Course Content
Course Overview and Objectives
This topic introduces the objectives and scope of the PSSR course and explains its importance for seafarers.
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Course Overview and Objectives
Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
This topic focuses on the importance of safe working practices onboard ships. It explains how seafarers can identify hazards, follow safety procedures, and adopt correct work methods to prevent accidents and injuries while working at sea.
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Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
This topic focuses on the practical application of safety procedures during shipboard operations and the importance of following established rules to maintain a safe working environment.
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Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
This topic explains the basic structure of a ship, important work areas onboard, and commonly used shipboard terms to help seafarers understand their working environment.
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Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
This topic introduces the various types of ships used in the maritime industry and explains the nature of cargoes they carry, along with a basic understanding of cargo handling operations onboard.
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Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
This topic explains the features of general cargo ships, the types of cargo they carry, and the basic operational practices followed during cargo handling onboard.
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General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
This topic explains the design and operational features of multi-functional cargo ships, their ability to carry different types of cargo, and the basic cargo handling practices followed onboard.
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Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
This topic explains the design, characteristics, and development of bulk carrier ships, along with the nature of solid bulk cargo transported by these vessels.
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Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
Ro-Ro Ships
This topic explains the concept and design of Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships, the types of wheeled and tracked cargo they carry, and the cargo handling arrangements such as ramps and deck configurations used onboard.
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Ro-Ro Ships
Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
This topic explains the different types of oil tankers, their classification based on cargo and size, special tanker operations, and the structural features designed to ensure safety during the transportation of liquid cargo.
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Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Combination carriers are specially designed merchant ships capable of transporting different types of cargo such as ore, dry bulk, and oil at different stages of their voyage. These ships provide operational flexibility by allowing ship operators to avoid empty return voyages and improve overall efficiency.
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Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

General Cargo Vessels and Their Role

General cargo ships are among the earliest types of cargo vessels used in maritime transport. These ships are designed to carry different kinds of cargo at the same time, usually in smaller quantities. Cargo carried on such vessels is typically handled as individual units or in unitized and palletized forms. Items such as boxes, barrels, bales, crates, packages, and bundles are collectively referred to as general cargo. This type of cargo is usually stowed in non-specialized cargo spaces within the ship.

General cargo ships are equipped with their own cargo handling arrangements, allowing them to load and discharge cargo without heavy dependence on shore-based equipment. Decks of these vessels commonly feature various combinations of derricks, cranes, and lifting gear, which support flexible cargo operations in different ports and working conditions.

Pallets play an important role in the handling of general cargo. A pallet is a flat wooden platform supported by bearers, designed to carry goods as a single unit. Once cargo is placed on a pallet, it can be moved easily using mechanical equipment such as forklifts. Pallets are manufactured in standard sizes, with dimensions of 40 inches by 48 inches (approximately 100 cm by 122 cm) being the most widely used.

The use of pallets reduces the need for manual handling and helps save labor during cargo operations. However, palletization also has certain limitations. It does not fully prevent damage caused by crushing, increases the stowage factor due to loss of available space, and may result in a reduction of ship stability if not properly managed.

General arrangement of a cargo ship


A clear diagram of a general cargo ship showing its main parts and equipment that seafarers should understand.


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