Can the general public access the contents of cargo ships that are unloading cargo from overseas ports?

Question

can we find out what a ships contents are?

Answer 1

The commercial docks are secured areas. The general public can't go in and wander around for both safety and security issues.

The cargo manifests are the result of private contracts and are not generally disclosed to the public although the Coast Guard is allowed to see them prior to entry.

Answer 2

No, absolutely not. The ship's crew can't, either, and neither can the longshoremen. Only the Master and Chief Mate have access to the cargo manifest. For everyone else, they're just boxes.