Container ships, Care of reefer cargo

Those who have to rely on transport of temperature-controlled goods in reefer containers need to be assured that their consignments will arrive in the required condition. Those on board must be able to care for reefer cargo. Even though officers may have good knowledge of reefer containers and understand how they operate, awareness of the difficulties of carrying temperature-sensitive cargo is extremely important. As well as knowing how to care for the cargo as soon as it has been brought on board, officers must also be able to recognize reefers in poor condition and know what action to take if they fail.

This module provides essential information required to help officers take the care required when carrying reefer cargo. It presents well-illustrated information that aims to make cargo officers aware of the more challenging cargos such as chilled fruit, vegetables and temperature-sensitive dangerous goods. Information about proper stowage and monitoring methods is also provided, together with information on the correct action to take when faced with difficulties, such as identifying reefers that are defective or in poor condition. Knowledgeable cargo officers may be better able to help the ship operator demonstrate due diligence in the event of a cargo claim.

Learning objectives:

• Recognize the main challenges associated with the carriage of different types of refrigerated goods
• Identify the actions to take when receiving refrigerated cargo on board
• Identify the requirements for recording and monitoring refrigerated containers on board