2026 PSC CIC on Cargo Securing: What Owners Must Know

A New Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Cargo Securing

According to a report by DNV, the Paris and Tokyo MoUs have agreed to run a Port State Control Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focused on cargo securing, running from 1 September to 30 November 2026. Most PSC MoUs are expected to take part in this year’s campaign.

During the campaign period, port state control officers will apply an additional questionnaire alongside routine PSC inspections. DNV notes that the final version of this questionnaire is likely to be published in early August 2026, at which point the classification society plans to issue further guidance to shipowners and managers.

Key Inspection Areas

The CIC is expected to concentrate on three main areas:

Documentation and planning — inspectors will check whether vessels carry an approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM), proper cargo plans, verified container weights, and heavy-weather procedures.

Correct cargo securing practice — crews will be assessed on their understanding and application of the CSM, covering stowage, lashing arrangements, stack limits, and bridge visibility requirements.

Condition and availability of securing equipment — inspectors will verify that sufficient approved lashing gear is carried, correctly used, properly maintained, and in good condition, covering both portable and fixed securing devices.

DNV cautions that inspections will not be limited strictly to cargo securing. Several non-detainable deficiencies identified during the campaign could also trigger an ISM-related deficiency (PSC Code 15150), and in some cases this could form grounds for detention if inspectors suspect a broader systemic failure of the ISM system.

Preparing for the Campaign

DNV is updating its PSC Planner tool to include the CIC questionnaire from the end of August through December 2026, intended to help both onboard crews and vessel management prepare for inspections. The class society is also offering a complimentary webinar on 25 August 2026 for customers wanting further detail on the campaign.

DNV’s recommendations for shipowners and managers include:

• Updating the Cargo Securing Manual to reflect current cargo types, lashing arrangements and equipment
• Inspecting and maintaining all lashing and securing equipment, replacing any damaged items
• Training crew on proper cargo securing procedures and ensuring familiarity with the CSM
• Informing masters and crew about the planned CIC and its focus topic

With the campaign window opening on 1 September 2026, operators have a limited runway to review documentation, equipment condition, and crew training before inspections begin.