Port state control
Port State Control (PSC) means that a state inspects foreign ships calling at its ports. The purpose is to ensure that vessels comply with international requirements regarding safety, environmental protection, and working and living conditions.
How to order re-inspection following a detention?
Once the detained ship’s master is satisfied with the rectification efforts the master have to apply to the port state for the re-inspection.
In case of a detention in a Swedish port the master have to apply to the Swedish Transport Agency for a re-inspection
Re-inspection can be performed office hours Monday-Fridays.
A request for a re-inspection to take place during office hours is to be sent by email to psc@transportstyrelsen.se before 13:00 hours previous working day.
On a case-by-case basis STA may re-inspect on Saturdays and Sundays depending on availability of port state control officers.
A request for a re-inspection to take place outside office hours on a Saturday or Sunday is to be sent to psc@transportstyrelsen.se before 13:00 hours Friday.
According to Swedish ship safety act (2003:364) the detention cannot be lifted until deficiencies have been rectified and payment has been made or a guarantee given for the reimbursement of the costs. As such a guarantee, the form Reimbursement liability signed by a person authorized to sign for a Swedish receiver of invoice, can be accepted.
Example
To: psc@transportstyrelsen.se
Subject: Request for re-inspection detained ship NAME, IMO
The PSC system was developed during the 1970s and 1980s as a complement to flag State responsibilities, following the identification of deficiencies in oversight in connection with several serious accidents. An important milestone was the establishment of the Paris MoU in 1982, which laid the foundation for a common European inspection regime.
Since then, PSC has evolved into a risk-based and harmonised system where member States cooperate through information exchange and common inspection procedures.
Development of Port State Control (PSC)
- 1970s–1980s – Increased focus on deficiencies in flag State control following several major accidents
- 1982 – Paris MoU established as a European cooperation framework
- 1990s–2000s – Expansion of databases and increased international cooperation between regions
- 2011 – Introduction of a risk-based inspection regime within Paris MoU
- Today – A harmonised and global system focusing on risk, safety, environment, and working conditions
Within Europe, PSC activities are coordinated through the Paris MoU, enabling efficient and uniform implementation of the regulations.
Purpose of Port State Control
The purpose of PSC is to ensure that ships comply with international conventions and to identify and rectify deficiencies that may affect safety, the environment, or the working and living conditions of the crew.
PSC also aims to eliminate substandard ships and promote fair competition within the maritime industry.
Inspection System
Ships are selected for inspection based on a risk-based system.
Selection criteria include:
- the quality of the flag State
- the company’s performance history
- previous inspection results
- ship type and age
Inspections may vary in scope depending on the risk profile:
- an initial inspection focusing on certificates and general condition
- a more detailed inspection when deficiencies are suspected
- an expanded inspection for high-risk ships and certain ship types
Inspections are carried out by the competent authority, such as Transportstyrelsen.
Key Areas of Inspection
PSC inspections cover both documentation and practical conditions on board. The aim is to verify that ships comply with applicable regulations in practice.
Certificates and Documentation
Certificates required under international conventions must be valid and properly issued. Crew certificates, records, and logbooks are also examined.
Ship Condition
The hull, machinery, and equipment are inspected with regard to condition, maintenance, and overall safety standards.
Fire Safety
Fire detection and firefighting systems must be fully operational. Fire integrity, fire doors, and crew preparedness are also assessed.
Life-Saving Appliances
Lifeboats, liferafts, and personal protective equipment must be in good condition and ready for use. Evacuation systems and preparedness are verified.
Working and Living Conditions
Accommodation, sanitary facilities, and hours of work and rest are examined. Compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is verified.
Operational Procedures
The ship’s safety organisation, drills, and emergency procedures are assessed to ensure they function effectively in practice.
Practical Execution
Inspections are carried out on board while the ship is in port and may be either planned or unannounced.
The inspector may:
- examine documents and certificates
- check equipment and functionality
- interview the crew
- request demonstrations of procedures and drills
If deficiencies are suspected, the inspection may be expanded.
Deficiencies and Measures
If deficiencies are identified, they must be rectified within a specified timeframe.
In the case of serious deficiencies:
- the ship may be detained in port (more detailed information in FAQ)
- departure may be prohibited until deficiencies are rectified
- additional inspections may be required
Particularly serious deficiencies are those posing an immediate risk to:
- life and health
- ship safety
- the environment
Summary
Port State Control is a key risk-based tool for ensuring safety and environmental protection in international shipping.
Through harmonised and practical inspections, it ensures that ships comply with international requirements, that deficiencies are identified and corrected, and that substandard ships can be detained.This contributes to safe and sustainable shipping, as well as fair competition within the maritime sector.
Frequently asked questions
PSC means that a country inspects foreign ships visiting its ports to ensure compliance with international regulations.
All foreign ships may be inspected, but selection is based on a risk-based system.
Selection is based on factors such as flag State performance, company history, previous inspection results, ship type, and age.
An inspector boards the ship and examines documentation, equipment, and procedures. The inspection may also include practical demonstrations, such as safety drills.
The inspection includes:
- certificates and documentation
- technical condition of the ship
- fire safety
- life-saving appliances
- working and living conditions
- crew preparedness and procedures
- deficiencies are recorded
- the company is required to rectify them
- a deadline is set
- follow-up may be required
Detention means that the ship is not allowed to leave the port until serious deficiencies have been rectified.
A ship may be detained if deficiencies pose a serious risk to safety, health, or the environment, or if there are systematic failures in operation.
This depends on the ship’s risk profile. High-risk ships are inspected more frequently than those with a good record.
PSC contributes to:
- improved maritime safety
- protection of the environment
- better working conditions for seafarers
- fair competition in shipping