TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
The spacing between strips should be the width of the unit load that is stowed, so that it bears against the strip sheathing,
and so that its skids are as nearly parallel to the ship's center line as practicable. To maximize the strength of the
blocking and bracing, every effort should be made to locate the sheathing on the sections of the sweatboards that are
supported by the ship's ribs. The rib spacing and the width of the unit load may not correspond, thus causing some of the
sheathing to be located between the ribs. For every row of unit loads, an attempt should be made to have at least one
piece of sheathing bear against the rib area. It becomes evident that unless the hull face is parallel with the center line of
the ship and perpendicular to the deck, only one corner of the load can be brought to bear at the strip sheathing.
however, adequate blocking can be provided by the strategic stowage of subsequent loads. Figure 8-23 illustrates this
condition and makes evident the necessity for paralleling the unit load with the ship's center line; that is, a stowage that is
uniform and geometrically compatible with the ship's hold.
Figure 8-22. Strip sheathing with loads emplaced.
8-23
