1625-0122 Stat/Authority

33 CFR 97.120 (up to date as of 9/29/2025)
Cargo securing manuals.

33 CFR 97.120 (Sept. 29, 2025)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 33 —Navigation and Navigable Waters
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter F —Vessel Operating Regulations
Part 97 —Rules for the Safe Operation of Vessels, Stowage and Securing of Cargoes
Subpart A —Cargo Securing Manuals
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1(92)(a) and (b).
Source: USCG-2000-7080, 81 FR 28014, May 9, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

§ 97.120 Cargo securing manuals.
(a) Any vessel to which this subpart applies must have a cargo securing manual (CSM) on board that has
been approved by the government of the country whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly; and a CSM
approved after June 30, 2010, must, at a minimum, meet the guidelines in MSC.1/Circ. 1353/Rev.1,
(incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 97.110).
(b) A container vessel with a keel laid on or after January 1, 2015, must include a cargo safe access plan that,
at a minimum, meets the guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1352, Annex 14, Guidance on Providing Safe Working
Conditions for Securing of Containers on Deck (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 97.110).
(c) While operating in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States, the Coast Guard may board any
vessel to which this subpart applies to determine that the vessel has the document(s) required by
paragraph (a) of this section on board. Any foreign-flagged vessel found not to be in compliance with
paragraph (a) of this section may be detained by order of the Captain of the Port at the port or terminal
where the noncompliance is found until the COTP determines that the vessel can go to sea without
presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the port, the marine environment, the vessel, or its crew.

33 CFR 97.120(c) (enhanced display)

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