Procedures for loading and carrying the reefer container onboard a vessel.

After the refrigerated container is loaded to the vessel, the ship electrician or shore representative should be standing by ready to plug in the refrigerated containers to vessel power as they are stowed onboard ship.

If substantive damage to the reefer plug and/or electric cord is noted, the damaged item should be recorded and fixed at the earliest possible time. Serious damage to the reefer container should be assessed, recorded, reported and corrected as needed. 

As soon as the refrigerated container is plugged in, the mate on watch should also note the supply and return air temperatures and alarms and log them in the reefer log book.

All set point temperatures and fresh air exchange (vent settings) should be checked against those listed on the refrigerated cargo manifest after loading and logging is complete. Incorrect settings should be recorded and corrected as appropriate.

Refrigerated containers that are not working properly should be reported to the electrician, and subsequently to the Chief Officer. The chief officer should report any problems to the refrigerated container operator if the refrigerated container owner is a partner line or to the booking office if the vessel owner owns or leases the reefer container.

The electrician should perform any repairs that are necessary for the refrigerated container. The electrician should also have access to a set of different reefer manuals for all the various types and manufacturers of reefer containers laden onboard the vessel.

In addition, a basic set of spare parts for the various types of reefer containers should be kept onboard to effect necessary repairs. A system should be in place that allows for continuous access and replenishment of these spare parts as they are used up.

All repairs and problems should be noted in the reefer logbook. The booking office should notify the customer only if the situation warrants notification. For minor temperature discrepancies, it is up to the lines discretion if the customer should be notified as this might invite an unwarranted cargo claim.