Overview
ISO 17905:2015 - Ships and marine technology - Installation, inspection and maintenance of container securing devices for ships - sets out requirements to ensure the safe use of container securing devices on ships. The standard covers installation, factory and in-service inspection, maintenance, recording and storage of securing devices used to restrain containers during transport.
Key topics and requirements
- Types of securing devices: Defines three main types - securing fittings, lashing fittings and buttress fittings - each available as fixed fittings (welded to hull) or loose fittings (removable).
- Installation requirements: Fixed fittings must follow approved layout and colour-coding; loose fittings must be installed in specified positions respecting length and direction marks. Only devices recognized by qualified personnel are to be used.
- Testing and validation:
- Lashing utility tests required before first use on a new ship.
- Lashing simulation recommended for complex ship types and complex lashings.
- Factory proof-load tests performed on a sampling basis (see Annexes A and B for strength and test methods).
- Inspection cycles: Specifies initial, annual, intermediate and special inspections. Inspections include visual, functional and strength examinations.
- Initial inspection coincides with classification survey.
- Annual inspection with ship’s annual survey.
- Intermediate inspections during daily use; special inspection after adverse events or heavy seas.
- Maintenance:
- Routine maintenance immediately after inspection and typically every six months.
- Repair and replacement criteria, including weld inspection, replacement for cracks or permanent deformation, and corrosion thresholds (e.g., plate thickness loss or pitting limits cited in the standard).
- Guidance on welding repairs and limitations (e.g., do not repair cracked fitting bodies by welding; replace).
- Marking, recording and storage: Marking requirements (Annex C), mandatory record-keeping (Section 5), and storage rules (Annex D) to preserve traceability and serviceability.
Practical applications
ISO 17905:2015 is practical for:
- Shipyards and naval architects specifying securing systems during design and outfitting
- Ship operators and cargo planners managing container lashing and stowage safety
- Classification societies and surveyors conducting initial and periodic inspections
- Manufacturers of twistlocks, sockets, lashing plates and buttress components
- Port operators, riggers and marine engineers responsible for on-board securing operations and maintenance
Related standards
- Normative reference: ISO 3874:1997 - Series 1 freight containers - Handling and securing.
(See ISO 17905:2015 Annexes A–D for strength, test, marking and storage requirements.)
Using ISO 17905:2015 helps organizations reduce container loss and cargo damage by standardizing installation, inspection and maintenance practices for container securing devices on ships.
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