# Vessel Screening

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A vessel requests port entry – and long before it reaches the berth, screening is already under way: Does the IMO number, flag state, and ownership chain align with the cargo documentation?

A vessel requests port entry – and long before it reaches the berth, screening is already under way: Does the IMO number, flag state, and ownership chain align with the cargo documentation? Does the ship or any associated party appear on a sanctions list? Are there outstanding security alerts from coast guard or international bodies? Vessel screening is the structured review process through which port authorities, carriers, and compliance teams assess a ship, its crew, cargo, and accompanying documents – prior to or on arrival – to decide on clearance, mandatory inspection, or denial of entry. It serves as a frontline tool against sanctions evasion, undeclared hazardous cargo, and illicit trade flows. Unlike Port State Control (PSC), which is a formal government inspection conducted dockside, vessel screening is broader in scope and typically begins well before the vessel reaches port.

**Source:** [https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-vessels/vessel-screening](https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-vessels/vessel-screening)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Vessel Screening |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 140 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-vessels/vessel-screening |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/vessel-screening](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/vessel-screening)*

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