A diagram showing the planned or actual position of all cargo units aboard a vessel for a given voyage.
Quick facts
Regulation
SOLAS Chapter VI
In practice
The chief mate compiles or reviews the stowage plan, ensuring that the weight distribution achieves an acceptable trim and adequate metacentric height (GM), that dangerous goods are correctly segregated under the IMDG Code, that heavy cargo is on the lower tier, and that reefer containers are placed at plugged positions with adequate power. The plan is shared with the terminal planner, who allocates loading equipment and crane sequences accordingly. During loading, the OOW verifies that cargo is placed in accordance with the approved plan and logs any deviations for the chief mate's attention. An accurate, approved stowage plan is also required for port clearance.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A stowage plan is a diagram or data set showing the assigned position of every cargo unit carried aboard a vessel for a given voyage, specifying the cell, bay, hold, deck tier, and any special stowage requirements. For container ships, the plan is produced in BAPLIE format as an electronic data interchange message and shows each TEU or FEU slot with container number, type, weight, and any dangerous goods class. For bulk carriers and general cargo ships, the stowage plan is a hand-drawn or printed schematic showing the allocation of cargo parcels to holds and decks. SOLAS Chapter VI and the Cargo Securing Manual both require that stowage be planned before loading commences.
The chief mate compiles or reviews the stowage plan, ensuring that the weight distribution achieves an acceptable trim and adequate metacentric height (GM), that dangerous goods are correctly segregated under the IMDG Code, that heavy cargo is on the lower tier, and that reefer containers are placed at plugged positions with adequate power. The plan is shared with the terminal planner, who allocates loading equipment and crane sequences accordingly. During loading, the OOW verifies that cargo is placed in accordance with the approved plan and logs any deviations for the chief mate's attention. An accurate, approved stowage plan is also required for port clearance.