The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention is an international maritime treaty established to ensure that ships comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment, and operation. One of the key amendments to SOLAS that affects the shipping industry is the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement, which came into effect on July 1, 2016.
Key Points of SOLAS VGM
Requirement:
Shippers must provide the VGM of a container before it is loaded onto a ship. This information is crucial for stowage planning and ensuring that the ship is not overloaded or improperly balanced.
Methods for Obtaining VGM:
Method 1 – Weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment.
Method 2 – Weighing all cargo items and packaging materials separately and adding these weights to the tare weight of the container.
Documentation:
The VGM must be documented and communicated to the shipping line and terminal operator. Without this information, a container cannot be loaded onto the ship.
Responsibility:
The shipper is responsible for providing the accurate VGM. The term “shipper” in this context typically refers to the party identified on the bill of lading or sea waybill, regardless of who physically stuffs the container.
Compliance and Penalties:
Non-compliance can result in containers being refused for loading, delays, and potential fines. Accurate VGM reporting helps prevent accidents caused by overweight or improperly stowed containers.
Benefits of SOLAS VGM
Enhanced Safety
Accurate weight information prevents overloading and ensures that containers are properly stowed, reducing the risk of accidents at sea.
Operational Efficiency
Knowing the precise weight of containers allows for better planning and utilization of vessel capacity, leading to more efficient loading and unloading operations.
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting international safety standards helps shipping companies avoid legal issues and ensures smooth operations across different jurisdictions.