Reefer containers require special care after they are loaded on board ship. These containers need to be supplied with power, monitored closely for proper function and repaired as required in case of malfunction.The article here is about procedures and guidelines on reefer cargo maintaining records.
Maintaining proper records is as important as the actual performance of the job itself. In case of any cargo damage and claims, it is most important to prove that the Due Diligence was exercised by the master / vessel from the time the container was loaded on board until the time it was discharged. Therefore, the master should keep all records to prove due diligence on board, and send them to the company immediately in case they are requested:
Item Records
i) Supply of electric power within reasonable time after loading reefer containers Loading check lists including the loading / plug-in times and temperatures should be maintained.
ii) Monitoring the digital & chart temperatures of all reefer containers at least twice a day. Daily reefer container temperature check lists should be maintained, and printouts from monitoring unit should be preserved
iii) Notifying booking line and/or agent immediately in case of malfunction File of Reefer Unit Trouble Report should be maintained
iv) Keeping enough spare parts in good order Record of regular inventories, and communication to booking lines for consumption and/or supply receipts
There may be some occasions when above Item (ii) and (iii) are not possible to comply due to weather conditions. The weather reports / faxes and other records should be well maintained on board, to prove the weather conditions at such dates / times.
Maintaining proper records is as important as the actual performance of the job itself. In case of any cargo damage and claims, it is most important to prove that the Due Diligence was exercised by the master / vessel from the time the container was loaded on board until the time it was discharged. Therefore, the master should keep all records to prove due diligence on board, and send them to the company immediately in case they are requested:
Item Records
i) Supply of electric power within reasonable time after loading reefer containers Loading check lists including the loading / plug-in times and temperatures should be maintained.
ii) Monitoring the digital & chart temperatures of all reefer containers at least twice a day. Daily reefer container temperature check lists should be maintained, and printouts from monitoring unit should be preserved
iii) Notifying booking line and/or agent immediately in case of malfunction File of Reefer Unit Trouble Report should be maintained
iv) Keeping enough spare parts in good order Record of regular inventories, and communication to booking lines for consumption and/or supply receipts
There may be some occasions when above Item (ii) and (iii) are not possible to comply due to weather conditions. The weather reports / faxes and other records should be well maintained on board, to prove the weather conditions at such dates / times.