(CSC, 1972) International Convention For Safe Containers, 1972

Note: The present text incorporates the original text as modified by the following amendments:

Date of entry

into force

-1981 (Annex I) amendments

adopted by MSC 01.12.1981

-1983 (Annex I and II) amendments

adopted by MSC 01.01.1984

-1991 (Annex I and II) amendments

adopted by res. MSC.20(59) 01.01.1993

PREAMBLE

The Contracting Parties,

Recognizing the need to maintain a high level of safety of human life in the handling, stacking and transporting of containers,

Mindful of the need to facilitate international container transport,

Recognizing, in this context, the advantages of formalizing common international safety requirements,

Considering that this end may best be achieved by the conclusion of a Convention,

Have decided to formalize structural requirements to ensure safety in the handling, stacking and transporting of containers in the course of normal operations, and to this end

Have agreed as follows:

Article I. General obligation

under the present Convention

The Contracting Parties undertake to give effect to the provisions of the present Convention and the Annexes hereto, which shall constitute an integral part of the present Convention.

Article II. Definitions

For the purpose of the present Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise:

1. "Container" means an article of transport equipment:

(a) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use;

(b) specially designed to facilitate the transport of goods, by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading;

(c) designed to be secured and/or readily handled, having corner fittings for these purposes;

(d) of a size such that the area enclosed by the four outer bottom corners is either:

(i) at least 14 sq.m. (150 sq. ft.) or

(ii) at least 7 sq.m. (75 sq. ft.) if it is fitted with top corner fittings;

the term "container" includes neither vehicles nor packaging; however, containers when carried on chassis are included.

2. "Corner Fittings" means an arrangement of apertures and faces at the top and/or bottom of a container for the purposes of handling, stacking and/or securing.

3. "Administration" means the Government of a Contracting Party under whose authority containers are approved.

4. "Approved" means approved by the Administration.

5. "Approval" means the decision by an Administration that a design type of a container is safe within the terms of the present Convention.

6. "International transport" means transport between points of departure and destination situated in the territory of two countries to at least one of which the present Convention applies. The present Convention shall also apply when part of a transport operation between two countries takes place in the territory of a country to which the present Convention applies.

7. "Cargo" means any goods wares, merchandise and articles of every kind whatsoever carried in the containers.

8. "New container" means a container the construction of which was commenced on or after the date of entry into force of the present Convention.

9. "Existing container" means a container which is not a new container.

10. "Owner" means the owner as provided for under the national law of the Contracting Party or the lessee or bailee, if an agreement between the parties provides for the exercise of the owner's responsibility for maintenance and examination of the container by such lessee or bailee.

11. "Type of container" means the design type approved by the Administration.

12. "Type-series container" means any container manufactured in accordance with the approved design type.

13. "Prototype" means a container representative of those manufactured or to be manufactured in a design type series.

14. "Maximum Operating Gross Weight or Rating" or "R" means the maximum allowable combined weight of the container and its cargo.

15. "Tare Weight" means the weight of the empty container including permanently affixed ancillary equipment.

16. "Maximum Permissible Payload" or "P" means the difference between maximum operating gross weight or rating and tare weight.

Article III. Application

1. The present Convention applies to new and existing containers used in international transport, excluding containers specially designed for air transport.

2. Every new container shall be approved in accordance with the provisions either for type-testing or for individual testing as contained in Annex I.

3. Every existing container shall be approved in accordance with the relevant provisions for approval of existing containers set out in Annex I within 5 years from the date of entry into force of the present Convention.

Article IV. Testing, inspection,

approval and maintenance

1. For the enforcement of the provisions in Annex I every Administration shall establish an effective procedure for the testing, inspection and approval of containers in accordance with the criteria established in the present Convention, provided however that an Administration may entrust such testing, inspection and approval to organizations duly authorized by it.

2. An Administration which entrusts such testing, inspection and approval to an organization shall inform the Secretary-General of the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization") for communication to Contracting Parties.

3. Application for approval may be made to the Administration of any Contracting Party.

4. Every container shall be maintained in a safe condition in accordance with the provisions of Annex I.

5. If an approved container does not in fact comply with the requirements of Annexes I and II the Administration concerned shall take such steps as it deems necessary to bring the container into compliance with such requirements or to withdraw the approval.

Article V. Acceptance of approval

1. Approval under the authority of a Contracting Party, granted under the terms of the present Convention, shall be accepted by the other Contracting Parties for all purposes covered by the present Convention. It shall be regarded by the other Contracting Parties as having the same force as an approval issued by them.

2. A Contracting Party shall not impose any other structural safety requirements or tests on containers covered by the present Convention, provided however that nothing in the present Convention shall preclude the application of provisions of national regulations or legislation or of international agreements, prescribing additional structural safety requirements or tests for containers specially designed for the transport of dangerous goods, or for those features unique to containers carrying bulk liquids or for containers when carried by air. The term "dangerous goods" shall have that meaning assigned to it by international agreements.

Article VI. Control

1. Every container which has been approved under Article III shall be subject to control in the territory of the Contracting Parties by officers duly authorized by such Contracting Parties. This control shall be limited to verifying that the container carries a valid Safety Approval Plate as required by the present Convention, unless there is significant evidence for believing that the condition of the container is such as to create an obvious risk to safety. In that case the officer carrying out the control shall only exercise it in so far as it may be necessary to ensure that the container is restored to a safe condition before it continues in service.

2. Where the container appears to have become unsafe as a result of a defect which may have existed when the container was approved, the Administration responsible for that approval shall be informed by the Contracting Party which detected the defect.

Article VII. Signature, ratification,

acceptance, approval and accession

1. The present Convention shall be open for signature until 15 January 1973 at the Office of the United Nations at Geneva and subsequently from 1 February 1973 until 31 December 1973 inclusive at the Headquarters of the Organization at London by all States Members of the United Nations or Members of any of the Specialized Agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency or Parties to the Statute of the International Court by Justice, and by any other State invited by the General Assembly of the United Nations to become a Party to the present Convention.

2. The present Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by States which have signed it.

3. The present Convention shall remain open for accession by any State referred to in paragraph 1.

4. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the Secretary-General").

Article VIII. Entry into force

1. The present Convention shall enter into force twelve months from the date of the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.

2. For each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the present Convention after the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the present Convention shall enter into force twelve months after the date of deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.

3. Any State which becomes a Party to the present Convention after the entry into force of an amendment shall, failing an expression of a different intention by that State,

(a) be considered as a Party to the Convention as amended; and

(b) be considered as a Party to the unamended Convention in relation to any Party to the Convention not bound by the amendment.

Article IX. Procedure for amending

any part or parts of the present Convention

1. The present Convention may be amended upon the proposal of a Contracting Party by any of the procedures specified in this article.

2. Amendment after consideration in the Organization:

(a) Upon the request of a Contracting Party, any amendment proposed by it to the present Convention shall be considered in the Organization. If adopted by a majority of two thirds of those present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization, to which all Contracting Parties shall have been invited to participate and vote, such amendment shall be communicated to all Members of the Organization and all Contracting Parties at least six months prior to its consideration by the Assembly of the Organization. Any Contracting Party which is not a Member of the Organization shall be entitled to participate and vote when the amendment is considered by the Assembly.

(b) If adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the Assembly, and if such a majority includes a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Parties present and voting, the amendment shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all Contracting Parties for their acceptance.

(c) Such amendment shall come into force twelve months after the date on which it is accepted by two-thirds of the Contracting Parties. The amendment shall come into force with respect to all Contracting Parties except those which, before it comes into force, make a declaration that they do not accept the amendment.

3. Amendment by a Conference:

Upon the request of a Contracting Party concurred in by at least one-third of the Contracting Parties, a Conference to which the States referred to in Article VII shall be invited will be convened by the Secretary-General.

Article X. Special procedure

for amending the Annexes

1. Any amendment to the Annexes proposed by a Contracting Party shall be considered in the Organization at the request of that Party.

2. If adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization to which all Contracting Parties shall have been invited to participate and to vote, and if such majority includes a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Parties present and voting, such amendment shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all Contracting Parties for their acceptance.

3. Such an amendment shall enter into force on a date to be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee at the time of its adoption unless, by a prior date determined by the Maritime Safety Committee at the same time, one-fifth or five of the Contracting Parties, whichever number is less, notify the Secretary-General of their objection to the amendment. Determination by the Maritime Safety Committee of the dates referred to in this paragraph shall be by a twothirds majority of those present and voting, which majority shall include a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Parties present and voting.

4. On entry into force any amendment shall, for all Contracting Parties which have not objected to the amendment, replace and supersede any previous provision to which the amendment refers; an objection made by a Contracting Party shall not be binding on other Contracting Parties as to acceptance of containers to which the present Convention applies.

5. The Secretary-General shall inform all Contracting Parties and Members of the Organization of any request and communication under this article and the date on which any amendment enters into force.

6. Where a proposed amendment to the Annexes has been considered but not adopted by the, Maritime Safety Committee, any Contracting Party may request the convening of a Conference to which the States referred to in Article VII shall be invited. Upon receipt of notification of concurrence by at least one-third of the other Contracting Parties such a Conference shall be convened by the Secretary-General to consider amendments to the Annexes.

Article XI. Denunciation

1. Any Contracting Party may denounce the present Convention by effecting the deposit of an instrument with the Secretary-General. The denunciation shall take effect one year from the date of such deposit with the Secretary-General.

2. A Contracting Party which has communicated an objection to an amendment to the Annexes may denounce the present Convention and such denunciation shah take effect on the date of entry into force of such an amendment.

Article XII. Termination

The present Convention shall cease to be in force if the number of Contracting Parties is less than five for any period of twelve consecutive months.

Article XIII. Settlement of disputes

1. Any disputes between two or more Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation or application of the present Convention which cannot be settled by negotiation or other means of settlement shall, at the request of one of them, be referred to an arbitration tribunal composed as follows: each party to the dispute shall appoint an arbitrator and these two arbitrators shall appoint a third arbitrator, who shall be the Chairman. If, three months after receipt of a request, one of the parties has failed to appoint an arbitrator or if the arbitrators have failed to elect the Chairman, any of the parties may request the Secretary-General to appoint an arbitrator or the Chairman of the arbitration tribunal.

2. The decision of the arbitration tribunal established under the provisions of paragraph 1 shall be binding on the parties to the dispute.

3. The arbitration tribunal shall determine its own rules of procedure.

4. Decisions of the arbitration tribunal, both as to its procedure and its place of meeting and as to any controversy laid before it, shall be taken by majority vote.

5. Any controversy which may arise between the parties to the dispute as regards the interpretation and execution of the award may be submitted by any of the parties for judgment to the arbitration tribunal which made the award.

Article XIV. Reservations

1. Reservations to the present Convention shall be permitted, excepting those relating to the provisions of Articles I-VI, XIII, the present article and the Annexes, on condition that such reservations are communicated in writing and, if communicated before the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, are confined in that instrument. The Secretary-General shall communicate such reservations to all States referred to in Article VII.

2. Any reservation made in accordance with paragraph 1:

(a) modifies for the Contracting Party which made the reservation the provisions of the present Convention to which the reservation relates to the extent of the reservation; and (b) modifies those provisions to the same extent for the other Contracting Parties in their relations with the Contracting Party which entered the reservations.

3. Any Contracting Party which has formulated a reservation under paragraph 1 may withdraw it at any time by notification to the Secretary-General.

Article XV. Notification

In addition to the notifications and communications provided for in Articles IX, X and XIV, the Secretary-General shall notify all the States referred to in Article VII of the following:

(a) signatures, ratifications, acceptances, approvals and accessions under Article VII;

(b) the dates of entry into force of the present Convention in accordance with Article VIII;

(c) the date of entry into force of amendments to the present Convention in accordance with Articles IX and X;

(d) denunciations under Article XI;

(e) the termination of the present Convention under Article XII.

Article XVI. Authentic texts

The original of the present Convention, of which the Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General, who shall communicate certified true copies to all States referred to in Article VII.

In witness whereof the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed the present Convention.

Done at Geneva this second day of December, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two.

 

Annex 1

Regulations For Testing,

Inspection, Approval

And Maintenance Of Containers:

Chapter I - REGULATIONS COMMON

TO ALL SYSTEMS OF APPROVAL

Regulation 1. Safety Approval Plate

1. (a) A Safety Approval Plate conforming to the specifications set out in the Appendix to this Annex shall be permanently affixed to every approved container at a readily visible place, adjacent to any other approval plate issued for official purposes, where it would not be easily damaged.

(b) On each container, all maximum gross weight markings on the container shall be consistent with the maximum gross weight information on the Safety Approval Plate.

(c) The owner of the container shall remove the Safety Approval Plate on the container if:

- the container has been modified in a manner which would void the original approval and the information found on the Safety Approval Plate, or

- the container is removed from service and is not being maintained in accordance with the Convention, or

- if the approval has been withdrawn by the Administration.

2. (a) The Plate shall contain the following information in at least the English or French language:

"CSC SAFETY APPROVAL"

Country of approval and approval reference

Date (month and year) of manufacture

Manufacturer's identification number of the

container or,

in the case of existing containers for which

that number is unknown, the number

allotted by the Administration

Maximum operating gross weight

(kilogrammes and lbs)

Allowable stacking weight for 1.9 g

(kilogrammes and lbs)

Transverse racking test load value

(kilogrammes and lbs).

(b) A blank space should be reserved on the Plate for insertion of end-wall and/or side-wall strength values (factors) in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Regulation and Annex II, tests 6 and 7. A blank space should also be reserved on the Plate for the first and subsequent maintenance examination dates (month and year) when used.

3. Where the Administration considers that a new container satisfies the requirements of the present Convention in respect of safety and if, for such container, the end-wall and/or side-wall strength values (factors) are designed to be greater or less than those stipulated in Annex II, such values shall be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate.

4. The presence of the Safety Approval Plate does not remove the necessity of displaying such label or other information as may be required by other regulations which may be in force.

Regulation 2. Maintenance and examination

1. The owner of the container shall be responsible for maintaining it in safe condition.

2. (a) The owner of an approved container shall examine the container or have it examined in accordance with the procedure either prescribed or approved by the Contracting Party concerned, at intervals appropriate to operating conditions.

(b) The date (month and year) before which a new container shall undergo its first examination shall be marked on the Safety Approval Plate.

(c) The date (month and year) before which the container shall be re-examined shall be dearly marked on the container on or as dose as practicable to the Safety Approval Plate and in a manner acceptable to that Contracting Party which prescribed or approved the particular maintenance procedure involved.

(d) The interval from the date of manufacture to the date of the first examination shall not exceed five years.

3. (a) As an alternative to paragraph 2, the Contracting Party concerned may approve a continuous examination programme if satisfied, on evidence submitted by the owner, that such a programme provides a standard of safety not inferior to the one set out in paragraph 2 above.

(b) To indicate that the container is operated under an approved continuous examination programme, a mark showing the letters "ACEP" and the identification of the Contracting Party which has granted approval of the programme shall be displayed on the container on or as close as practicable to the Safety Approval Plate.

(c) All examinations performed under such a programme shall determine whether a container has any defects which could place any person in danger. They shall be performed in connexion with a major repair, refurbishment, or on-hire/off-hire interchange and in no case less than once every 30 months.

4. For the purpose of this Regulation "the Contracting Party concerned" is the Contracting Party of the territory in which the owner is domiciled or has his head office. However, in the event that the owner is domiciled or has his head office in a country the government of which has not yet made arrangements for prescribing or approving an examination scheme and until such time as the arrangements have been made the owner may use the procedure prescribed or approved by the Administration of a Contracting Party which is prepared to act as "the Contracting Party concerned". The owner shall comply with the conditions for the use of such procedures set by the Administration in question.

Chapter II - REGULATIONS

FOR APPROVAL OF NEW CONTAINERS BY DESIGN TYPE

Regulation 3. Approval of new containers

To qualify for approval for safety purposes under the present Convention all new containers shall comply with the requirements set out in Annex II.

Regulation 4. Design type approval

In the case of containers for which an application for approval has been submitted, the Administration will examine designs and witness testing of a proto-type container to ensure that the containers will conform with the requirements set out in Annex II. When satisfied, the Administration shall notify the applicant in writing that the container meets the requirements of the present Convention and this notification shall entitle the manufacturer to affix the Safety Approval Plate to every container of the design type series.

Regulation 5. Provisions for approval

by design type

1. Where the containers are to be manufactured by design type series, application made to an Administration for approval by design type shall be accompanied by drawings, a design specification of the type of container to be approved and such other data as may be required by the Administration.

2. The applicant shall state the identification symbols which will be assigned by the manufacturer to the type of container to which the application for approval relates.

3. The application shall also be accompanied by an assurance from the manufacturer that he will:

(a) produce to the Administration such containers of the design type concerned as the Administration may wish to examine;

(b) advise the Administration of any change in the design or specification and await its approval before affixing the Safety Approval Plate to the container;

(c) affix the Safety Approval Plate to each container in the design type series and to no others;

(d) keep a record of containers manufactured to the approved design type. This record shall at least contain the manufacturer's identification numbers, dates of delivery and names and addresses of customers to whom the containers are delivered.

4. Approval may be granted by the Administration to containers manufactured as modifications of an approved design type if the Administration is satisfied that the modifications do not affect the validity of tests conducted in the course of design type approval.

5. The Administration shall not confer on a manufacturer authority to affix Safety Approval Plates on the basis of design type approved unless satisfied that the manufacturer has instituted internal production-control features to ensure that the containers produced will conform to the approved prototype.

Regulation 6. Examination

during production

In order to ensure that containers of the same design type series are manufactured to the approved design, the Administration shall examine or test as many units as it considers necessary, at any stage during production of the design type series concerned.

Regulation 7. Notification

of Administration

The manufacturer shall notify the Administration prior to commencement of production of each new series of containers to be manufactured in accordance with an approved design type.

Chapter III - REGULATIONS

FOR APPROVAL OF NEW CONTAINERS BY INDIVIDUAL APPROVAL

Regulation 8. Approval

of individual container

Approval of individual containers may be granted where the Administration, after examination and witnessing of tests, is satisfied that the container meets the requirements of the present Convention; the Administration, when so satisfied, shall notify the applicant in writing of approval and this notification shall entitle him to affix the Safety Approval Plate to such container.

Chapter IV - REGULATIONS

FOR APPROVAL OF EXISTING

CONTAINERS AND NEW CONTAINERS NOT APPROVED AT THE TIME

OF MANUFACTURE

Regulation 9. Approval

of existing containers

1. If, within 5 years from the date of entry into force of the present Convention, the owner of an existing container presents the following information to an Administration:

(a) date and place of manufacture;

(b) manufacturer's identification number of the container if available; (c) maximum operating gross weight capability;

(d) (i) evidence that a container of this type has been safely operated in maritime and/or inland transport For a period of at least two years, or

(ii) evidence to the satisfaction of the Administration that the container was manufactured to a design type which had been tested and found to comply with the technical conditions set out in Annex II, with the exception of those technical conditions relating to the end-wall and side-wall strength tests, or

(iii) evidence that the container was constructed to standards which, in the opinion of the Administration, were equivalent to the technical conditions set out in Annex II, with the exception of those technical conditions relating to the end-wall and sidewall strength tests;

(e) allowable stacking weight for 1.8 g (kilogrammes and lbs); and

(f) such other data as required for the Safety Approval Plate;

then the Administration, after investigation, shall notify the owner in writing whether approval is granted; and if so, this notification shall entitle the owner to affixing the Safety Approval Plate after an examination of the container concerned has been carried out in accordance with Regulation 2. The examination of the container concerned and the affixing of the Safety Approval Plate w shall be accomplished not later than 1 January 1985.

2. Existing containers which do not qualify for approval under paragraph 1 of this Regulation may be presented for approval under the provisions of Chapter II or Chapter III of this Annex. For such containers the requirements of Annex II relating to end-wall and/or side-wall strength tests shall not apply. The Administration may, if it is satisfied that the containers in question have been in service, waive such of the requirements in respect of presentation of drawings and testing, other than the lifting and floor-strength tests, as it may deem appropriate.

Regulation 10. Approval of new containers

not approved at time of manufacture

If, on or before 6 September 1982, the owner of a new container which was not approved at the time of manufacture presents the following information to an Administration:

(a) the date and place of manufacture;

(b) manufacturer's identification number of the container if available;

(c) maximum operating gross weight capability;

(d) evidence to the satisfaction of the Administration that the container was manufactured to a design type which had been tested and found to comply with the technical conditions set out in Annex II;

(e) allowable stacking weight for 1.8 g (kilogrammes and lbs); and (f) such other data as required for the Safety Approval Plate;

the Administration, after investigation, may approve the container, notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter II. Where approval is granted, such approval shall be notified to the owner in writing, and this notification shall entitle the owner to affix the Safety Approval Plate after an examination of the container concerned has been carried out in accordance with Regulation 2. The examination of the container concerned and the affixing of the Safety Approval Plate shall be accomplished not later than 1 January 1985.

Chapter V - REGULATIONS

FOR APPROVAL OF MODIFIED

CONTAINERS

Regulation 11. Approval

of Modified Containers

The owner of an approved container that has been modified in a manner resulting in structural changes shall notify the Administration or an approved organization duly authorized by it of those changes. The Administration or authorized organization may require retesting of the modified container as appropriate prior to recertification.

 

Appendix

The Safety Approval Plate, conforming to the model reproduced below, shall take the form of a permanent, non-corrosive, fire-proof rectangular plate measuring not less than 200 mm by 100 mm. The words "CSC Safety Approval" of an minimum letter height of 8 mm and all other words and numbers of a minimum height of 5 mm shall be stamped into, embossed on or indicated on the surface of the Plate in any other permanent and legible way.

CSC SAFETY APPROVAL

1. ............. [GB - L/749/2/7/75]

2. .............. DATE MANUFACTURED .................

3. .............. IDENTIFICATION NO. .......................

4. ............. MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT

........ kg ........ lb

5. ............. ALLOWABLE STACKING

WEIGHT >100 mm.

FOR 1.8g ......... kg .........lb

6. ............. RACKING TEST LOAD VALUE

......... kg .........lb

7. .............

8. .............

9. .............

>200 mm.

---------------------------------------------------------

1. Country of Approval and Approval Reference as given in the example on line 1. (The country of Approval should be indicated by means of the distinguishing sign used to indicate country of registration of motor vehicles in international road traffic).

2. Date (month and year) of manufacture.

3. Manufacturer's identification number of the container or, in the case of existing containers for which that number is unknown, the number allotted by the Administration.

4. Maximum Operating Gross Weight (kilogrammes and lbs.).

5. Allowable Stacking Weight for 1.8 g (kilogrammes and lbs.).

6. Transverse Racking Test Load Value (kilogrammes and lbs.).

7. End Wall Strength to be indicated on plate only if end walls are designed to withstand a load of less or greater than 0.4 times the maximum permissible payload, i.e. 0.4 P.

8. Side Wall Strength to be indicated on plate only if the side walls are designed to withstand a load of less or greater than 0.6 times the maximum permissible payload i.e. 0.6 P.

9. First maintenance examination date (month and year) for new containers and subsequent maintenance examination dates (month and year) if plate used for this purpose.

 

Annex II

Structural Safety Requirements

And Tests

INTRODUCTION

In setting the requirements of this Annex, it is implicit that in all phases of the operation of containers the forces as a result of motion, location, stacking and weight of the loaded container and external forces will not exceed the design strength of the container. In particular the following assumptions have been made:

(a) the container will so be restrained that it is not subjected to forces in excess of those for which it has been designed;

(b) the container will have its cargo stowed in accordance with the recommended practices of the trade so that the cargo does not impose upon the container forces in excess of those for which it has been designed.

CONSTRUCTION

1. A container made from any suitable material which satisfactorily performs the following tests without sustaining any permanent deformation or abnormality which would render it incapable of being used for its designed purpose shall be considered safe.

2. The dimensions, positioning and associated tolerances of corner fittings shall be checked having regard to the lifting and securing systems in which they will function.

TEST LOADS AND TEST PROCEDURES

Where appropriate to the design of the container, the following test loads and test procedures shall be applied to all kinds of containers under test:

1. Lifting

The container, having the prescribed INTERNAL LOADING, shall be lifted in such a way that no significant acceleration forces are applied. After lifting, the container shall be suspended or supported for five minutes and them lowered to the ground.

(A) Lifting from corner fittings

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading:

In the case of a (i) Lifting from top

tank-container, when corner fittings:

the test weight of the

internal load plus the

tank weight is less than

2R, a supplementary

load distributed over the

length of the tank is to be

applied to the container.

A uniformly distributed Containers greater than

load such that the 3,000 mm (10 ft.)

combined weight of (nominal) in length shall

container test load is have lifting forces

equal to 2R. applied vertically at all

Externally applied four top corner fittings.

forces: Containers of 3,000 mm

Such as to lift the (10 ft.) (nominal) in

combined weight of 2R length or less shall have

in the manner prescribed lifting forces applied at

(under the heading all four top corner

TEST PROCEDURES). fittings, in such a way

that the angle between

each lifting device and

the vertical shall be 30

degrees.

(ii) Lifting from bottom

corner fittings:

Containers shall have

lifting forces applied in

such a manner that the

lifting devices bear on

the bottom comer fittings

only. The lifting forces

shall be applied at angles

to the horizontal of:

30 degrees for containers

of length 12,000 mm

(40 ft.) (nominal) or greater,

37 degrees for containers

of length 9,000 mm

(30 ft.) (nominal) and up

to but not including

12,000 mm (40 ft.)

(nominal),

45 degrees for containers

of length 6,000 mm

(20 ft.) (nominal) and up

to but not including

9,000 mm (30 ft.) (nominal),

60 degrees for containers

of less than 6,000 mm

(20 ft.) (nominal).

(B) Lifting by any other additional methods

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading: (i) Lifting from fork lift

pockets:

In the case of a

tank-container, when the

test weight of the internal

load plus the tank weight

is less than 1.25R, a

supplementary load

distributed over the

length of the tank is to be

applied to the container.

A uniformly distributed The container shall be

load such that the placed on bars which are

combined weight of in the same horizontal

container and test load plane, one bar centred

is equal to 1.25R. within each fork lift pocket

which is used for lifting

Externally applied the loaded container. The

forces: bars shall be of the same

Such as to lift the width as the forks

combined weight of intended to be used in the

1.25R in the manner handling, and shall project

prescribed (under the into the fork pocket 75

heading TEST per cent of the length of

PROCEDURES). the fork pocket.

(ii) Lifting from grappler

Internal loading: arm positions:

A uniformly The container shall be

distributed load such that placed on pads in the

the combined weight of same horizontal plane,

container and test load one under each grappler

is equal to 1.25R. arm position. These pads

shall be of the same sizes

as the lifting area of the

grappler arms intended to

be used.

Externally applied

forces:

Such as to lift the

combined weight of

1.25R, in the manner

prescribed (under the

heading TEST

PROCEDURES). (iii) Other Methods

 

Where containers are designed to be lifted in the loaded condition by any method not mentioned in (A) or (B) (i) and (ii) they shall also be tested with the INTERNAL LOADING AND EXTERNALLY APPLIED FORCES representative of the acceleration conditions appropriate to that method.

2. Stacking

1. For conditions of international transport where the maximum vertical acceleration forces vary significantly from 1.8g and when the container is reliably and effectively limited to such conditions of transport, the stacking load may be varied by the appropriate ratio of acceleration forces.

2. On successful completion of this test the container may be rated for the allowable superimposed static stacking weight which should be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate against the heading "Allowable stacking weight for 1.8g (kilogrammes and lbs)".

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading: The container, having the

A uniformly distributed prescribed INTERNAL

load such that the LOADING, shall be placed

combined weight of on four level pads which

container and test load are in turn supported on

is equal to 1.8R. Tank a rigid horizontal surface,

containers may be tested one under each bottom

in the tare condition. corner fitting or equivalent

corner structure. The pads

shall be centralized under

the fittings and shall be

of approximately the

same plan dimensions as

the fittings.

Externally applied

forces:

Such as to subject each Each EXTERNALLY

of the four top corner APPLIED FORCE shall

fittings to a vertical be applied to each of the

downward force equal to corner fittings through a

one-quarter x 1.8 x the corresponding test corner

allowable superimposed fitting or through a pad

static stacking weight. of the same plan

dimensions. The test

corner fitting or pad shall

be offset with respect to

the top corner fitting of the

container by 25 mm (1 in.)

laterally and 38 mm

(1 and a half in.)

longitudinally.

 

3. Concentrated loads

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

(a) ON ROOF

Internal loading:

None.

Externally applied

forces:

A concentrated load of The EXTERNALLY

300 kg (660 lb) uniformly APPLIED FORCES shall

distributed over an area be applied vertically

of 600 mm x 300 mm downwards to the outer

(24 in. x 12 in.). surface of the weakest area

of the roof of the container.

(b) ON FLOOR

Internal loading:

Two concentrated loads The test should be made

each of 2,730 kg with the container resting

(6,000 lb) and each on four level supports

applied to the container under its four bottom

floor through a contact corners in such a manner

area of 142 cm2 that the base structure of

(22 sq. in.). the container is free to

deflect.

A testing device loaded

to a weight of 5,460 kilo-

grammes (12,000 lbs)

that is 2,730 kg (6,000 lbs)

on each of two surfaces

having, when loaded, a

total contact area of

284 cm2 (44 sq. in.) that

is 142 cm2 - (22 sq. in.)

on each surface, the

surface width being 180 mm

(7 in.) spaced 760 mm

(30 in.) apart, centre to

centre, should be

manoeuvred over the

entire floor area of the

container.

Externally applied

forces:

None.

 

4. Transverse racking

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading: The container in tare

None. condition shall be placed

on four level supports

one under each bottom

corner and shall be

restrained against lateral

and vertical movement

by means of anchor

devices so arranged that

the lateral restraint is

provided only at the

bottom corners

diagonally opposite

to those at which the

forces are applied.

Externally applied

forces:

Such as to rack the end The EXTERNALLY

structures of the APPLIED FORCES shall

container sideways. be applied either

The forces shall be separately or simultane-

equal to those for which ously to each of the top

the container was corner fittings on one

designed. side of the container in

lines parallel both to the

base and to the planes of

the ends of the container.

The forces shall be applied

first towards and then

away from the top corner

fittings. In the case of

containers in which each

end is symmetrical about

its own vertical centreline,

one side only need be

tested, but both sides of

containers with asymmetric

ends shall be tested.

 

5. Longitudinal restraint (static test)

When designing and constructing containers, it must be borne in mind that containers, when carried by inland modes of transport may sustain accelerations of 2 g applied horizontally in a longitudinal direction.

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading:

A uniformly distributed The container having the

load, such that the prescribed INTERNAL

combined weight of a LOADING shall be

container and test load restrained longitudinally

is equal to the maximum by securing the two bottom

operating gross weight corner fittings or equivalent

or rating, R. In the case comer structures at one

of a tank container, end to suitable anchor

when the weight of the points.

internal load plus the

tare is less than the

maximum gross weight

or rating, R, a supple-

mentary load is to be

applied to the container.

Externally applied

forces:

Such as to subject each The EXTERNALLY

side of the container to APPLIED FORCES shall

longitudinal compressive be applied first towards

and tensile forces of and then away from the

magnitude R, that is, a anchor points. Each side

combined force of 2R of the container shall be

on the base of the tested.

container as a whole.

 

6. End-walls

The end-walls should be capable of withstanding a load of not less than 0.4 times the maximum permissible payload. If, however, the end-walls are designed to withstand a load of less or greater than 0.4 times the maximum permissible payload such a strength factor shall be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate in accordance with Annex 1, Regulation 1.

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading: The prescribed

Such as to subject the INTERNAL LOADING

inside of an end-wall shall be applied as follows:

to a uniformly Both ends of a container

distributed load of shall be tested except

0.4P or such other load where the ends are

for which the container identical only one end

may be designed. need be tested. The

end-walls of containers

which do not have open

sides or side doors may

be tested separately or

simultaneously.

Externally applied

forces:

None. The end-walls of

containers which do have

open sides or side doors

should be tested

separately. When the ends

are tested separately the

reactions to the forces

applied to the end wall

shall be confined to the

base structure of the

container.

 

7. Side-walls

The side-walls should be capable of withstanding a load of not less than 0.6 times the maximum permissible payload. If, however, the side-walls are designed to withstand a load of less or greater than 0.6 times the maximum permissible payload, such a strength factor shall be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate in accordance with Annex I, Regulation 1.

TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal loading:

Such as to subject the The prescribed

inside of a side-wall INTERNAL LOADING

to a uniformly shall be applied as follows:

distributed load of Both sides of a container

0.6P or such other load shall be tested except

for which the container where the sides are

may be designed. identical only one side

need be tested. Side-walls

shall be tested separately

and the reactions to the

internal loading shall be

confined to the corner

fittings or equivalent

comer structures. Open

topped containers shall

be tested in the condition

in which they are

designed to

be operated, for example,

with removable top

members in position.

Externally applied

forces:

None.

1993 Amendments To The International Convention

For Safe Containers, 1972

The Assembly,

Recalling article IX of the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, on the procedure for amending any part of the Convention,

Having considered the amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at its sixty-first session and communicated to all Contracting Parties in accordance with paragraph 2(a) of article IX of that Convention,

1. Adopts, in accordance with paragraph 2(b) of article IX of the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, the amendments to the Convention and its Annexes set out in the Annex to the present resolution;

2. Notes that, in accordance with paragraph 2(c) of article IX of the Convention, the said amendments shall enter into force twelve months after the date on which they are accepted by two thirds of the Contracting Parties;

3. Requests the Secretary-General, in conformity with paragraph 2(b) of article IX of the Convention, to communicate the said amendments to all Contracting Parties for their acceptance.

 

Annex

Amendments To The

International Convention

For Safe Containers (CSC), 1972

1. Paragraphs 14 to 16 of article II (Definitions) are amended to read:

"14. 'Maximum Operating Gross Mass' or 'Rating' or 'R' means the maximum allowable sum of the mass of the container and its cargo. The letter 'R' is expressed in units of mass. Where the Annexes are based on gravitational forces derived from this value, that force, which is an inertial force, is indicated as 'Rg'.

15. 'Tare' means the mass of the empty container including permanently affixed ancillary equipment.

16. 'Maximum Permissible Payload' or 'P' means the difference between maximum operating gross mass or rating and tare. The letter 'P' is expressed in units of mass. Where the Annexes are based on the gravitational forces derived from this value, that force, which is an inertial force, is indicated as 'Pg'."

New paragraphs 17 to 19 are added as follows:

"17. The word 'load', when used to describe a physical quantity to which units may be ascribed, signifies mass.

18. The word 'loading', for example, as in 'internal loading', signifies force.

19. The letter 'g' means the standard acceleration of gravity, 'g' equals 9.8m/s'-."

2. Annex I, subparagraph 1(b) of regulation 1 is amended to read:

"(b) On each container all maximum gross mass markings shall be consistent with the maximum gross mass information on the Safety Approval Plate."

Subparagraph 2(a) is amended to read:

"(a) The plate shall contain the following information in at least the English or French language:

'CSC SAFETY APPROVAL'

Country of approval and approval reference

Date (month and year) of manufacture

Manufacturer's identification number of the container or, in the case of existing containers for which that number is unknown, the number allotted by the Administration

Maximum operating gross mass (kg and lbs)

Allowable stacking load for 1.8 g (kg and Ibs)

Transverse racking test force (Newtons)"

A new paragraph 5 is added as follows:

"5 A container, the construction of which was completed prior to ......*, may retain the Safety Approval Plate as permitted by the Convention prior to that date as long as no structural modifications occur to that container."

3. Annex I, subparagraphs 1(c) and 1(e) of regulation 9 are amended to read:

"(c) maximum operating gross mass capability;"

"(e) allowable stacking load for 1.8 g (kg and lbs); and"

4. Annex I, subparagraphs (c) and (e) of regulation 10 are amended to read: "(c) maximum operating gross mass capability;"

"(e) allowable stacking load for 1.8 g (kg and lbs); and"

5. Annex I, the fourth, fifth and sixth lines of the model of the Safety Approval Plate reproduced in the appendix are amended to read:

"MAXIMUM OPERATING GROSS MASS ...... kg ........ lbs ALLOWABLE STACKING LOAD FOR 1.8 g ........ kg ........ lbs TRANSVERSE RACKING TEST FORCE ........ Newtons"

6. Annex I, items 4 to 8 of the appendix are amended to read:

"4. Maximum operating gross mass (kg and Ibs).

5. Allowable stacking load for 1.8 g (kg and lbs).

6. Transverse racking test force (Newtons).

7. End-wall strength to be indicated on plate only if end-walls are esigned to withstand a force of less or greater than 0.4 times the gravitational force by maximum permissible payload, i.e., 0.4 Pg.

8. Side-wall strength to be indicated on plate only if the side-walls are designed to withstand a force of less or greater than 0.6 times the gravitational force by maximum permissible payload, i.e., 0.6 Pg."

7. The first sentence of the Introduction to Annex II (Structural safety requirements and tests) is amended to read:

"In setting the requirements of this annex, it is implicit that in all phases of the operation of containers the forces as a result of motion, location, stacking and gravitational effect of the loaded container and external forces will not exceed the design strength of the container."

8. Annex II, section 1(A)-Lifting from corner fittings-the text concerning test loadings and applied forces is amended to read:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load:

A uniformly distributed load such that the sum of the mass of container and test load is equal to 2R. In the case of a tank-container, when the test load of the internal load plus the tare is less than 2R, a supplementary load distributed over the length of the tank is to be added to the container.

Externally applied forces:

Such as to lift the sum of a mass of 2R in the manner prescribed (under the heading TEST PROCEDURES)."

9. Annex II, section 1(B)-Lifting by any other additional methods-is amended to read:

"TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load: (i) Lifting from fork-lift

pockets:

A uniformly distributed The container shall be

load such that the sum placed on bars which are

of the mass of container in the same horizontal

and test load is equal plane, one bar centred

to 1.25R within each fork-lift

which is used for lifting

Externally applied the loaded container. The

forces: bars shall be of the same

Such as to lift the sum width as the forks

of a mass of 1.25R in intended to be used in the

the manner prescribed handling, and shall project

(under the heading into the fork pocket 75%

TEST PROCEDURES). of the length of the fork

pocket.

Internal load: (ii) Lifting from grappler

arm positions:

A uniformly distributed The container shall be

load such that the sum placed on pads in the

of the mass of container same horizontal plane,

and test load is equal to one under each grappler

1.25R. In the case of a arm position. These pads

tank-container, when the shall be of the same sizes

test load of the internal as the lifting area of the

load plus the tare is less grappler arms intended to

than 1.25R, a supple- be used.

mentary load distributed

over the length of the

tank is to be added to

the container.

Externally applied

forces:

Such as to lift the sum

of a mass of 1.25R in

the manner prescribed

(under the heading (iii) Other methods:

TEST PROCEDURES). Where containers are

designed to be lifted in

the loaded condition by

any method not mentioned

in (A) (B)(i) and (ii) they

shall also be tested with

the internal load and

externally applied forces

representative of the

acceleration conditions

appropriate to that method."

 

10. Annex II, paragraphs 1 and 2 of section 2 - STACKING - are amended to read:

"1. For conditions of international transport where the maximum vertical acceleration varies significantly from 1.8 g and when the container is reliably and effectively limited to such conditions of transport, the stacking load may be varied by the appropriate ratio of acceleration.

2. On successful completion of this test the container may be rated for the allowable superimposed. static stacking load, which should be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate against the heading ALLOWABLE STACKING LOAD FOR 1.8 g (kg and lbs)."

11. Annex II, section 2-STACKING-the text concerning test loadings and applied forces is amended to read:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load:

A uniformly distributed load such that the sum of the mass of container and test load is equal to 1.8R. Tank-containers may be tested in the tare condition.

Externally applied forces:

Such as to subject each of the four top corner fittings to a vertical downward force equal to 0.25 x 1.8 x the gravitational force of the allowable superimposed static stacking load."

12. Annex II, section 3 - CONCENTRATED LOADS - is amended to read:

"TEST LOADINGS TEST PROCEDURES

AND APPLIED FORCES

(a) On roof

Internal load:

None.

Externally applied

forces:

A concentrated The externally applied

gravitational force of forces shall be applied

300 kg (660 lbs) vertically downwards to

uniformly distributed the outer surface of the

over an area of weakest area of the roof

600 mm x 300 mm of the container.

(24 in x 12 in).

(b) On floor

Internal load: The test should be made

Two concentrated loads with the container resting

each of 2,730 kg on four level supports

(6,000 lbs) and each under its four bottom

added to the container corners in such a manner

floor within a contact that the base structure of

area of 142 cm2 the container is free to

(22 sq in). deflect.

A testing device loaded

to a mass of 5,460 kg

(12,000 Ibs) that is 2,730 kg

(6,000 lbs) on each of

two surfaces having,

when loaded, a total

contact area of 284 cm2

(44 sq in) that is 142 cm2

(22 sq in) on each surface,

the surface width being

180 mm (7 in) spaced

760 mm (30 in) apart,

centre to centre, should

be manoeuvred over the

entire floor area of the

container.

Externally applied

forces:

None."

 

13. Annex II, the heading and subheading of section 4 are amended to read respectively:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES " and "Internal load:"

14. Annex II, section 5 - LONGITUDINAL RESTRAINT (STATIC TEST) - the text concerning test loadings and applied forces is amended to read:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load:

A uniformly distributed load, such that the sum of the mass of a container and test load is equal to the maximum operating gross mass or rating R. In the case of a tank-container, when the mass of the internal load plus the tare is less than the maximum gross mass or rating, R, a supplementary load is to be added to the container.

Externally applied forces:

Such as to subject each side of the container to longitudinal compressive and tensile forces of magnitude Rg, that is, a combined force of 2 Rg on the base of the container as a whole."

15. Annex II, the first paragraph of section 6 - END-WALLS - is amended to read:

"The end-walls should be capable of withstanding a force of not less than 0.4 times the force equal to gravitational force by maximum permissible payload. If, however, the end-walls are designed to withstand a force of less or greater than 0.4 times the gravitational force by maximum permissible payload such a strength factor shall be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate in accordance with annex I, regulation 1."

16. Annex II, section 6 - END-WALLS - the text concerning test loadings and applied forces is amended to read:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load:

Such as to subject the inside of an end-wall to a uniformly distributed force of 0.4 Pg or such other force for which the container may be designed.

Externally applied forces:

None.

17. Annex II, the first paragraph of section 7 - SIDE-WALLS - is amended to read:

"The side-walls should be capable of withstanding a force of not less than 0.6 times the force equal to the gravitational force by maximum permissible payload. If, however, the side-walls are designed to withstand a force of less or greater than 0.6 times the gravitational force by maximum permissible payload, such a strength factor shall be indicated on the Safety Approval Plate in accordance with annex I, regulation 1."

18. Annex II, section 7-SIDE-WALLS-the text concerning test loadings and applied forces is amended to read:

" TEST LOAD AND APPLIED FORCES

Internal load:

Such as to subject the inside of a side-wall to a uniformly distributed force of 0.6 Pg or such other force for which the container may be designed.

Externally applied forces:

None."

* Date of entry into force of the amendments