MSL

bullet Maximum Securing Load (MSL) is a term used to define the allowable load capacity for a device used to secure cargo to a ship. Safe Working Load (SWL) may be substituted for MSL for securing purposes, provided this is equal to or exceeds the strength defined by MSL.
bullet The MSLs for different securing devices are given in table 1.
bullet The MSL of timber should be taken as 0.3 kN/cm2 normal to the grain.
bullet Following table shows determination of MSL from breaking strength
 
Material MSL
shackles, rings, deckeyes, turnbuckles of mild steel 50% of breaking strength
fibre rope 33% of breaking strength
web lashing 50% of breaking strength
wire rope (single use) 80% of breaking strength
wire rope (re-useable) 30% of breaking strength
steel band (single use) 70% of breaking strength
chains 50% of breaking strength

 

bullet For particular securing devices (e.g. fibre straps with tensioners or special equipment for securing containers), a permissible working load may be prescribed and marked by authority. This should be taken as the MSL.
bullet When the components of a lashing device are connected in series (for example, a wire to a shackle to a deckeye), the minimum MSL in the series shall apply to that device.
 

Source: CSS code, Annex-13, sec-4.

Updated: September 26, 2007