Cargo Securing & Lashing Inspection

Cargo securing and lashing inspection

Effective cargo securing depends on approved arrangements, maintained equipment, correct calculations, trained crew, and consistent use in port. This service reviews the physical condition and onboard implementation of the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) for container, ro-ro, general cargo, project cargo, timber, and other relevant operations. It can support routine assurance, charterer or terminal requirements, incident follow-up, and Port State Control preparation.

Compliance context

SOLAS regulations VI/5 and VII/5, the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), and the ship’s approved CSM form the core framework. Vessel-specific requirements vary with cargo type and approved design. Inspection may focus on whether equipment is certified and maintained, whether stowage and securing match the manual, whether calculations are available, and whether damaged or incompatible components are being used. Time-limited concentrated inspection campaigns can add a specific questionnaire, but good securing practice is an evergreen requirement.

Typical inspection scope

• Review of the approved CSM, plans, lashing calculations, maintenance records, and crew familiarisation
• Condition and identification of twistlocks, turnbuckles, lashing rods, chains, wires, web lashings, sockets, D-rings, and foundations
• Inspection of container securing, ro-ro deck arrangements, portable securing devices, and safe access
• Checks on inventory control, segregation of defective gear, SWL markings, certificates, and examination intervals
• Gap report with photographs, risk-ranked actions, and retest or replacement recommendations

Request information

Provide vessel type, port and schedule, cargo operation, approved CSM, general arrangement and stowage plan, lashing software details, equipment inventory, recent deficiencies, incident history, and the applicable PSC or client checklist. Confirm whether attendance is before, during, or after loading and whether access to all decks is possible. The master retains responsibility for safe stowage and securing; the survey provides independent evidence and corrective guidance.