- The CIG urges national administrations to carry out container inspections and submit findings to the IMO to improve maritime safety.
- Only 5% of the 167 national administrations are submitting inspection reports, hindering the availability of valuable safety data.
- CIG encourages consistent reporting to enhance training and compliance..
The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) is urging national administrations to conduct container inspection programs and report the findings to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). CIG highlights the importance of making these reports publicly accessible to improve the safety of sea freight transportation, reports AJOT.
IMO’s Resolution on Container Inspections
Over 20 years ago, IMO member governments agreed to conduct routine inspections of freight containers and their cargoes.
The results of these inspections were to be reported annually to the IMO. It would provide a global understanding of compliance levels and to identify areas for safety improvements.
Low Participation in Reporting
An analysis by the Cargo Integrity Group reveals that less than 5% of the 167 national administrations consistently submit inspection results. While praising the diligence of those who do report, CIG raises concerns over the lack of sufficient data to draw reliable conclusions. It hinders efforts to enhance shipment safety by sea.
The Cargo Integrity Group believes some nations are conducting inspections but failing to submit their findings to the IMO. Without sharing these reports, the global value of the inspections is lost. Also crucial safety data remains inaccessible to the wider industry.
Importance of Consistent Reporting
CIG partners stress the necessity of common and consistent reporting to focus communication and training programs. It aims at promoting safe practices for container transport.
These include adherence to the SOLAS Convention, the CSC Convention, the IMDG Code, and the CTU Code.
Risks of Poorly Packed Cargo
Recent incidents, such as fires and explosions aboard container ships, underscore the dangers posed by improperly packed or mishandled cargo.
Although investigations are ongoing, CIG is concerned that the failure to submit inspection reports undermines efforts to identify and address potential safety risks.
Concerns Over IMO’s Decision
The Cargo Integrity Group is alarmed that the IMO is considering discontinuing the collation and publication of inspection reports in an accessible format.
CIG believes that discontinuing this practice would significantly weaken the industry’s ability to improve safety standards.
Appeal to National Administrations
CIG calls on national administrations to fulfill their obligation of submitting container inspection reports to the IMO. By doing so, they can help raise safety standards for sea transport and address deficiencies identified during inspections.
CIG also calls on the IMO to continue publishing these inspection findings in a form that can be easily understood by the industry. This would help focus awareness efforts and ensure compliance with mandatory safety regulations.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: AJOT
