TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
c. Changes in the stowage plan may occur for several reasons, such as unavailability of cargo at the time needed
or substitutions of cargo. As the ship is loaded, such changes are recorded until loading is complete. All changes must
be approved by the same Coast Guard agency who issued the loading permit. Since cargo changes can affect the ship's
stability, changes must also be coordinated with the ship's master.
d. An additional example of effective preload planning is shown in figure 3-3. The compartment diagram
illustrated provides basic dimensional data for hold number 1, main deck, of a Maritime Administration Design C4-S-57a
cargo ship. These diagrams are provided in Ship's Loading Characteristics Pamphlets available through the Military
Sealift Command. In addition to providing detailed diagrams for each hold and compartment, the pamphlets list general
ship's characteristics, including a summary of cargo-handling gear and dry cargo capacity. As shown in the illustration,
the diagrams are very useful in preload planning to determine the general stowage arrangement and note potential
problem areas before actual commencement of operations. Significant time is required during loading to measure the
cargo space and adjust stowage plans, based on the clearances, hull curvature, TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2 and
obstructions encountered. While there is no substitute for onsite judgment by experienced personnel, many time-
consuming problems can be noted and corrective action planned during preparation of the preplan. For example, the
limited deck area available port and starboard of the winch generator room might require rotation of the unit load (usually
rectangular in configuration) to maximize space utilization and bring the stow flush with the forward face of the generator
room. Critical clearances between end bulkheads and stanchions or between ribs and stanchions, as shown, may permit
stowage of unit loads only if bulkheads or encasement structures are constructed to proper dimensions; hence, special
attention must be given these areas by blocker and bracer/carpenter crews. Requirements for encasement, such as for
vertical ladders or stanchions, can be recognized in advance and completed, at least partially, when loading operations
begin. By use of these scaled diagrams, it would not be uncommon for the planner to estimate exactly the number of
pallets stowable in a given compartment. By reducing onsite delays in loading operations, the loading diagrams can
save the ammunition terminal both time and dunnage materials.
3-5
