Simultaneous concentrated inspection campaigns (CICs) are being run by a number of port state control (PSC) MOU regions on cargo securing arrangements. A questionnaire is being used by PSC officers in conjunction with the CIC. Two questions in the questionnaire could result in detentions if the ‘no’ box is checked off.

Question 4 asks ‘Are the lashings/fittings as per the cargo securing manual?’. This has raised concerns at inspections as to whether the number of cargo securing devices on board a vessel is in accordance with the number recorded in the cargo securing manual.  

Cargo securing manuals prepared and approved under MSC.1/Circ.1353.Rev 1 (or circulars superseded by MSC.1/Circ.1353.Rev 1, i.e. MSC/Circ.385, MSC/Circ.745 and MSC.1/Circ.1353) are required to contain a chapter on securing devices and arrangements. Within this chapter, there is a list of portable cargo securing devices for the described lashing pattern as well as the estimated number of devices required for the lashing pattern.

The number of portable cargo securing devices on board will determine the amount of cargo that can be safely lashed in accordance with the approved lashing arrangements identified in the cargo securing manual.

The actual number of devices carried on board at any one time will vary due to loss, damage, defects and delivery of new equipment to maintain an adequate reserve of portable lashing devices based on operational requirements. Therefore, the actual number of devices available may differ from the number originally recorded in the cargo securing manual.

Question 8 asks ‘Is the vessel following the cargo safe access plan (CSAP)?’. The requirements for a CSAP only apply to container ships, the keels of which were laid or were at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2015.

It is recommended that a copy of this Class News is retained on board container ships for information in the event of an inspection of cargo securing arrangements during a normal PSC inspection.