The weight of the cargo, including dunnage and bracing, plus the tare weight of the container transporting this cargo, is referred to as the Verified Gross Mass (VGM). Before vessel loading, SOLAS requires the shipper to disclose VGM in a “shipping document,” either as part of the shipping instruction or in a separate communication.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international maritime convention that establishes minimum safety requirements for merchant ships’ construction, equipment, and operation. The treaty requires signatory flag states to guarantee that ships flying their flag meet at least these requirements.
If you work in the marine industry, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the phrase Verified Gross Mass, or VGM. Essentially, the VGM is the overall weight of a cargo, including packaging, bracing, and the tare of the container transporting this cargo.
The VGM declaration, on the other hand, is a document that states the cargo’s Verified Gross Mass along with a signature (which might be electronic) identifying the person accountable for the claimed weight. The International Maritime Organization established the requirement for this declaration as part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) amendment.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations’ maritime regulating institution that keeps an up-to-date list of SOLAS revisions. SOLAS updated a section of the treaty in November 2014 and established the notion of Verified Gross Mass. (VGM). This change addressed container weight parameters.
It requires you to disclose the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to the shipmaster or port representatives. Your container will not be able to board the ship without it.
Significance of the VGM declaration
The declaration improves marine safety by lowering the risks to cargo, containers, and everyone involved in container transportation along the supply chain.
The shipper’s stowage may be arranged correctly, and there are less risks of accidents or injuries due by false weight declarations, if the shipper delivers precise and dependable weight information to the ocean carrier.
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Requirement of VGM
This document is required for all members of the International Maritime Organization. While containers may normally be weighted at the ports, this service involves an extra price and may cause congestion and delays.
It is also crucial to note that, while the VGM is a worldwide rule, individual ports and nations may have varying operating requirements.
Shipping declaration changes add to the shipping documents. And it may be tough, time-consuming, and, well, costly. However, with EximAnything, you get comprehensive documentation assistance, making shipping a breeze.
