Cargo Lashing and Securing Inspection Checklist

Cargo lashing and securing is governed by the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee and made mandatory for ships carrying non-bulk cargo by SOLAS Chapter VI/5. Every ship carrying general cargo must have a Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) approved by the flag state Administration, containing securing arrangements for each cargo type, and officers responsible for cargo operations must verify compliance with the CSM before departur

• Industry: Maritime
• Frequency: Per Voyage
• Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
• Role: Chief Officer / Cargo Officer
• Total Items: 15
• Compliance: CSS Code Safe Practice Cargo Stowage and Securing, SOLAS Chapter VI Carriage of Cargoes, IMO ILO UNECE CTU Code Cargo Transport Units, Company Cargo Securing Manual CSM, IICL Container Condition Criteria

Pre-Sailing Cargo Securing Verification (CSS Code 2021 Part A / SOLAS VI/5)

Verify that all cargo has been stowed and secured in compliance with the ship's Cargo Securing Manual before departure. SOLAS Chapter VI/5 requires the master to ensure that cargo is properly loaded, stowed, secured, and distributed before the ship proceeds to sea.

• Has the Cargo Securing Manual been consulted for the cargo types and stowage positions loaded on this voyage, and do the securing arrangements used comply with the CSM's specified methods and hardware for each cargo item?
• Have all containers on deck (TEU/FEU) been secured with the twist locks, bridge fittings, and lashing rods specified in the Cargo Securing Manual for the stowage position (stack height, bay, row), and has the deck officer confirmed securing for each bay before departure?
• Has a pre-departure cargo securing check been recorded in the vessel's logbook and in the Cargo Securing Manual log, signed by the officer responsible for cargo operations, confirming all cargo is secured in accordance with the CSM?
• Has the master or responsible officer verified that the cargo distribution is consistent with the stability booklet loading condition and that the ship's GM (metacentric height) is within the approved range for the loaded condition?

Lashing Gear Condition and Maximum Securing Load Verification (CSS Code Part B / CSM)

Inspect all lashing equipment for condition, correct specification, and compliance with the Maximum Securing Load (MSL) requirements for the cargo secured. CSS Code Annex 13 specifies the method for calculating the required securing load; a lashing whose MSL is lower than the calculated securing requirement does not provide adequate security.

• Are all lashing rods, turnbuckles, chains, wire ropes, and synthetic straps in serviceable condition (no visible cracks, corrosion, deformation, broken wires exceeding IICL criteria, or UV degradation of synthetic materials), with no lashing device used beyond its manufacturer's rated capacity?
• Are the Maximum Securing Loads (MSL) of the lashing equipment used at each lashing point equal to or greater than the securing load requirement calculated for the cargo at that position per the Cargo Securing Manual or CSS Code Annex 13 calculation method?
• Are all lashing turnbuckles and tensioning devices tightened to the appropriate tension for the cargo, with any ratchet straps fully clicked and locked, and chains and rods tensioned with a turnbuckle or lashing bar to prevent slack that would allow movement before the securing load is activated?

Container Structural Integrity (IICL Container Condition Criteria 6th Ed / CTU Code)

Inspect containers for structural defects that could cause them to fail under the loads imposed by stacking on deck in a seaway. A structurally compromised container that is stacked under load can collapse, causing damage to the cargo, adjacent containers, and the deck structure.

• Are all containers inspected before loading for structural damage that would disqualify them from deck stacking under IICL Container Condition Criteria: cracked or bent corner castings, deformed top or bottom rails, buckled or separated floor cross-members, or visible structural damage to the door sill?
• Are twist locks and deck sockets free of damage, deformation, and fouling that would prevent proper engagement, and has each twist lock been confirmed in the locked position and visually inspected for correct engagement after fitting?

Heavy Lift and Project Cargo Securing (CSS Code Part C / CSM)

Verify securing arrangements for any heavy lift, out-of-gauge, or project cargo. CSS Code Part C provides guidance on securing out-of-gauge cargo; project cargo with unusual dimensions, high centers of gravity, or weights exceeding standard container capacity requires a specific securing plan approved before loading.

• For any heavy lift or out-of-gauge cargo, has a specific lashing plan been prepared and approved (by the master and, where required by the cargo authority, by a classification society or flag state Marine Inspector), calculating the required securing for the anticipated sea state and sea height for this voyage?
• Are all lashing points used for heavy lift cargo rated for the securing loads required, with pad eyes, D-rings, and deck securing fixtures verified for their Safe Working Load (SWL) against the calculated lashing requirement?

At-Sea Cargo Inspection (ISM Code / SOLAS VI/5.4)

Record at-sea cargo inspection findings and any lashing re-tightening or corrective action taken in heavy weather. SOLAS VI/5.4 requires the master or a responsible officer to inspect cargo as necessary during the voyage. At-sea inspections of deck cargo are required under the ISM Code safety management system.

• Have at-sea cargo inspections been conducted at the intervals required by the vessel's ISM-compliant cargo safety procedures, with lashings re-inspected after each period of heavy weather or sea states exceeding the CSM's parameters for the cargo?
• Is any cargo shift, lashing failure, or container damage discovered at sea documented in the vessel's logbook with the time of discovery, weather conditions, the specific cargo or position affected, corrective action taken, and notification to the master and operations department?

Cargo Securing Records and Manual Currency (CSS Code / SOLAS VI/5)

Verify that the Cargo Securing Manual is the flag state-approved, current edition, that cargo securing records are retained, and that all deck officers responsible for cargo operations have been trained on the CSM.

• Is the Cargo Securing Manual on board the current flag state-approved edition, applicable to the ship's actual cargo handling equipment (lashing hardware types, deck sockets, and container fittings currently aboard), and has the CSM been updated if any cargo equipment has changed since the original approval?
• Are all deck officers (officers holding or acting as OICNW, Chief Mate, or Master) familiar with the Cargo Securing Manual applicable to this vessel, trained in its use, and able to perform the required securing calculations for the cargo types carried?

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Why Use This Cargo Lashing and Securing Inspection Checklist?

This cargo lashing and securing inspection checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer / cargo officer professionals, this checklist covers 15 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per voyage.

Ensures compliance with CSS Code Safe Practice Cargo Stowage and Securing, SOLAS Chapter VI Carriage of Cargoes, IMO ILO UNECE CTU Code Cargo Transport Units, Company Cargo Securing Manual CSM, IICL Container Condition Criteria. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

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