Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Dates: 01 September 2026
This newsletter informs ship-owners, managers, Masters, surveyors, and other maritime stakeholders about the upcoming 2026 Paris MoU–Tokyo MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Cargo Securing, scheduled from 1 September to 30 November 2026, with the purpose is to provide early awareness and practical preparation guidance before the official CIC questionnaire is published. It aims to help companies and vessels identify potential deficiencies, verify compliance, improve crew readiness, and reduce the risk of PSC findings or detention during the campaign.
The 2026 joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU will focus on Cargo Securing will run from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
While the exact pre-defined questionnaire will be officially released later this summer prior to the start of the campaign, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) are expected to verify compliance based on SOLAS Chapters VI and VII, and the IMO CSS Code.
Because this campaign will add specific cargo securing questions to standard PSC inspections, ship-operators and Masters should actively prepare well ahead of time. Based on the framework of similar past PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaigns, the questionnaire will likely evaluate the following core areas:
Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): PSCOs will verify that the vessel carries a flag-State approved, vessel- specific manual covering all types of cargo carried
Equipment Condition: Checking the physical condition and certification of lashing gear, twistlocks, securing points, and associated hardware.
Documentation & Calculation: Ensuring the crew can properly utilize cargo securing calculations and approved software to assess lashing requirements.
Crew Familiarity and awareness: Drills or interviews to verify that the master and assigned crew understand cargo securing procedures and emergency operations.
ISM Code Implementation: Cross-referencing cargo securing practices with the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
Which vessels are affected (no matter if they may be in ballast condition during the CIC)
Container vessels — twist locks, lashing rods, and bridge fittings under close scrutiny
General cargo and multipurpose vessels — heavy lifts, project cargo, and break-bulk securing
Ro-Ro and vehicle carriers — vehicle lashings, deck securing points, and trailer stowage
Bulk carriers carrying steel, pipes, or unitized cargo on deck or in holds
Heavy-lift and offshore vessels with specialized securing arrangements
Upon the publication of the official information about the CIC and the release of relevant campaign questionnaire by the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, it will be then communicated to stakeholders by PhRS.
PhRS remains actively supportive with stakeholders, ship-owner, managers to further explain the CIC questions, their relation to the ISM Code and current PSC topics and provide practical guidance on preparing for inspections.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr
