Deck cargo is shipping cargo carried on the deck instead of inside the ship. Certain types of cargo must be carried on the deck by law, while others may be carried on deck by convenience or to address space concerns while loading the ship. Such cargo must be carefully secured to prevent losses and reduce the risk of injury on the part of the ship's crew, as people will be directly exposed to the deck cargo while working on the ship.
Livestock is often carried as deck cargo when there are concerns about ventilation and safety belowdecks. Specialized pens may be built on deck or livestock can be carried in crates. Another object carried in this manner is explosives. In many regions, people cannot carry explosives belowdecks for safety reasons. In addition to being carried on deck, they also need to be clearly labeled so people are aware of the risks.