the cargo bay is set up in zones, each of which can be configured for gravtiy and temperature and security. there's a large sectional floor hatch, part of which can be opened in quadrants as well as the entire floor.

there is also an overhead crane system.

[From Bridge]

Craig donned a vacc suit and then came down to the cargo bay and began to familiarize himself with it.  First he checked that the existing cargo was properly secured, checked the operation of the environmental controls and the crane and then tried to figure out the floor hatch.

OOC: Is there cargo on each section of the floor hatch?  Is the floor hatch an airlock or does it open directly to space?

there is some cargo on two of the side sections, but it's not that much. the escape pod seems to be a standard size, so it should fit through just half of the hatch. But, no, it's not an airlock.

Shamus will assist Kraig in preparing the cargo bay.

Kraig looked up and nodded as Shamus appeared.  "Can you check that the cargo is secured?  Also, we'll need to open the hatch to space so help me make sure that there is nothing here that won't be ruined by vacuum."

Shamus will secure any loose cargo and store anything that might be damaged by vacuum. "I'll work the controls, while you secure the pod."

All the cargo that's there is already secured. Like in most ships, it's held by gravity as well as cargo straps or nets. Anything that can be damaged by a cold hard vacuum is normally shipped in special containers, but there are none of those here, and the manifest does not indicate anything of that nature.

Once the ship is in position, 50% of the cargo bay dorsal hatch is opened.

Piloting is excellent as there is just enough drift to get the escape pod into the cargo bay. A buffer pad on the ceiling isn't even needed as the restraining net catches it.

the cargo hatch is closed and you've got an escape pod sitting in the middle of the cago bay now.