Discover how Port State Control (PSC) authorities use IMO’s GISIS platform to track non-compliant vessels, enhance maritime safety, and enforce global regulations. Learn how real-time PSC GISIS reports are transforming inspection tracking and compliance.
In an industry where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, Port State Control (PSC) plays a frontline role in ensuring that ships entering national waters meet international standards. Behind this vigilance lies a powerful digital tool: the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), managed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). GISIS acts as the digital nervous system for maritime oversight, giving PSC authorities a bird’s-eye view of global shipping compliance in real time.
Let’s explore how GISIS is transforming maritime safety, how authorities use it to track non-compliant vessels, and why this matters more than ever in 2025.
Why GISIS Matters in Modern Maritime Oversight
The maritime industry is global, but the responsibility for enforcement often falls on national agencies. Port State Control bridges this gap. However, it wasn’t always this coordinated. Before GISIS, much of the compliance data lived in isolated silos.
Today, GISIS provides a centralized platform accessible to both IMO member states and the public. It houses a wide range of data: ship particulars, flag states, inspection results, detentions, casualties, marine pollution incidents, and even security-related info under the ISPS Code. This transparency allows PSC officers to make informed decisions before a vessel even docks.
According to the Paris MoU Annual Report 2023, the number of ships detained for serious deficiencies decreased by 9% year-on-year, thanks in part to enhanced pre-arrival targeting using GISIS data.
Key Modules Used by PSC Inspectors
PSC officers rely heavily on specific GISIS modules to target vessels for inspection. Here are the most relevant sections:
Ship and Company Particulars
This is the foundation. PSC inspectors first verify ship details including IMO number, flag state, classification society, and ISM manager. Any mismatches or inconsistencies raise a red flag.
Port State Control Module
Arguably the most used module by inspectors. It provides:
- Historical inspection data
- Detention records
- Deficiency patterns
- RO (Recognized Organization) performance records
This helps prioritize high-risk ships.
Marine Casualties and Incidents
PSC authorities track previous incidents such as collisions, groundings, and fires. Vessels involved in such events often receive higher scrutiny.
Marine Pollution (MARPOL) Incidents
The MARPOL module lists pollution violations. Persistent offenders are likely to face more rigorous inspections.
ISPS Code Database
This security-specific module reveals breaches of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. For ports facing terrorism threats, this is a crucial risk assessment tool.
Real-World Example: GISIS and the Ever Given Incident
In March 2021, the grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal made headlines worldwide. Though a navigational mishap, it prompted scrutiny of similar large vessels. Authorities began pulling GISIS data on Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) with high-risk profiles.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, at least 14 ULCVs were flagged for priority inspection by PSCs in Europe and Asia within 6 months after the Ever Given incident. Much of this targeting was powered by GISIS data cross-referenced with local inspection records.
Global Coordination Through Regional Agreements
Port State Control is not limited to one country. PSC authorities collaborate under regional agreements such as:
- Paris MoU (Europe and North Atlantic)
- Tokyo MoU (Asia-Pacific)
- USCG (United States Coast Guard)
- Black Sea MoU
- Indian Ocean MoU
These agreements feed their inspection data into GISIS, creating a shared knowledge base. For example, a deficiency recorded by AMSA in Australia can be seen by a PSC officer in Rotterdam via GISIS.
This real-time sharing has improved inspection efficiency. According to the Tokyo MoU 2023 Annual Report, harmonized inspection targeting using GISIS helped reduce inspection overlap by 27% across 20 member states.
How Non-Compliant Vessels Are Flagged
GISIS supports predictive inspection. Here’s how PSC officers typically identify suspect vessels:
- Inspection History: Frequent deficiencies signal systemic problems.
- Flag State Performance: Ships from low-performing flags receive higher scrutiny.
- RO Track Record: ROs with poor detention stats raise suspicion.
- Casualty Reports: Involvement in recent incidents triggers alerts.
- AIS Behavior: Erratic routing visible via MarineTraffic or AIS-linked GISIS tools can signal attempts to avoid PSC.
Once flagged, these vessels are subject to priority boarding and often face detailed inspections covering SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and ISM compliance.
GISIS vs Other Platforms: Why PSC Still Relies on It
There are many maritime databases—Equasis, IHS (S&P Global), MarineTraffic, and Clarkson’s World Fleet Register. So why do PSC authorities still prioritize GISIS?
Because GISIS is:
- Authoritative: Managed by IMO and directly linked to flag administrations
- Regulatory: Integrates with IMO codes and conventions
- Accessible: Public and member states use the same platform
- Comprehensive: Includes data others don’t, like ISPS breaches and MARPOL pollution reports
It’s worth noting that Equasis often re-publishes GISIS-linked data, especially for inspection and detention records. However, GISIS remains the primary source.
Future Improvements on the Horizon
GISIS is not static. IMO has announced several upcoming enhancements:
- API integration for automated PSC inspection targeting tools
- Real-time dashboards for regional MoUs
- Flag-state benchmarking tools
- Enhanced geolocation tracking linked with AIS providers
These upgrades aim to make PSC enforcement more data-driven and proactive.
According to the IMO’s GISIS User Forum 2024, over 80% of PSC users requested tools for real-time risk profiling. This feedback is now guiding the platform’s roadmap.
FAQ: Understanding PSC and GISIS Integration
1. Is GISIS access free for PSC authorities? Yes. PSC officers from IMO member states have full access to GISIS modules relevant to inspections.
2. Can the public see the same data as PSC authorities? Partially. Some modules (e.g., Marine Casualties) are restricted. Others, like Ship Particulars and PSC Records, are open to the public.
3. How current is the data in GISIS? Data is updated daily by member states, flag administrations, and MoU secretariats.
4. Do PSC officers only use GISIS? No. GISIS is used alongside other tools like Equasis, internal MoU databases, and AIS tracking services.
5. How is GISIS different from Equasis? GISIS includes confidential security and pollution data, while Equasis focuses more on public safety and commercial records.
6. Are GISIS records admissible in court or regulatory disputes? Yes. As official IMO records, they are used in both regulatory enforcement and maritime arbitration.
7. How can shipping companies reduce the risk of GISIS-based targeting? By maintaining spotless PSC inspection records, transparent operations, and adhering to ISM, SOLAS, and MARPOL standards.
Conclusion: GISIS as the Watchtower of Port State Control
In today’s connected world, non-compliance leaves a digital footprint. GISIS helps PSC authorities track these footprints across oceans, time zones, and jurisdictions. As the maritime world faces tighter regulations and higher accountability, tools like GISIS are not optional—they are indispensable.
From supporting targeted inspections to enabling global coordination, GISIS is the quiet engine behind safer seas. If you’re a shipowner, operator, or maritime student, understanding how PSC uses GISIS isn’t just useful—it’s essential.
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