What is the first step in the procedure for cargo inspections by a boarding officer?

The first step in the procedure for cargo inspections by a boarding officer is verifying cargo documentation. This step is crucial as it establishes whether the cargo being transported adheres to the regulations and requirements set forth by maritime law and safety standards. By examining the documentation, the officer ensures that the cargo is properly declared and that all necessary permits, manifests, and bills of lading are in order. This helps to prevent smuggling, verify the legitimacy of the cargo, and ascertain that the cargo complies with safety and environmental regulations before moving on to the subsequent steps in the inspection process.

Once the documentation is verified, the officer may proceed to check for compatibility, assess the crew's knowledge, and identify potential hazards, all of which are important but occur after confirming that the paperwork is correct and complete. This initial verification lays the groundwork for a safe and effective inspection.