When preparing a cargo space for receipt of a shipment of bagged cargo, which instruction for laying dunnage should be followed?
The main purpose of dunnage is to provide ventilation and drainage for cargo thus protecting it from loss or damage by ship's sweat. Normally, for general cargo, lay down the dunnage beneath the cargo running fore and aft. Use 2 tiers of dunnage spacing the pieces in the bottom tier about a foot apart and the pieces in the top tier together. If cargo holds equipped with side bilges, the first layer of dunnage should be laid down at an angle to the keel, with the forward end inboard. In case cargo holds equipped with drain walls in the after end of the hold, the layer of dunnage should be laid down in a fore and aft pattern.
