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Getting ready for the 2026 PSC CIC: A focus on cargo securing

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Getting ready for the 2026 PSC CIC: A focus on cargo securing

The Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU have announced a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Cargo Securing of Cargo Units and Cargo Transport Units to be conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2026. The campaign will focus on compliance with SOLAS requirements relating to the loading, stowage and securing of cargo units and CTUs during routine Port State Control inspections.

PSC Officers will verify, among other things:

  1. Availability of an approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM).
  2. Whether the CSM contains lashing instructions for all stowage situations onboard.
  3. Officers’ familiarity with CSM requirements, including stack weights, tier weights and deck/hatch cover load limits. This will also include awareness with tank top, hatch cover and decks permissible load densities.
  4. Whether guidance of CSM is complied with?
  5. Use of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in cargo planning.
  6. Availability of a Cargo Safe Access Plan (CSAP).
  7. Availability of sufficient approved portable cargo securing equipment.
  8. Condition, maintenance and compatibility of fixed and portable securing devices.
  9. Evidence that cargo has been properly secured throughout the voyage.
  10. Compliance with bridge visibility requirements.
  11. Heavy weather navigation procedures and measures to prevent cargo loss.
  12. Compliance with SMS procedures relating to heavy weather and cargo securing.

A negative finding on the key CIC questions may result in detention of the vessel.

Members are advised to:

  1. Review the vessel’s CSM and ensure it reflects cargo arrangements for cargoes intended to be carried on board.
  2. Verify availability and condition of all securing equipment.
  3. Ensure officers are familiar with cargo securing requirements and load limitations.
  4. Review heavy weather procedures and cargo securing records.
  5. Confirm compliance with VGM requirements and cargo planning procedures.
  6. Carry out a pre-CIC onboard review prior to trading in Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU regions.

Note: Vessels carrying/intending to carry containers, cargo units or CTUs should be prepared for focused PSC scrutiny during the CIC period and ensure full compliance with cargo securing requirements before arrival at port.

Reference: https://www.tokyo-mou.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/Joint-Press-Release-on-CIC-on-Cargo-Securing-all.pdf

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