The Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Port State Control (PSC) have officially released the questionnaire for the 2026 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC), which focuses on cargo securing. The announcement was made through a press release issued on 3 August.

The Paris and Tokyo MoUs represent the two largest regional PSC regimes, together covering the vast majority of international shipping trade routes. Each year, these and other regional MoUs coordinate CICs to target specific areas where deficiency rates or accident data signal heightened risk. Cargo securing has long been a focal point for regulators because improperly stowed or inadequately lashed cargo can lead to container stack collapses, cargo shifts, vessel instability, and crew injuries, particularly in heavy weather.

The questionnaire comprises ten questions designed to verify compliance with cargo securing requirements, including adherence to the vessel's approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) and relevant IMO instruments such as the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code). Seven of these questions may serve as grounds for detention, while questions 1, 6, and 10a/10b should only result in non-detainable deficiencies.

The CIC will be integrated into routine PSC inspections conducted from September through November 2026. During this window, every eligible vessel inspected under Paris or Tokyo MoU jurisdiction will be subject to the additional CIC checklist alongside the standard inspection. The four-month lead time between publication and implementation is intended to give shipowners, operators, and crews adequate opportunity to review and close any gaps before inspections begin.

From an International Safety Management (ISM) perspective, cargo securing issues may indicate weaknesses in a vessel's safety management system, including gaps in procedures, training, supervision, or risk assessment. Such findings should prompt a review of operational practices, root cause analyses, and corrective actions, particularly where deficiencies are repeated or systemic. For PSC authorities, these deficiencies are treated seriously and may result in delays, operational restrictions, or detention. They can also trigger more detailed inspections and further ISM-related follow-up.

DNV announced that its experts will host a webinar on this year's CIC on cargo securing, scheduled for 25 August. A recording will be made available on the DNV webpage for PSC services. Additionally, DNV's PSC Planner checklist on DNV Veracity will incorporate the questionnaire starting at the end of August.

Vessel operators should also be aware that additional local campaigns may be introduced at short notice by individual port states or other regional MoUs.

Recommendations

• Familiarize the Master and officers with their duties and the content of the additional CIC checklist.
• Update the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) to reflect current cargo types, lashing arrangements, and equipment.
• Inspect and maintain all lashing and securing equipment, replacing any damaged items.
• Train the crew on proper cargo securing procedures and ensure familiarity with the CSM, including heavy-weather procedures and bridge visibility requirements.
• Join the DNV webinar on this topic on 25 August.
• Consider using DNV's PSC Planner to prepare for expected PSC inspections.

Source: DNV,