The Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code) is non-mandatory and applies to all ships of 24 m or more in length carrying a TIMBER DECK CARGO. The Code aims to ensure that stowage and cargo securing arrangements for timber deck cargoes enable a safe yet rational securing of the cargo so that it is satisfactorily prevented from shifting. The 2011 TDC Code also includes alternative design principles, taking into account the acceleration forces cargo may be subjected to throughout the voyage.

More specifically, the 2011 TDC Code provides:
Practices for safe transportation
Methodologies for safe stowage and securing
Design principles for securing systems
Guidance for developing procedures to be included in ships' cargo securing manuals
Sample checklists for safe stowage and securing
The Code is designed to assist shipowners, charterers, operating companies, seafarers, port industries, shippers, pre-packaging organizations (which are involved in preparation, loading, and stowing of timber deck cargoes), Administrations, manufacturers, designers of ships and equipment associated with the carriage of timber deck cargoes, and those developing cargo securing manuals for the carriage of timber deck cargoes.