Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CIC)

Thematic campaigns of reinforced inspection: how to know in advance what PSCOs will focus on over the coming months, and prepare accordingly.

Paris MOU Tokyo MOU CIC Cargo Securing

## Operational Explanation

Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CIC) are thematic campaigns, conducted jointly by several regional PSC regimes (typically Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU), which for a period of three months focus inspectors' attention on a specific area of compliance, in addition to the normal inspection. CICs are announced in advance, allowing Companies to prepare specifically on the chosen topic.

CIC 2026: the joint Paris MOU/Tokyo MOU campaign from 1° September to 30 November 2026 is dedicated to Cargo Securing: PSCOs will use a standardised questionnaire to verify compliance of the Cargo Securing Manual, the condition of lashing equipment, cargo stowage plans and the crew's competence in securing procedures, in addition to the normal checks.

## Regulatory Reference

CICs are conducted under the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU as a periodic joint programme; the 2026 Cargo Securing campaign refers to SOLAS Chapter VI/VII (Cargo Securing Manual) and the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code).

## Scope of Application

Every ship subject to PSC inspection in the area of participating regimes during the campaign period; for 2026, with particular relevance for container, general cargo and ro-ro ships fitted with a Cargo Securing Manual.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Check the calendar and theme of the next CIC in advance through official Paris MOU/Tokyo MOU publications.
2. For CIC 2026 (Cargo Securing): verify that the Cargo Securing Manual on board is the approved version and consistent with the ship's current configuration.
3. Inspect the condition of lashing equipment, replacing worn or damaged components before the campaign period.
4. Verify the consistency of cargo stowage plans with the procedures set out in the Cargo Securing Manual.
5. Train the crew on the specific securing procedures, since practical competence will be directly checked by PSCOs.

## Practical Example

Example of preparation: a container ship that, ahead of the 2026 Cargo Securing CIC, carries out a complete review of the on-board lashing equipment and practical training of the deck crew on the Cargo Securing Manual procedures, with an internal check one month before the campaign starts.

## Real Cases

Previous CICs (for example the one dedicated to fire safety) showed results described by the PSC bodies themselves as "satisfactory" overall, but with specific recurring areas of weakness concentrated precisely in operational details (e.g. fire door integrity) rather than the mere presence of the equipment — a pattern that typically repeats itself in every thematic CIC.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
No specific preparation ahead of an announced CIC | A more thorough inspection on the topic catches the crew unprepared | Monitor the CIC calendar and start targeted preparation several months in advance
Cargo Securing Manual not updated after changes to the ship's configuration | Deficiency in the 2026 campaign dedicated to Cargo Securing | Verify the manual's consistency with the current configuration before the campaign starts
Crew training limited to theory, without practical verification of securing procedures | Insufficient practical competence found during the CIC inspection | Always include practical, not just theoretical, training on the procedures covered by the campaign

## PSC Observations

During a CIC, PSCOs use an additional standardised questionnaire alongside the normal inspection, specifically focused on the campaign's theme; deficiencies found under the CIC are also aggregated at statistical level to guide future regulatory priorities.

## Operational Tips

- Note the announced CIC dates on the calendar and start targeted preparation several months in advance.
- For CIC 2026, check the status of the Cargo Securing Manual and lashing equipment now, without waiting for the campaign to start.
- Use past CICs as an indicator of which thematic areas remain a priority even after the specific campaign ends.

## Checklist

- Calendar and theme of the next CIC checked in advance
- Cargo Securing Manual updated and consistent with the ship's configuration (CIC 2026)
- Lashing equipment inspected and in good condition
- Stowage plans verified against the Cargo Securing Manual
- Crew trained practically on the campaign's theme

## FAQ

What is a Concentrated Inspection Campaign?
A three-month thematic campaign, conducted jointly by several regional PSC regimes, which adds a standardised in-depth check on a specific theme to the normal PSC inspection.
What is the theme of CIC 2026?
Cargo Securing, a joint Paris MOU/Tokyo MOU campaign from 1 September to 30 November 2026, verifying the Cargo Securing Manual, lashing equipment, stowage plans and crew competence.
Do deficiencies found during a CIC count as ordinary PSC deficiencies?
Yes: deficiencies found during a CIC are treated in every respect as ordinary PSC deficiencies, with the same possible consequences (including detention if severity requires), as well as being aggregated at statistical level for the campaign itself.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Managing Deficiencies Ship Risk Profile and New Inspection Regime

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