A cargo net is a type of

net Net or net may refer to: Mathematics and physics * Net (mathematics), a filter-like topological generalization of a sequence * Net, a linear system of divisors of dimension 2 * Net (polyhedron), an arrangement of polygons that can be folded up ...

. It is usually square or rectangle, but sometimes round, made of thick

rope A rope is a group of yarns, plies, fibres, or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarl ...

, with cinch ropes extending from the corners, and in some designs, the edges. It is named for its use in transferring

cargo Cargo consists of bulk goods conveyed by water, air, or land. In economics, freight is cargo that is transported at a freight rate for commercial gain. ''Cargo'' was originally a shipload but now covers all types of freight, including tra ...

to and from ships.

Uses

Cargo transfer

shipping Freight transport, also referred as ''Freight Forwarding'', is the physical process of transporting commodities and merchandise goods and cargo. The term shipping originally referred to transport by sea but in American English, it has been ...

, cargo ''lift'' nets are used to load and unload cargo. The net is spread out by

stevedore A stevedore (), also called a longshoreman, a docker or a dockworker, is a waterfront manual laborer who is involved in loading and unloading ships, trucks, trains or airplanes. After the shipping container revolution of the 1960s, the number ...

s, who load the goods onto it. They then attach the cinches to a crane hook. Lifting the hook draws the corners of the net around the cargo. This results in a balanced and secure load which can be safely hoisted. Goods are transferred from one place to another in the construction industry using cargo nets. When used to transfer cargo by helicopter, they are referred to as "underslung" cargo nets.

Securing loads

Cargo nets are used by the

military A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. It is typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with its members identifiable by their distinct ...

, and in the shipping industry, to secure loads to prevent them from shifting during transport, as well as to deter theft.

Obstacle courses

As part of

obstacle course An obstacle course is a series of challenging physical obstacles an individual, team or animal must navigate, usually while being timed. Obstacle courses can include running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming, and balancing elements with ...

s, cargo nets are used as flexible ladders. This originated with landing nets used by amphibious assault troops to board landing craft in the water alongside the ship. The troops climbed down the nets hung over the ship's side and boarded the bobbing landing craft.

Playgrounds

Although still used in playgrounds around the world, cargo nets have been subject to criticism due to the hazard of strangulation. The

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC, CPSC, or commission) is an independent agency of the United States government. The CPSC seeks to promote the safety of consumer products by addressing “unreasonable risks” of inj ...

has issued a notice expressing concern that a child's head can become trapped if the openings are of a particular size.

Marine rescue and ship embarkation

In maritime situations, cargo nets can be slung over the side of a ship to allow passengers stranded in the water to climb aboard to safety. Cargo nets can also be used to transfer troops from a ship to landing craft.

Safety barriers

Especially on ships, cargo nets are used as physical barriers, to prevent individuals from falling through openings or overboard into the sea.

References

{{Authority control Nets (devices) Industrial equipment