Tokyo MOU to carry-out inspection campaign on Cargo Securing Arrangements
The Member Authorities of the Tokyo MOU with other co- operating M OUs will carry -out a concentrated inspection campaign on Cargo Securing Arrangements on the 1 st September 2016 through the 30 th November 2016, Tokyo MOU said in its press release.
The purpose or goal of this year’s CIC is to gain knowledge on the compliance of ships with applicable Cargo Securing requirements and the overall safety of ships and seafarers engaged in cargo securing operations.
The objectives of the Tokyo MOU member states in the performance the CIC are to:
measure compliance with the requirements of the applicable international conventions;
ensure that the Master, Officers, and Crew are familiar with procedures for cargo securing arrangements;
raise awareness of the hazards associated with cargo securing and with safe practices for cargo securing.
During the period of the CIC, member authorities of the Tokyo MOU will inspect cargo securing arrangements during the normal port state control inspections.
Port State Control actions associated with this campaign may range from the issuing of deficiencies to more severe control measures such as detaining a ship to prevent it from going to sea in an unsafe condition.
However, the purpose of this campaign is not to detain ships, but rather to improve safety and compliance related to cargo securing arrangements.
Ships will only be subject to one CIC inspection during the campaign.
The Master of the ship will receive a copy of the CIC questionnaire from the port state control officer as evidence that the CIC was performed.
Masters and ship’s crew are encouraged to review cargo securing procedures and arrangements as outlined in their ship’s Cargo Securing Manual and ensure they are securing cargo in accordance with the manual and following all applicable safety procedures.
Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to review the ship’s cargo securing manual to ensure it is up- to-date with ship operations and that it has been approved and updated as necessary by their Administration or the Recognized Organization authorized to act on behalf of the Administration. The results of this CIC will be analyzed and findings presented to the International Maritime Organization in an effort to measure and/or improve the eff ectiveness of IMO instruments.