Campaign launched to increase lashing inspections

A campaign is under way to make sure cargo is properly secured and stowed. It impacts virtually every maritime stakeholder.

Container vessel operators face increased scrutiny over cargo securing and stowage as the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) conduct a three-month concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on compliance with SOLAS requirements.

The campaign, which started on 1 September and runs to 30 November, is examining the securing of cargo units and cargo transport units. Its published inspection checklist identifies a number of deficiencies that can result in a vessel being detained under Port State Control, including the absence of an approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM), inadequate lashing instructions and insufficient crew ­familiarity with the manual.

Inspectors are also checking whether vessels carry sufficient approved portable cargo-securing equipment and whether that equipment is maintained in accordance with stipulations set out in the CSM.

This story was originally published by World Cargo News. Read the full story at World Cargo News →