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INTRODUCTION

As a result of maritime accidents, the states began a long time ago to take
measures trying to eliminate from their waters and ports the ships that may
be capable of causing damage to human life and the environment through
the realization of the Port State Control (PSC).

The Port State Control is the inspection of foreign ships carried out by the
states rectors of the ports with the purpose of verifying that the condition of
the ship and its equipment meet the requirements of international
conventions and are managed and operated in accordance with current
international laws.

The main responsibility for a ship to meet all the requirements

stipulated falls on your flag state, and if all flag states comply with their
duties the inspections carried out by the governing states of the ports would
not be necessary.

The objective of this work is the study of Port State Control, which is
becoming one of the most effective instruments in the prevention of
maritime accidents, and the study of the different established regional
schemes.

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 INDEX

• Purpose……………………………………………………………….4
• Who should attend…………………………………………………....4
• What all things are checked during
port state control (PSC) inspection?.....................................................5
• General rules for the inspection of foreign vessels………………..…5
• Certificates and Documents that
are Checked in a Port State Control (PSC)…………………………..6
• General duties of the Master…………………………………………9
• General requirements on
maintenance…………………………………………………………10
• Particular requirements on critical
systems and
equipment………………………………………...…………………11
• The most frequent categories of
deficiencies found during PSC
inspections………………………………………………………….11
• Port State Control inspector
can check in Engine
Room……………………………………………………………….13
• A List of Inspections And Surveys Deck
Officers On Ships Should Be Aware Of……………………………14
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)……………………………..17
• Survey Requirements and
Port State Control (PSC) – MLC……………………………………18
• Conclusion…………………………………………………………..20
• References…………………………………………………………...21

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THE PORT STATE CONTROL OFFICER ON
BOARD FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE
VESSEL 3
 PORT STATE CONTROL

(PSC)

All ships sailing in international

waters are required to comply with
the international codes and
conventions put forth by the maritime
authorities. For this, ships should be
maintained at a particular standard by
the combined efforts of flat states,
shipping company, and ship’s master.
In order to ensure that the condition
of foreign ships is well above the
excepted level, inspections are done
on the ships when they visit
international ports. This inspection of
foreign ships is known as port state
control (PSC).

Purpose:

PSC aims to verify whether foreign flagged vessels comply with applicable
international conventions on safety, pollution prevention and crew living and
working conditions. Where vessels are not found to be in substantial compliance,
the PSC system imposes actions to ensure they are brought into compliance.
Inspections are targeted at vessels of most concern and/or most likely to be
substandard, based on identified risk factors.

Who should attend:

All personnel ashore and ship staff engaged in the preparation of the vessel for a
forthcoming port state control inspection, as well as Managers, Superintendents,
Recruitment Service Providers and Senior ship staff, directly involved in assessing
seafarer competence while conducting appraisals recruitment and monitoring of
seafarer progress of performance for continual improvement.

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What all things are checked during port state control (PSC)
inspection?

A port state control inspection involves

checking of several aspects of the ship in both
deck and engine departments of the ship.

The survey involves checking of important

shipping documents, technical details, and
structural elements of the ship.

A ship is detained mainly when she is found to

be dangerously unsafe to the safety of the ship,
its crew and to marine environment. She can also be detained when the condition
and standard of the ship is in complete contravention with the regulations put forth
by the IMO and other maritime authorities.

General rules for the inspection of foreign vessels:

• Inspection would be carried out on ships coming to a port for the first time
or after an absence of 12 months of more
• Inspection would be carried out of ships which have been permitted to leave
the port of a state with deficiencies to be rectified
• Inspection would be carried out of ships which have been reported as being
deficient by pilots or port authorities
• Ships whose certificates are not in order would be inspected
• Ships which has been involved in any kind of accident such as grounding,
collision or stranding on the way to a port will be inspected
• Inspection of ship which are carrying dangerous or polluting goods and have
failed to report relevant information would be inspected
• Ships which have been suspended from the class in the preceding 6 months
would be inspected
• Ships which have been subject of a report or notification by another authority
would be inspected
• Inspection of ships which are accused of an alleged violation of the provision
of IMO as to pose a threat to the ship’s crew, property, or environment would
be inspected

A ship is allowed to leave a port only on condition that the deficiencies found will
be rectified before the departure or at the next port or within 14 days.

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Certificates and Documents that are Checked in a Port State
Control (PSC)
International Tonnage Certificate (1969):An International Tonnage Certificate
(1969) shall be issued to every ship, the gross and net tonnage of which have been
determined in accordance with the Convention.
International Load Line Certificate : An International Load Line Certificate shall
be issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966,
to every ship which has been surveyed and marked in accordance with the
Convention or the Convention as modified by the 1988 LL Protocol, as appropriate.
International Load Line Exemption Certificate : An International Load Line
Exemption Certificate shall be issued to any ship to which an exemption has been
granted under and in accordance with article 6 of the Load Line Convention or the
Convention as modified by the 1988 Protocol, as appropriate.
Coating Technical File : A Coating Technical File, containing specifications of the
coating system applied to dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and
double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards, record of
the shipyard's and shipowner's coating work, detailed criteria for coating sections,
job specifications, inspection, maintenance and repair, shall be kept on board and
maintained throughout the life of the ship.
Damage control plans and booklets : On passenger and cargo ships, there shall be
permanently exhibited plans showing clearly for each deck and hold the boundaries
of the watertight compartments, the openings therein with the means of closure and
position of any controls thereof, and the arrangements for the correction of any list
due to flooding. Booklets containing the aforementioned information shall be made
available to the officers of the ship.
Minimum safe manning document: Every ship to which chapter I of the
Convention applies shall be provided with an appropriate safe manning document or
equivalent issued by the Administration as evidence of the minimum safe manning.
Fire safety training manual: A training manual shall be written in the working
language of the ship and shall be provided in each crew mess room and recreation
room or in each crew cabin. The manual shall contain the instructions and
information required in regulation II-2/15.2.3.4. Part of such information may be
provided in the form of audio-visual aids in lieu of the manual
Fire control plan/booklet : General arrangement plans shall be permanently
exhibited for the guidance of the ship's officers, showing clearly for each deck the
control stations, the various fire sections together with particulars of the fire
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detection and fire alarm systems and the fire-extinguishing appliances, etc.
Alternatively, at the discretion of the Administration, the aforementioned details
may be set out in a booklet, a copy of which shall be supplied to each officer, and
one copy shall at all times be available on board in an accessible position.
Fire safety operational booklet: The fire safety operational booklet shall contain
the necessary information and instructions for the safe operation of the ship and
cargo handling operations in relation to fire safety. The booklet shall be written in
the working language of the ship and be provided in each crew mess room and
recreation room or in each crew cabin. The booklet may be combined with the fire
safety training manuals required in regulation II-2/15.2.3.
Maintenance plans : The maintenance plan shall include the necessary information
about fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances as required
under regulation II-2/14.2.2. For tankers, additional requirements are referred to in
regulation II-2/14.4
Nautical charts and nautical publications: Nautical charts and nautical
publications for the intended voyage shall be adequate and up to date. An electronic
chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chart
carriage requirements of this subparagraph.
AIS test report : The Automatic Identification System (AIS) shall be subjected to
an annual test by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility.
A copy of the test report shall be retained on board and should be in accordance with
a model form set out in the annex to MSC.1/Circ.1252
Certificates for masters, officers or ratings : Certificates for masters, officers or
ratings shall be issued to those candidates who, to the satisfaction of the
Administration, meet the requirements for service, age, medical fitness, training,
qualifications and examinations in accordance with the provisions of the STCW
Code annexed to the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate : An international Oil Pollution
Prevention Certificate shall be issued, after survey in accordance with regulation 6
of Annex I of MARPOL, to any oil tanker of 150 gross tonnage and above and any
other ship of 400 gross tonnage and above which is engaged in voyages to ports or
offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of other Parties to MARPOL
Oil Record Book : Every oil tanker of 150 gross tonnage and above and every ship
of 400 gross tonnage and above other than an oil tanker shall be provided with an
Oil Record Book, Part I (Machinery space operations). Every oil tanker of 150 gross

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tonnage and above shall also be provided with an Oil Record Book, Part II
(Cargo/ballast operations).
Garbage Record Book : Every ship of 400 gross tonnage and above and every ship
which is certified to carry 15 persons or more engaged in voyages to ports or offshore
terminals under the jurisdiction of other Parties to the Convention and every fixed
and floating platform engaged in exploration and exploitation of the seabed shall be
provided with a Garbage Record Book.
Safety Management Certificate : A Safety Management Certificate shall be issued
to every ship by the Administration or an organization recognized by the
Administration. The Administration or an organization recognized by it shall, before
issuing the Safety Management Certificate, verify that the company and its
shipboard management operate in accordance with the approved safety management
system.
International Anti-fouling System Certificate : Ships of 400 GT and above
engaged in international voyages, excluding fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, and
FPSOs, shall be issued after inspection and survey an international Anti-fouling
System Certificate together with a Record of Anti-fouling Systems.
International Energy Efficiency Certificate : An International Energy Efficiency
Certificate for the ship shall be issued after a survey in accordance with the
provisions of regulation 5.4 to any ships of 400 gross tonnage and above before that
ship may engage in voyages to ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of
other Parties.
Passenger Ship Safety Certificate : A certificate called a Passenger Ship Safety
Certificate shall be issued after inspection and survey to a passenger ship which
complies with the requirements of chapters II-1, II-2, III, IV and V and any other
relevant requirements of SOLAS 1974. A Record of Equipment for the Passenger
Ship Safety Certificate (Form P) shall be permanently attached .
Search and rescue cooperation plan : Passenger ships to which chapter I of the
Convention applies shall have on board a plan for cooperation with appropriate
search and rescue services in event of an emergency.
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate : A certificate called a Cargo Ship
Safety Construction Certificate shall be issued after survey to a cargo ship of 500
gross tonnage and over which satisfies the requirements for cargo ships on survey,
set out in regulation I/10 of SOLAS 1974, and complies with the applicable
requirements of chapters II-1 and II-2, other than those relating to fire-extinguishing
appliances and fire-control plans.

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Cargo Ship Safety Certificate : A certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate
may be issued after survey to a cargo ship which complies with the relevant
requirements of chapters II-1, II-2, III, IV and V and other relevant requirements of
SOLAS 1974 as modified by the 1988 SOLAS Protocol, as an alternative to the
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Certificate and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. A Record of Equipment for the
Cargo Ship Safety Certificate (Form C) shall be permanently attached.
Subdivision and stability : information Every oil tanker to which regulation 28 of
Annex I of MARPOL applies shall be provided in an approved form with
information relative to loading and distribution of cargo necessary to ensure
compliance with the provisions of this regulation and data on the ability of the ship
to comply with damage stability criteria as determined by this regulation .
Cargo record book : Ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk shall be
provided with a Cargo Record Book, whether as part of the ship's official log book
or otherwise, in the form specified in appendix II to Annex II.
High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate : A certificate called a High-Speed Craft
Safety Certificate shall be issued after completion of an initial or renewal survey to
a craft which complies with the requirements of the 1994 HSC Code or the 2000
HSC Code, as appropriate.

General duties of the Master

The Master is the key person for the

materialization of the requirements of the ISM
Code onboard and is the sole person who enjoys
the privilege of making decisions outside
theframework of the company’s safety
management system. The Master is expected
to:

❖ Apply the stated company policy

onboard at all times.
❖ Mobilize all officers and crew in this
direction and particularly in matters
affecting safety and pollution prevention
❖ Issue clear orders and instructions
❖ Make sure the SMS is properly applied onboard
❖ Actively participate in reporting of deficiencies and reviews of the SMS.

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The PSC officer will be interested to see evidence that the Master is acting in a way
that promotes the following:

❖ Vessel stability and water tightness at all times.

❖ Safe navigation
❖ Safe practices on deck, accommodation, enginer room
❖ Preventive actions aiming at environmental protection
❖ Execution of fire and lifeboat drills at appropriate intervals
❖ Execution of tests and drills in connection with emergency preparedness
(e.g. steering gear tests)
❖ Safe lashing/securing of cargo before sailing
❖ Precautionary measures in case of dangerous cargo
❖ Port entry and departure plans
❖ Execution of crew training schedule on board
❖ Proper application of the company policies on consumption of alcohol and
drug abuse
❖ All necessary corrections on navigation charts
❖ Formal reporting in connection with nonconformities, accidents and near
misses and crew competence
❖ Warranted vessel propulsion and steering
❖ Vessel communications in distress situations

General requirements on maintenance:

The company is under obligation to maintain vessels and equipment in accordance

with the relevant rules and regulations and additional company requirements, if
deemed necessary by the company.

In order to satisfy this requirement the PSC inspector will wish to satisfy himself
that the following four practices are implemented:

a. Inspections are taking place at regular intervals

b. Nonconformities, with root cause–if known-are reported

c. Corrective measures are taken, and

d. All nonconformities are properly recorded.

In addition, the PSC officer may wish to inspect the vessel’s register of requisition
forms and lists of requisition items received onboard.

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Particular requirements on critical systems and equipment:

The company is under obligation to identify systems and equipment onboard the
sudden failure of which could create a hazardous situation.

The exact itemization of critical equipment rests with the company. However, the
PSC inspector may be particularly keen to see that the following indicative systems
are subject to proper maintenance and inspections:

❖ Main and emergency fire pumps

❖ Electricity generators
❖ Steering systems
❖ Fuel lines
❖ Watertight doors
❖ Life saving equipment

The most frequent categories of deficiencies found during

PSC inspections:

It is common knowledge that the general areas of lifesaving, firefighting, safety and
loadline account for the vast majority of deficiencies. For your guidance we list
below the first four most frequent categories of deficiencies found on ships during
inspections by Port State Control.

Lifesaving
❖ 1st Lifeboats
❖ 2nd Inventory
❖ 3rd Lifebuoys
❖ 4th Launching equipment

Firefighting
❖ 1st Ventilators/Dampers
❖ 2nd Fixed installations
❖ 3rd Fire pumps
❖ 4th Personal equipment

General Safety

❖ 1st Various
❖ 2nd Electrical installations
❖ 3rd Emergency lighting
❖ 4th Watertight closing devices
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Enginer Room

❖ 1st Various machinery

❖ 2nd Engineroom cleanliness
❖ 3rd Auxiliaries
❖ 4th Main engine

Loadline

❖ 1st Air pipes

❖ 2nd Watertight doors
❖ 3rd Hatchways
❖ 4th Hatch covers

Navigation

❖ 1st Nautical publications

❖ 2nd Charts
❖ 3rd Lights/shapes/signals
❖ 4th Magnetic compass

Pollution prevention

❖ 1st Oily water separator

❖ 2nd Oil record book
❖ 3rd ODMC
❖ 4th Oil retention
Operational deficiencies

❖ 1st Machinery manuals/ instructions

❖ 2nd Fire drills
❖ 3rd Fire control
❖ 4th Abandon ship drills

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Port State Control inspector can check in Engine Room:

1) PSC Inspector checks the general

appearance and cleanliness of the ship. He can
randomly check the garbage bins to get an idea
weather garbage management plan is being
followed onboard or not. There have been
instances where fine was imposed on the ship
when PSC inspector found oily rag in a paper
bin.

2) PSC inspector can check oil record book (ORB) for up to date entries and can
tally with other logs like sounding record book. He may check other Engine room
documents like Engine room log book, sounding book, checklist for carrying out hot
work, enclosed entry etc. UK port state even demands hour log of staff.

3) Checks on Safety equipment is a favourite for PSC. The inspector may check
Emergency generator starting and simulation of blackout situation, may try out
Emergency bilge suction, emergency compressor and emergency fire pump etc.

4) The inspector can check Life Saving

Appliances (LSA) and Fire fighting appliances
(FFA) and equipments. LSA includes emergency
escape breathing device (EEBD), emergency
escapes, Water tight doors closing, sounding pipe
with self closing weighted cock, signs and ply card
showing exit etc. In FFA (Fire fighting appliances)
items he may check auto stop of pumps,
machineries and ventilation fan from remote place.
He may check fixed fire system, fire alarm and detector system and operation of
quick closing valve from remote position.

5) PSC inspector can check alarms and safety trips for Main engine, all alarms and
trips for Auxiliary engine and other machineries like compressor, boiler etc. He may
also check the lifting of safety valve of a boiler etc.

6) Oily Water Separator (OWS) is a machinery PSC inspector will surely look for.
He may check the log stored in the Oil content monitor (OCM) and compare it with
ORB and sounding book. United States Coast Guard (USCG) normally removes and
checks the discharge pipe of OWS for any oil residue. PSC inspector can ask engine
staff to start and run OWS with skin valve open and overboard shut.

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7) The inspector may thoroughly check bilge tank top for oil and any leakages, all
machineries for any type of abnormality and leakage. He will definitely check for
any loose and illegal rubber hose and portable pump in Engine room.

8) Steering room is one of the favourite areas of PSC inspector to check for any
leakages and abnormality. He may ask any crew member to demonstrate practically
the procedure for emergency steering.

9) He may check bulkheads of tanks and ship side for any deformation and
temporary repairs. He can inspect sea water, fuel oil or lube oil pipes, coolers, and
system and overboard valves for any leakages and temporary repairs.

10) He can inspect floor plates for any corrosion and thinning of metal. The floor
plates should not be slippery and should be properly fixed at a given place. He may
check railings at upper and tunnel platform for any loose or broken areas.

These are some of the most popular aspects that a PSC inspector is interested in.
However, these aspects may vary from person to person and port to port.

A List of Inspections And Surveys Deck Officers On Ships Should Be

Aware Of

Dry dock surveys or intermediate surveys/ inspections are more extensive form
of annual surveys in which several other functional, operational aspects and
maintenance routines of shipboard equipment are verified.

A safety construction survey will be focused on structural strength of the vessel. It

will be assessed for any excessive corrosion of deck or hull, along with condition of
watertight doors, bilge pumping and drainage systems, fire protection equipment
and fixed and portable fire fighting equipment. Condition of steam lines on deck,
anchors chain and cables, and means of emergency escape are also checked.
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Prior assignment of load line to the vessel, a load line survey is carried out, during
which, a vessel’s structural strength is checked for cracks or deformations in hull
identified, various openings such as hatches, machinery space openings or any other
openings on deck are watertight. Deck lines, load lines and draft marks are also
painted.

A cargo ship safety equipment survey pertains to conditions and management of

safety system onboard. Muster lists, lifejacket donning instructions, survival craft
launching instructions, and muster stations are to be updated and posted in required
locations, arrow markings for emergency muster stations, condition of lifeboats, its
equipment and launching appliances.

Fire control plans are checked for their locations, fire detection systems, fire pumps
main and emergency are checked for condition and operation, fire hoses, nozzles,
hose boxes, international shore connections, fixed fire fighting equipment for their
condition and operational readiness. Portable fire extinguishers also checked for
their condition along with maintenance records and inspection routines, emergency
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lights and alarms, fire main system for pressure testing, isolation valves and foam
turrets for easy operation. Fireman’s outfit and breathing apparatus is also
inspected for readiness and use.

Classification societies often appointed as recognised organisations by flag states

conduct these surveys and inspections, based on which flag authorises them to issue
various certificates required as per SOLAS, MARPOL, Tonnage, MLC and various
other international conventions.

Often a classification society has a matrix or a survey checklist which specifies

checks, maintenance and inspection records for several shipboard equipment and
appliances. The maintenance or inspection routines are as specified by makers or
weekly, monthly, six monthly, annual or five yearly surveys depending upon the
requirements laid down in conventions or circulars issued by IMO. A few examples
of this can be Hydrostatic testing and inspection of emergency escape breathing
devises (EEBD), annual examination of gangways and embarkation ladders etc.

Fire control plans :

Fire control plans are checked for their locations, fire detection systems, fire
pumps main and emergency are checked for condition and operation, fire hoses,
nozzles, hose boxes, international shore connections, fixed fire fighting equipment
for their condition and operational readiness. Portable fire extinguishers also
checked for their condition along with maintenance records and inspection
routines, emergency lights and alarms, fire main system for pressure testing,
isolation valves and foam turrets for easy operation. Fireman’s outfit and breathing
apparatus is also inspected for readiness and use.
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU):

To facilitate coordination of PSC activities, IMO has encouraged the establishment

of regional PSC organisations and agreements. Several Memoranda of
Understanding (MOUs) are now in operation between regions including:

• Europe and the North Atlantic (Paris MOU)

• Asia and the Pacific (Tokyo MOU)
• Latin America (Acuerdo de Viña del Mar)
• Caribbean (Caribbean MOU)

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 • West and Central Africa (Abuja MOU)
• Black Sea Region (Black Sea MOU)
• Mediterranean (Mediterranean MOU)
• Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean MOU);
• Arab States of the Gulf (GCC MoU or Riyadh MoU).
In addition to these MOUs, the United States Coast Guard also operates its own
PSC regime.

Inspection of the mandatory documentation of the officers and crew

of the vessel according to MLC:
1. Minimum Requirements for seafarers to work on ships
• Minimum age
• Medical certificate
• Training and certifications
• Recruitment and placement
2. Conditions of Employment
• Seafarer’s Employment Agreement
• Wages
• Hours of rest and hours of work
• Entitlement to leave
• Repatriation
• Seafarer compensation for ship’s loss or foundering
• Manning levels
• Career and skill development and opportunities for seafarer’s employment
3. Accommodation, Recreation, Food and Catering
• Accommodation and recreational facilities
• Food and catering
4. Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection
• Medical care on board and ashore
• Ship owner’s liability
• Health and safety protection and accident prevention
• Access to shore based welfare facilities
• Social Security

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5. Compliance and Enforcement
• Flag state responsibility
• Authorization of recognized organizations
• Maritime labour certificate and declaration of maritime labour compliance
• Inspection and enforcement
• On board compliance procedures
• Port State Responsibilities
• Marine Casualties
• Labour Supplying responsibilities
Survey Requirements and Port State Control (PSC) - MLC

Initial survey and inspection

will be followed diligently with
other inspections such as the
intermediate inspection. Port
State Control has the right to
board any vessel at any given
point of time for verifying the
compliance for MLC. The Port
State Control Inspectors are
however entitled to detain the
vessel not in compliance with
the MLC requirements. With
regard to PSC, the compliance
for MLC is mainly subject to
availability of the Declaration
of Maritime Labour
Compliance (DMLC), the
MLC certificate issued to the
fleet and a plan implementing
the MLC content

Time taken to get certified:

One of the main requirements of complying with MLC is that every crew member
is to be in possession of an approved Seafarer Employment Agreement or SEA. The
approval has to necessarily be in conjunction with the flag state and must include
certain provisions that are required under MLC. The older seafarer’s contracts will
be replaced or used in concurrence with the SEA and be inspected upon by the PSC.
In lieu of this, time required for the certification will depend on the gap analysis,

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issuance of newer Agreements and also the development of plans and manuals.
Moreover, Crew compensation and other benefits may be different for every ship
owner apart from those required by the MLC. The length of reviewing, revising and
approving of the requirements and therefore the certification time may take weeks
or months together.

Fixing up or scheduling inspections

Every Flag State is wholly responsible for ensuring that the obligations under the
MLC convention are implemented correctly onboard ships flying their flags. This
also means that the flag state is responsible for correlating the subsequent measures
related to work and living conditions and forming an efficient system for the
inspections and MLC related certifications, Flag State is also entailed to appoint
sufficient qualified inspectors for executing the certification processes.
The interval between the inspections should not exceed a period of 36 months.
Similar to the ISM and ISPS certifications, MLC also requires the inspectors to
conduct examinations, tests or enquiries to verify strict compliance to the regulations
of the convention and ascertain that the deficiencies, if any, are remedied avoiding
serious breach to standards of the convention or correspond to considerable danger
to the health, safety and security of the seafarers. The inspectors also have the power
to restrain the ship to leave port until the deficiencies are corrected.

Dealing with Inspections

As stated earlier, the flag state has all

the rights to withdraw the MLC
Certificate if the vessel fails to pass the
mandatory inspections and its
obligations. The Inspector in his entire
prowess is empowered to detain the
vessel in port if it is evident that the
concerned vessel failed to implement
the requirements of the MLC onboard.
With the number of inspections to
increase exponentially, the number of
detentions is also believed to increase.
Failed Inspections could mean heavy commercial and financial losses for the vessel,
charterers and the owners. Therefore the best way to avoid such grave situations is
to ensure that the vessels strictly adhere with the guidelines as laid out in the MLC
Convention.

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Conclusion:

A PSC inspection can turn out to be a devastating experience for both crew and the
owner of the ship as it may lead to the detention of the ship if things are not properly
maintained on the ship. This can lead to tremendous loss of money and time. To
avoid this situation, regular maintenance of all equipments and periodic training of
crew should be carried out.

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