Even if the cargo handling on a ship is well planned and
the ventilation system is well suited to the planned traffic density,
this may still not be enough to ensure that acceptable air quality
is maintained under all vehicle handling conditions.
It is extremely important that the ventilation system is operated
in the most effective manner under the prevailing operational and
weather conditions.
The personnel responsible for loading
and unloading of vehicles should consult with the officer responsible
for vehicle deck ventilation to familiarise himself with the ventilation
system on board (the supply and exhaust air openings and the design
air flow) and decide whether the ventilation is adequate in the light
of the traffic density, vehicle type and other considerations on a
given occasion.
It is important that the supply air has
free passage to the ro-ro cargo spaces and ventilation openings should
not be unnecessarily obstructed.
If auxiliary air-jet
systems have been installed, vehicles should be stowed in such a way
that the air jets are allowed to operate at maximum effectiveness
for as long as possible.