(You are getting this note because you subscribed to Brad Skelton's blog-The Shipping Bloke)
Cargo integrity is my absolute priority. That's why I rarely, if EVER, load heavy machinery on the deck of vessels. It is absolute last resort. There literally has to be no other way to get the cargo to that destination before I will even vaguely consider it. Even then, I do my level best to make my client completely aware of the risks, accept them, notify their underwriters and protect the cargo as much as possible.
I have frequently lost business to competitors who come in cheaper because they are taking that risk with clients cargo. Worse still sometimes they don't even tell the client they are putting the cargo on deck and profiteer. I'd rather not handle the shipment than risk damaging the cargo and my relationship with my customer with it.
It's not that risky you say.... and if you can save a few bucks then....why not? Check these links out and then answer that question.
Strike 1.
Strike 2.
Strike 3.
If waves can come over the deck of the "USS Kitty Hawk" 102 feet from the water line then....
Game over.
All for now,
Brad Skelton
The Shipping Bloke.