The International Maritime Organization (IMO) amended the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require, as a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship for export, that each container has a verified weight effective July 1, 2016. The South Carolina Ports Authority has filed a rule in its Marine Terminal Operating Schedule (MTOS) outlining its process for adherence to the IMO regulations regarding SOLAS Regulation VI/2 at its facilities.
Summary:
All export containers will be weighed on calibrated and certified truck scales on arrival at the Port of Charleston. The gross weight of the cargo and container will be provided to the respective ocean carrier as the VGM via EDI 322 message and will be made available to the stevedores stowing cargo in the port on a real time basis so that ships can be efficiently and safely stowed. No further written or electronic authorization is required of the shipper.
SC Ports & SOLAS: Frequently Asked Questions
Position on SOLAS Weight Requirements (PDF)
SC Ports Authority Press Release Regarding SOLAS
SC Ports Authority MTOS (Tariff) Rule – Effective July 1, 2016 (PDF)
OCEMA Press Release Terminal Weighing Approach (PDF)
VGM Joint Policy Statement on TWA for U.S. Exports (PDF)
USCG Declaration of Equivalency on Using Terminal Weights for VGM Compliance (PDF)