The Paris MOU has announced that cargo ships loaded with freight units will be the focus of a concentrated inspection campaign to check securing arrangements. Several incidents of cargo loss occurred in recent years due to improper securing of cargo led to the campaign.

On 1 July 1997 new SOLAS rules for cargo securing entered into force requiring ships to carry an approved cargo securing manual detailing lashing equipment and arrangements. All freight units, including containers, must be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage in accordance with manual.

Starting on 1 March 2001 all ships which are subject to port State control inspections in the Paris MOU region and are carrying freight units on deck will be inspected for compliance with the international regulations. The campaign will last three months.

Inspections will check whether:
- the cargo securing manual has been approved;
- the lashing plan is in accordance with the cargo securing manual;
- cargo has been secured in accordance with the lashing plan; and
- the lashing material is in good condition.

Noting that all eligible ships entering Paris MOU member ports will be targeted for the above inspection during the campaign period, please ensure keeping a cargo securing manual onboard and enhance maintenance of lashing material as well as training of crew.
Where approval of cargo securing manuals is necessary, please contact the Hull Department of the Society. (Tel: +81-3-5226-2017 Fax: +81-3-5226-2019)

Further information concerning the campaign is carried on Paris MOU web site ( http://www.parismou.org/ ).