Port state control cargo blitz begins

IN CONJUNCTION with the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority is conducting a concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on cargo securing as part of routine port State control inspections of foreign flagged vessels.

Running from Tuesday 1 September to 30 November 2026, AMSA port State control officers (PSCOs) will focus on the loading, stowage and securing of cargo units and cargo transport units. Inspections will be assessing compliance with applicable SOLAS requirements.

AMSA says ship operators and masters should review cargo securing arrangements ahead of the CIC, with preparations including:

• Cargo is loaded, stowed and secured in accordance with applicable SOLAS requirements.

• The cargo securing manual for the vessel is available, current and being followed. 

• Cargo securing equipment is suitable, maintained and fit for purpose. 

• Crew involved in cargo operations understand their responsibilities and relevant procedures. 

• Relevant cargo securing documentation and records are complete and readily available.

AMSA PSCOs will use a dedicated CIC questionnaire to assess compliance with cargo securing requirements during routine port state control inspections.  

PSCOs will check how cargo securing obligations have been implemented. They may identify deficiencies where requirements have not been met.

Where deficiencies are identified, the action taken will depend on their nature and severity, the authority says. This may range from recording a deficiency through to detention of the vessel. 

The purpose of the CIC is to collect data on compliance with current SOLAS requirements in respect of the loading, stowage and securing of cargo units and cargo transport units.  

The results of the campaign will be analysed and findings presented to the governing bodies of both MOUs, with a view to future submission to the International Maritime Organization.