2026 PSC CIC on Cargo Securing: Key Considerations for Ship Operators

The Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have announced a joint Port State Control (PSC) Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on cargo securing, which will run 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 cargo transport units. 

During the campaign period, PSC Officers will use a dedicated questionnaire in conjunction with routine inspections to assess compliance and identify potential deficiencies. Depending on their nature and severity, deficiencies may result in actions ranging from corrective measures to detention of the ship.

The decision to focus on cargo securing reflects a continuing industry concern. Failures in cargo securing arrangements can have serious consequences, including cargo shifts, structural damage, loss of containers overboard, risks to seafarers, disruption of supply chains and environmental harm.

Cargo securing requirements are principally governed by SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 5, which requires cargo to be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage so as to prevent damage to the ship, danger to persons on board and loss of cargo overboard. The ship’s approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) supports compliance with these requirements, and many of the inspection items included in the 2026 CIC questionnaire are derived directly from them and associated IMO guidance.

The campaign comes at a time when the industry continues to experience high-consequence cargo loss events. According to the World Shipping Council Containers Lost at Sea Report 2026, an estimated 1,478 containers were lost at sea in 2025, compared with 576 containers in 2024. The increase was largely attributable to a single major casualty that accounted for approximately 43% of all containers lost during the year, illustrating how quickly the consequences of cargo securing failures and challenging weather conditions can escalate. Beyond the immediate loss of cargo, such incidents can pose significant risks to seafarers, ships and the marine environment, while also attracting heightened regulatory scrutiny. Against this backdrop, the 2026 PSC CIC serves as a timely reminder of the importance of effective cargo securing arrangements, well-maintained equipment and properly trained crews.

What will PSC inspectors examine?

The questionnaire published by the Paris and Tokyo MoUs covers a number of key areas relating to cargo securing. These include:

• The availability, adequacy and implementation of the approved CSM, as required by SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 5;
• Officers’ familiarity with the CSM, including container stack and tier weight distribution, and weight limitations for tank tops, hatch covers and decks;
• Whether cargo plans accurately reflect the verified gross mass (VGM) of containers presented for loading, as required by SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2;
• The availability of a Cargo Safe Access Plan (CSAP), where required, to support safe container securing operations;
• The availability, suitability, condition and maintenance of fixed and portable cargo securing equipment used in accordance with the approved CSM;
• Measures to prevent cargo loss overboard and compliance with bridge visibility requirements; and
• Procedures within the Safety Management System covering heavy weather navigation and precautions to prevent the loss of cargo.

Collectively, these inspection items seek to verify not only compliance with cargo securing requirements, but also the effectiveness of onboard procedures, equipment and crew familiarisation.

Deficiencies identified during the campaign will be recorded by PSC Officers and, depending on their nature and severity, may result in actions ranging from the recording of a deficiency to detention of the ship.

Preparing for the campaign

Members should use the period leading up to the campaign to review onboard practices and shore-side oversight arrangements. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that:

• The CSM is approved, up to date and reflects the cargo securing arrangements currently employed on board;
• Cargo securing arrangements fully comply with the approved manual;
• Cargo securing equipment is available, properly maintained and fit for purpose;
• Officers and crew are familiar with cargo securing procedures and heavy weather precautions;
• Cargo plans accurately reflect the VGM of containers loaded;
• The CSAP, where required, is available and reflects current access arrangements for container securing operations; and
• Any deficiencies identified during audits, inspections or near-miss investigations are effectively addressed.

Further guidance

Members may find the following UK P&I Club publications useful when reviewing cargo securing arrangements and preparing for PSC inspections:

• Carefully to Carry: Chapter 41 – Stuffing, Stacking and Lashing Containers
• Carefully to Carry: Chapter 54 – Lashing and Securing Deck Cargoes
• Book it Right and Pack it Tight

Together, these publications provide practical guidance on cargo securing, container stowage, lashing arrangements, cargo packing and the safe carriage of cargo.

Members are encouraged to review the joint Paris MoU/Tokyo MoU press release and the accompanying questionnaire, which PSC Officers will use during inspections from September to November 2026. The questionnaire provides a valuable indication of the areas most likely to attract regulatory attention and should be used as a practical self-assessment tool ahead of the campaign. For ships trading to China, the Huatai Circular [2026]06 provides useful insight into common cargo securing deficiencies identified by China MSA and offers practical recommendations for inspection preparedness.

Early preparation will help identify potential gaps, strengthen onboard readiness and reduce the risk of deficiencies, delays or detention during PSC inspections. More importantly, it will provide an opportunity to verify that cargo securing arrangements, procedures and equipment remain effective in supporting the safe carriage of cargo and protecting seafarers, ships and the marine environment.