Cargo Securing Inspections Start Today and 10 PSC Checks That Can Delay a Sailing
Cargo Securing Inspections Start Today: 10 Things Port State Control Will Check Before Your Ship Sails
From September 1 to November 30, 2026, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU inspectors are adding a cargo-securing checklist to routine PSC inspections. The data point is simple: 10 questions, 7 detention-sensitive areas, one CIC inspection per ship per MoU, and a clear focus on whether the cargo plan, lashing gear, CSM and crew practice match the way the ship is actually loaded.
The fast read
The inspection is not only about having a Cargo Securing Manual. PSC can compare the manual against the actual stow, the verified gross mass, the portable gear on board, the condition of fittings, bridge visibility and heavy-weather procedures.
The weak spot
- CSM does not match current cargo patterns.
- Twistlocks, rods, turnbuckles or lashing points are damaged.
- Cargo plan misses VGM or weight-limit evidence.
- Officers cannot explain stack weights or deck limits.
10 PSC checks before sailing
Approved Cargo Securing Manual
PSC can ask whether an approved CSM is onboard and available.
Detention watch ManualClear lashing instructions
The CSM needs clear instructions for the actual stowage situations found onboard.
Detention watch Lashing planOfficer familiarity
Relevant officers can be asked about stack weights, tier distribution and limits for tank tops, hatch covers and decks.
Detention watch Crew readinessActual compliance with the CSM
The ship’s real securing arrangement can be checked against the approved manual.
Detention watch Deck realityCargo plan and VGM
The cargo plan can be checked against verified gross mass information for containers being loaded.
Detention watch DocumentationCargo Safe Access Plan
Container ships can be checked for a CSAP supporting safe access for stowage and securing work.
Info question CSAPCorrect portable securing devices
PSC can check whether approved portable gear is sufficient, correct brand/type and aligned with the CSM.
Detention watch Twistlocks and rodsCondition of fixed and portable gear
Lashing bridges, sockets, twistlocks, rods, turnbuckles and other gear need to be compatible, maintained and fit for use.
Detention watch MaintenanceBridge visibility
The cargo stow can be checked against bridge visibility requirements.
Detention watch Stow heightHeavy-weather procedures
PSC can check whether heavy-weather procedures exist and whether precautions to prevent cargo loss are followed.
Procedure check SMS linkPractical angle: The fastest preparation is a deck-to-document match. Walk the cargo plan, CSM, VGM file, lashing software output, portable gear inventory, maintenance record and bridge visibility calculation against the actual ship before the inspector does.
Detention-risk map
| PSC focus | What fails fast | Pre-sailing fix | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSM onboard and approved | Missing approval, wrong revision, inaccessible manual. | Verify approval page, latest revision and bridge/deck access. | High |
| Lashing instructions | Manual does not cover actual stack, cargo type or securing method. | Update or add approved instructions before loading pattern repeats. | High |
| Officer knowledge | Officers cannot explain stack weight, tier weight or deck limits. | Run a short CSM and lashing-software briefing before arrival. | Medium |
| Portable lashing gear | Wrong type, wrong brand, not enough gear or mixed incompatible parts. | Count, sort, inspect and replace twistlocks, rods and tensioners. | High |
| Gear condition | Corrosion, deformation, cracked fittings, seized turnbuckles, damaged sockets. | Remove defective gear and document replacement before sailing. | High |
| VGM and cargo plan | Plan does not reflect verified gross mass or stack-weight limits. | Reconcile VGM, bay plan, lashing calculation and final loading file. | High |
| Heavy weather | No clear monitoring, speed/heading, inspection or cargo-loss prevention procedure. | Link bridge procedure, SMS, lashing checks and route-risk notes. | Medium |
Supplier spend behind the campaign
Demand trigger: damaged, mixed or insufficient portable securing devices.
Demand trigger: pre-PSC walkdown, high-risk loading pattern or repeated defects.
Demand trigger: bay plan, VGM and CSM calculations need one clean record.
Demand trigger: outdated lashing instructions or new cargo/stowage patterns.
Demand trigger: corrosion, deformation, missing pins, seized gear or poor records.
Demand trigger: crew cannot explain CSM limits or heavy-weather actions.
Shipboard 30-minute check before PSC
| Minute | Check | Evidence to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | Open CSM to approval page and active lashing section. | Approved CSM, latest revision, cargo-specific instructions. |
| 5 to 10 | Match bay plan, VGM and lashing calculation. | Final cargo plan, VGM file, securing software output. |
| 10 to 15 | Confirm portable gear count and correct type. | Inventory, spare count, removed-defect list. |
| 15 to 20 | Walk one high-risk bay or deck-cargo area. | Photos, defect corrections, supervisor sign-off. |
| 20 to 25 | Brief officer on stack weights, tier distribution and deck limits. | CSM extract, loading limits, bridge visibility note. |
| 25 to 30 | Confirm heavy-weather and cargo-loss prevention routine. | SMS procedure, route note, deck inspection plan. |
The condensed takeaway
The CIC does not create a separate inspection. It adds a cargo-securing lens to routine PSC. The ships most exposed are not only poorly maintained vessels. They are ships where the CSM, bay plan, VGM, software output, lashing gear and actual deck condition tell different stories.
The cleanest preparation is simple: prove the manual is approved, prove the plan matches the cargo, prove the gear is correct and maintained, prove officers understand the limits, and prove heavy-weather precautions are real before the vessel sails.
Cargo Securing PSC Readiness Tool
Use this quick screen before sailing during the September 1 to November 30 cargo-securing CIC. Select the status of each item and review the readiness score.
The cargo-securing file appears ready. Keep the CSM, cargo plan, VGM, lashing software output and gear records easy to show.
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