Container Ship Operations and IMO CTU Inspection Checklist
This container ship operations and IMO CTU inspection checklist ensures compliance with the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), SOLAS Chapter VI/5.4 (Cargo Securing Manual), IMO CSS Code (Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing), and IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) for containerized dangerous goods. Designed for Chief Officers and cargo supervisors.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Voyage
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Chief Officer / Cargo Supervisor
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IMO CTU Code Cargo Transport Units Packing, SOLAS Chapter VI/5.4 Cargo Securing Manual, IMO CSS Code Cargo Stowage and Securing, IMDG Code Dangerous Goods by Sea, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1497 Safe Container Loading
Container Condition
Pre-loading container inspection.
- All containers visually inspected and free of visible structural damage?
- Container doors, seals, and locking bars serviceable?
- Container floors inspected for holes, rot, or contamination where accessible?
- CSC Safety Approval Plate present and within ACEP date?
- Verified Gross Mass (VGM) received and matches stowage plan?
Dangerous Goods (IMDG)
DG container compliance.
- Dangerous Goods Declaration received for all IMDG cargo?
- IMDG segregation requirements checked in stowage plan?
- All DG containers correctly placarded per IMDG?
- Emergency Schedules (EmS) available for DG cargo on board?
- Special stowage requirements (away from accommodation, ventilated) met?
Container Lashing and Securing
Container securing per CSS Code.
- Approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) used for lashing calculations?
- All container twist locks and lashing rods in serviceable condition?
- All lashing completed and verified before departure?
- Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo secured with additional lashing per CSM?
- Stacking weights within hatch cover and cell guide limits?
Heavy Lift and Out-of-Gauge
Special cargo requirements.
- OOG/heavy lift cargo declared to terminal and stowage plan approved?
- Lift points and sling angles calculated for heavy lift containers?
- Reefer containers connected to power, temperature set, and monitored?
- Reefer monitoring log maintained?
- Isotank/tank containers inspected for leaks and pressure normal?
Stowage Plan and Stability
Container stowage and ship stability.
- Bay plan/stowage plan complete and distributed to all watchkeepers?
- Loading computer stability calculation acceptable (GM positive, no overstress)?
- VGM data uploaded to loading computer for all containers?
- Deck load within hatch cover strength limits?
- High-windage containers stowed in agreement with stability criteria?
Container Records
Container operations documentation.
- Container manifest complete and accurate?
- IMDG Dangerous Goods Manifest submitted to port authority?
- Seal numbers recorded for all sealed containers?
- Any container rejections or exceptions documented?
- Container Operations Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Ro-Ro Vessel Operations and Vehicle Deck Safety Checklist
- Cargo Lashing and Securing Inspection Checklist
- Dangerous Goods IMDG Code Stowage and Segregation Checklist
- Reefer Cargo and Temperature-Controlled Container Checklist
- Port Facility Security and ISPS Code Compliance Checklist
- Tug Boat and Towing Operations Safety Checklist
- Marine Oil Spill Response and SOPEP Checklist
- Offshore Vessel Environmental Compliance Checklist
Related Cargo Operations Checklists
- Cargo Loading and Vessel Stability Checklist - FREE Download
- Ro-Ro Vessel Operations and Vehicle Deck Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Cargo Lashing and Securing Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Dangerous Goods IMDG Code Stowage and Segregation Checklist - FREE Download
- Reefer Cargo and Temperature-Controlled Container Checklist - FREE Download
- Loading Computer and Stability Calculation Checklist - FREE Download
- LNG Gas Tanker Cargo Operations Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Ship-Shore Interface and Tanker Terminal Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Cargo Plan Approval and Pre-Loading Verification Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Container Ship Operations and IMO CTU Inspection Checklist?
This container ship operations and imo ctu inspection checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer / cargo supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per voyage.
Ensures compliance with IMO CTU Code Cargo Transport Units Packing, SOLAS Chapter VI/5.4 Cargo Securing Manual, IMO CSS Code Cargo Stowage and Securing, IMDG Code Dangerous Goods by Sea, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1497 Safe Container Loading. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Container Ship Operations and IMO CTU Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Container Condition, Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Container Lashing and Securing, Heavy Lift and Out-of-Gauge, Stowage Plan and Stability, Container Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per voyage. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Container Ship Operations and IMO CTU Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Chief Officer / Cargo Supervisor professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.