldom used to-day, other than in suchterms as Corn Exchange and Corn Porter (q.v.). It is sometimesapplied to maize.

Corn Porter. A transport worker employed in the discharge ofbulkgrain cargoes. The names of qualified corn porters are recordedon a separate register of the National Dock Labour Board.

Cotchel. A part ofa documented quantity ofcargo, usually less thanhalf the amount.

Crate for Cargo. A temporary package constructed around valuableor vulnerable cargo in order to protect it from damage, as ~ thecase of sanitary earthenware or cast iron products, or to make


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Crate, Motor Car 32 Cutting Outpossible the economical stowage of such inconveniently shapedunits as motor cars, aeroplane propellers, etc.

Crate, Motor Car. This may take the form oftimber in slats, tubularscaffolding or a combination of tubes and channel bars, etc. Thecommon objects of a crate are to protect the enclosed car and tomake possible the tier piling within the vessel'shold ofthe resultantrectangular shapes (as compared with the impossibly vulnerableform of an unprotected car).Motor car crates may be expendable, or collapsible and

returnable.Cubic Foot. A term of measurement applied usually to the contentsof timber. A cubic foot contains 12 super feet, i.e., it is a quantityequivalent to 12 in. X 12 in. X 12 in.

Curl. Hardwood trees, particularly mahogany grown in Cuba orWest Africa, sometimes have twin roots which persist aboveground level. The excessive contortions in the texture whichresult from this give a decorative effect often providing a perfectmatch in the veneers cut from them. Curl is the name given tothe section of the fork up to the joint, where it becomes a singlestem. It is usually cut at this point. Curls have a greater valuethan plain timber.

CUStOlDSEntry. A form completed by or on account ofthe importeror exporter of a parcel of goods for H.M. Customs. It gives detailsofthe goods imported or to be shipped, their weight and value, etc.

Cusforrrs Rule. A system of measuring timber by means of a sliderule. The length of the piece is taken to the lower quarter-foot,the width to the lower quarter-inch and the thickness to the lowereighth-inch. In each casethis islessthan the displacement measure-ment. The resulting calculation of the contents, in cubic feet, orsuper feet, is therefore always slightly less than the true measure-ment; this provides a working margin when the timber comes tobe made up into the finished article. The rule was originallyemployed by Customs officerswhen timber was first made dutiable,during the rqth century.

Cutting Out. The process of removing a selected log or logs froma raft of floated logs. After the log, or logs, required have beenfloated away from the raft, it is closed up again.

Cutting and Starting 33 Deal PortersCutting and Starting. The operation of slitting open the mouth ofa bag of cargo and emptying the contents. The process is oftenemployed when bags of grain have been stowed on top of a bulkcargo for the purpose of providing a " stifTening" to the cargo.The contents of the bags can be cut and started into the bulk iftheyform part of the main parcel. Where mechanical means are notavailable for loading bulk sugar the cargo isoften brought alongsidein bags, which are cut and started into the ship's hold.

DDanger Money. Payment made to transport workers on account ofthe dangerous nature of the cargo, usually at so much per ton. Itis automatically demanded for handling ammunition or explosives.

Dangerous Cargo. Cargo which on account of its nature cannot bestowed in general cargo space nor handled at the same time asinnocuous cargo. Normally it consists of ammunition and certainchemicals. The former isstowed in specially constructed magazineson board. Dangerous cargo is not normally permitted within anenclosed dock, but is loaded and discharged overside either in theestuary or at sea. See" Hazardous Cargo."

Daywork. The description of transport work performed on a non-piecework or bonus basis, i.e., payment is made by the hourirrespective of output.

Dead Hours. A term used in cargo working indicating the numberof hours added to a gang's piecework bill at the finish of a job inorder to complete the minimum period of engagement, which isfour hours. "Dead hours of the night" isan old term for overtimeworking between three and six o'clock in the morning.

Deadweight Cargo. The description given to cargo which ismeasuredby weight avoirdupois, in contrast to measurement by dimensions.Heavy cargoes such as coal, ore, etc., are described as deadweightand freight is paid on the weight in tons. Cargo which measuresless than 40 cu. ft . to a ton weight (2,240 lb.) is deadweight cargo.

Deadweight Tonnage. The number of tons (2,240 lb. to a ton) ofcargo, stores, bunkers, fresh water, passengers and crew on boarda ship, when loaded down to her load (Plimsoll) line.

Deal Porters. Transport workers who handle softwood in the formofdeals, planks and boards, on the quay and in storage sheds.

D


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Deals Demand Pass4Deals. Cut softwood, three inches thick, six or more inches wieleand

more than six feet long.Deck Cargo. This isnot only cargo stored in the open on deck, but

also in any enclosed space which is not included in the measure-ment of the gross or net registered tonnage. H.M. Customsofficers measure up the cubic capacity of all deck cargo when aship arrives in port; they give the measurement to the dockcompany, who add it to the net registered tonnage for the purposeof charging dues. Some classes of dangerous or hazardous cargomust, by regulations, be carried in the open on deck and anygoods so carried, whether dangerous or not, are conveyed atshipper's risk. In spite ofthis the onus ison the shipowner and theshipmaster to see that the goods are properly stowed and secured.Timber deck cargoes are carried under regulations made inSection 6Iof the Merchant Shipping Act (Safety and Load LineConventions). The timber is carried on uncovered decks to aspecific height and must be stowed and lashed according toregulations.

Deck Head. The underneath of a deck.Deep Tanks. Tanks which usually extend from the tween decks to

the bottom of the hold. They are used for containing ballast wateror for the carriage of oil (usually vegetable) as cargo; they areoccasionally used for carrying dry cargo.

Delivery Order. An order made out by the owner of goods storedin a warehouse, which authorises the delivery of the goods to aperson named on the order.

Delivery Waybill. A road transport term; copies of the receiptnotes are retained in the traffic office of the cartage company,and they record the deliveries made by each driver.

DelD.and Pass. When the conveyor of goods from a ship is unableto get the pass duly signed by the responsible person at the shipor shed, owing to a dispute involving. either the quantity or con-dition of the goods, then he may demand a pass to enable him totake the goods out ofthe dock. The dockmaster or other qualifiedperson may sign the pass, on condition that he is indemnifiedagainst any claim that may arise in respect of the goods. InLondon the practice ofissuing demand passesis normally confinedto barge traffic; it iscaused generally by the lighterman challengingthe tally of the goods delivered to his barge.

Demurrage 35 DividingDernur rage. A charge made by the owners of a ship, a barge or arailway wagon for each period that it is retained beyond theallocated time for unloading or loading.

Dennison. A portable steelyard machine used for overhead weighing;generally employed at the landing and measuring of hardwoodlogs.

Der-r-ick, A wooden or steel spar or boom, connected to the lower endof a ship's mast, or the deck or a platform above deck level at themast, and used in the loading or discharge of cargo into or froma hatchway. It is supported by a topping lift to the masthead,controlled by guys on either side and is free to move laterally atthe lower end, or heel, by the operation ofa " goose-neck" fitment.

Differential AlD.ount. A payment to a transport worker for theexercise of superior skill. This is distinct from a contingencypaym

Glossary of Ships Cargo Handling Terms

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