Port State Control 2026 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Cargo Securing
The Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU will conduct a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on the cargo securing of cargo units and cargo transport units from 1 September to 30 November 2026. The campaign will be undertaken during routine Port State Control (PSC) inspections and aims to assess compliance with SOLAS requirements relating to cargo loading, stowage and securing.
During the campaign, PSC officers will use a dedicated inspection questionnaire focusing on areas such as the vessel's Cargo Securing Manual (CSM), compliance with approved securing arrangements, crew familiarity with cargo securing requirements, the condition and availability of securing equipment, cargo documentation, and procedures for heavy weather navigation. Several items in the questionnaire may result in detention if deficiencies are identified.
The full CIC questionnaire is included in the attached press release and may be used as a self-assessment tool to prepare for the campaign. Members are encouraged to review vessel readiness well in advance of the campaign. Particular attention should be given to the following:
- Ensure the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) is approved, up to date and reflects the securing arrangements used onboard.
- Ensure officers involved in cargo operations are familiar with the CSM and applicable loading limitations.
- Verify that cargo securing equipment is sufficient, fit for purpose and properly maintained.
- Ensure cargo plans and supporting documentation are accurate and readily available for inspection.
- Review procedures for heavy weather navigation and the prevention of cargo loss.
- Verify that actual cargo securing arrangements onboard are consistent with the CSM and any applicable approved securing arrangements.
Common Cargo Securing Deficiencies
Based on cases seen by the Club and issues frequently identified during inspections, concerns often arise not because a Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) is absent, but because actual loading, stowage or securing arrangements onboard are inconsistent with the CSM or have not been adequately assessed.
Examples may include:
- Cargo securing arrangements that differ from those described in the CSM.
- Temporary or improvised support and securing arrangements that have not been properly assessed or approved.
- Damaged, missing or inadequately maintained securing devices.
- Officers and crew not being sufficiently familiar with the CSM or applicable loading limitations.
- Incomplete documentation supporting cargo loading, stowage and securing arrangements.
- Heavy weather securing and monitoring procedures not being effectively implemented.
Particular attention should be given to situations involving deck cargoes, project cargoes, vehicles, cargo transport units, and other non-standard loading arrangements, where deviations from approved securing arrangements may be more likely to occur.
Members should be aware that PSC inspections may focus not only on the existence of plans, manuals and procedures, but also on whether actual cargo securing arrangements onboard are adequately supported, properly maintained and consistent with the Cargo Securing Manual. Cargo securing arrangements that are not adequately supported by the Cargo Securing Manual, appropriate calculations or engineering assessments may result in deficiencies and, in more serious cases, detention.