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Gard Guidance Masters

2.11.3.5 VENTILATION OF CARGO – MONITORING OF CARGO TEMPERATURES

For further details please refer to
  • Gard News 173, Don’t work up a sweat!, and
  • section 2.11.2.8 Ventilation.



    Ventilation may be required to
  • make the air in the holds less vulnerable to condensation
  • remove heat
  • dissipate gases
  • remove taint.

    Many charterparties stipulate special requirements for ventilation of the cargo. The Master is, therefore, advised to record in the relevant logs all ventilation measures taken, including timings, as well as the reason for not ventilating the cargo during adverse weather conditions. This will assist in defending claims for negligence or failure to ventilate, please see also section 2.11.2.8 Ventilation.

    If the charterparty requires the vessel’s crew to regularly monitor the temperatures of reefer containers, a record of
  • the checks and results
  • any observations as to variations in temperature
  • any interruption of cooling periods or abnormalities
  • any rectifying measures taken, including replacement of temperature recording discs.