SOLAS / IMO Guidance Document

RONCO VGM Requirement and Procedure

Pilot Transition Process June 1st 2016

July 1, 2016 is the date for mandatory implementation of the new SOLAS / IMO Regulation, requiring shippers to provide the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of each packed container to the Ocean Carrier and Marine Terminal for use in their stowage plans prior to it being loaded aboard the vessel.

ANY BOOKING SAILING ON, OR AFTER, JULY 1ST, IS SUBJECT TO VGM DECLARATION, EVEN IF LOADING OCCURS PRIOR TO THE JULY 1ST DEADLINE.

The following is an update of our Pilot Transition of the formalized VGM process on June 1st for your advanced guidance and readiness:

Weighing To Assess Verified Gross Mass (Weight)

As a reminder there are two methods for weighing the cargo to determine the VGM (the sum of all masses).

Either Method used for weighing is subject to the Calibration and Measurement Certification Standards of the State Governing Authority.

Weighing the Whole Container after it has been packed including the TARE weight of the container (the TARE weight is identified on the door/side of each container)

Note: For cargo items that do not easily lend to individual weighing of the items to be packed in the container e.g., portable tanks, flexi-tanks, scrap metals, un-bagged grain and other cargo in bulk are an example of cargo items where Method 1 would be the most suitable application.
Weighing / Calculating all the Cargo and Contents individually and adding those weights to the TARE weight of the container (the TARE weight is identified on the door and side of each container).

Note (1): The Sum of All Masses in Method 2 = (the Sum of All Single Masses of Cargo Items + All Packing /Packages + Pallets and/or Dunnage + Securing Material i.e. Blocking and Bracing) = Verified Gross Mass.

Note (2): Estimated Weights are NOT permitted and is a violation of SOLAS regulations.

Note (3) A Container with a Gross Mass exceeding its Maximum Permitted Payload as indicated on the Safety Approval Plate under the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) will NOT be loaded aboard a vessel even with the proper VGM Documentation

VGM Submission

VGM Procedure

VGM Requirement applies to all ships anywhere in the world
All Loaded containers on Board such ships must have a VGM
State Governing Authority is responsible for Enforcement & Compliance
Regulatory Authority Enforcement of the VGM will be focused on the Shipper
State Governing Authority Enforcement Actions will be in response to:
- Complaints / advice from terminals re suspect VGM
- Container will be detained and require re-weighing of the suspect VGM
- R A Inspectors to randomly check on container VGM per existing process
- R A inspectors have authority to impose monetary penalties for non-compliance
Marine terminals require Shipper VGM - electronic transmission by Ocean Carrier
Ocean Carriers adhering to a "NO VGM – NO LOAD" policy
Ocean Carriers and Marine Terminals will NOT Load container without a VGM
VGM Cut – Off Times will vary by Ocean Carrier and Marine Terminal
VGM Cut – Off times will be communicated at time of booking
Shippers must retain Archival record of each container VGM

Profile of Information for VGM Submission

Booking / Bill of Lading Number
Container Number
VGM (container, contents, packing, securing material + TARE weight of the container = Sum of All Masses)
Unit of measurement - KGS or LBS
Actual Shipper / Duly Authorized Persons Signature (in CAPITAL LETTERS)
Responsible Party Name
Date of Declaration
Method of Weighing – 1 (Weigh Scaled) or 2 (Calculated)
Any additional Mandatory or Optional information requested by Local Authorities

Consequences for Failure to Meet VGM Requirements

Stevedoring and /or Transport costs associated to the exception handling of the container involved
Inspection and/or survey costs/ Storage Fees and/or Container Demurrage
Weighing Costs if the Carrier/Terminal Weighs
Stuffing/de-stuffing or any additional steps required to obtain the VGM
Penalties and/or administrative charges & any additional costs that may be incurred
Removing the container from the vessel if the VGM is found to be incorrect
Shipment delays and impact on the supply chain

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