BS ISO 23577-2021 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS ISO 23577-2021 — Ships and marine technology — Cargo securing systems on ships — Vocabulary. This British-adopted version of ISO 23577:2021 provides a standardized set of terms and definitions used for cargo securing systems across different ship types (including container ships and ro-ro ships), intended to harmonize terminology used in design, manufacture, operation, inspection and training.

Abstract

This vocabulary standard defines general terms for cargo securing systems on ships and gives specific terms for container securing and ro-ro cargo securing. It supports consistent communication between shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, ship operators, inspectors and educators by clarifying terminology such as securing devices, fixed and portable fittings, maximum securing load (MSL), proof load (PL), minimum breaking load (MBL), lashing equipment and container/ro-ro specific fittings.

General information

• Status: Current / Definitive (British adoption of ISO 23577:2021).
• Publication date: 01 April 2021 (BS adoption; ISO original published end‑March 2021).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) document.
• ICS / categories: 01.040.47 (Shipbuilding and marine structures — Vocabularies); 47.020.40 (Lifting and cargo handling equipment).
• Edition / version: 1st edition, 2021 (BS ISO adoption of ISO 23577:2021).
• Number of pages: 20 (BS ISO published version); note the ISO original document is commonly catalogued as 12 pages.

Scope

This document specifies general terms for cargo securing systems on ships and provides specific vocabulary for cargo securing on container ships and on ro-ro ships. It is applicable to the design, manufacture, trade, teaching and other fields concerned with cargo securing systems on ships. The vocabulary clarifies terms for securing devices (fixed and portable), load/test terminology (MSL, PL, MBL), lashing and tensioning equipment, container securing fittings (twistlocks, lashing rods, lashing bridges) and ro-ro securing arrangements.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions of cargo securing system components (cargo unit, cargo securing device, fixed fitting, portable fitting).
• Load and test terminology: maximum securing load (MSL), proof load (PL), minimum breaking load (MBL).
• Container‑specific vocabulary: container securing fitting, twistlock (manual/semi‑automatic/automatic), lashing rod, lashing bridge, cell guide, stack/tier/bay/row definitions.
• Ro‑ro specific vocabulary: terms for vehicle and trailer securing, lashings, chocks, and related deck fittings.
• Operational and safety terms: cargo securing method, tensioning device, cargo securing manual and cargo safe access concepts.
• Intended alignment with related IMO resolutions and existing ISO container/handling terms where referenced.

Typical use and users

Used by ship designers, naval architects, ship outfitters, manufacturers of securing devices, classification societies, port and terminal operators, ship operators, maritime surveyors, trainers and regulatory authorities. The vocabulary is intended to be referenced in technical specifications, inspection reports, training materials and cargo securing manuals to avoid ambiguity in terminology and to improve safety and interoperability.

Related standards

Standards and documents commonly referenced alongside ISO 23577 include ISO 3874 (Series 1 freight containers — handling and securing), ISO standards on container securing device installation and inspection (for example ISO 17905), other ISO work items from ISO/TC 8/SC 4 (marine securing devices and ro-ro securing standards) and relevant IMO assembly/resolution guidance on safe stowage and securing of cargo units.

Keywords

cargo securing, lashing, twistlock, lashing rod, securing device, fixed fitting, portable fitting, maximum securing load (MSL), proof load, minimum breaking load (MBL), container securing, ro-ro securing, ship vocabulary.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: STB BS ISO 23577-2021 is the British-adopted version of ISO 23577:2021, a vocabulary standard that defines terms used for cargo securing systems on ships, including container and ro-ro securing terminology.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general and specific terms and definitions for cargo securing systems, load/test vocabulary and equipment names (e.g., twistlocks, lashing bridges, tensioning devices), and operational terms used in design, manufacture, inspection, operation and training.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Shipbuilders, outfitters, equipment manufacturers, ship operators, classification societies, port/terminal personnel, surveyors, and maritime training organizations use this vocabulary to ensure consistent terminology.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published in 2021 it is the current (first) edition of ISO 23577 and the BS ISO adoption is treated as definitive; users should check national standards catalogueues or BSI for any subsequent amendments or reviews.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of work produced under ISO/TC 8/SC 4 (Outfitting and deck machinery) and is intended to be used alongside related standards addressing container handling, securing device installation/inspection and ro-ro securing (e.g., ISO 3874, ISO 17905 and related ISO/TC 8 documents).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cargo securing, lashing, securing device, twistlock, lashing rod, fixed fitting, portable fitting, MSL, proof load, ro-ro securing, container securing.