Vertical Lashing Rod LR-6

Common issues

• Thread corrosion or seizure at the turnbuckle
• Rod bending or deformation from overload or mishandling
• Coating (galvanizing/paint) damage leading to base metal corrosion
• Worn or bent hook/foot end fittings
• Cracked welds at forged end fittings
• Loss of pretension in the lashing due to stretch or wear
• Mixing of rods of different length or grade within the same lashing set

Inspection checklist

• Visual check for bending or kinking of the rod
• Check thread condition and free running of the turnbuckle
• Check forged end fittings for cracks (dye penetrant if damage is suspected)
• Verify rod length and marking match the Cargo Securing Manual pattern in use
• Check corrosion protection/coating condition
• Verify the safe working load (SWL) marking is present and legible
• Check hook/foot engagement in deck sockets and lashing points
• Discard any bent or visibly damaged rod rather than straightening for reuse

Service intervals

Critical spares

• Replacement lashing rods of matching length and grade
• Turnbuckle body
• Turnbuckle handle/pin
• Matching hook or twistlock end fitting

Safety

• A tensioned rod stores energy and can whip violently if it fails
• Never use a bent or cracked rod in load-bearing lashing
• Pinch/crush hazard when operating the turnbuckle
• Working at height or over the ship's side when lashing on deck
• Dropped-object risk from elevated container stacks during lashing/unlashing

Class survey

Cargo securing gear is checked against the vessel's approved Cargo Securing Manual; class and PSC inspections review lashing gear condition, SWL marking and Cargo Securing Manual compliance rather than a separate machinery survey.