SWL is the most important element when purchasing Panama chock, and below are four things we have to bear in our mind:
1, The SWL intended for the use of the closed chocks shall be noted in the towing and mooring plan available on board for the guidance of the shipmaster, as specified in MSC/Circ.1175.
2, The actual SWL on board shall be determined by considering the foundation and under deck reinforcement, and it shall be marked on the towing and mooring plan. The actual SWL shall not be over the SWL indicated in ISO standard.
3, The closed chocks shall be clearly marked with their SWL by weld bead or equivalent. The SWL shall be expressed in tonnes (letter ‘t’) and be placed so that it is not obscured during operation of the fitting.
EXAMPLE SWL XXX t
5, The SWL mark shall be provided on the foundation of the chock or on deck.
