To brace or secure cargo in a bulk carrier by filling empty spaces directly under the hatch covers. Stevedores dig out a void in the existing load and pack it with heavy weights or additional cargo, which locks the stow in place and prevents the free surface effect from destabilizing the vessel in heavy seas.
Heard on the job
Tell the loaders to tom the grain cargo before we close the hatches for the ocean transit.
Also heard as
- Tomming