Top 10 Port State Control Deficiencies Found on Ships

Discover the top 10 Port State Control deficiencies found on ships in 2025. Learn how to prevent detentions, improve safety, and ensure regulatory compliance through real-world insights and expert guidance.

Why Port State Control Matters in Modern Maritime Operations

For ships operating in international waters, Port State Control (PSC) inspections are a critical checkpoint. These inspections are not just bureaucratic formalities—they are frontline defenses against substandard shipping, safeguarding maritime safety, environmental health, and crew welfare.

In 2023 alone, over 10,000 deficiencies were reported under the Paris MoU, resulting in more than 500 vessel detentions. With regulatory frameworks like SOLAS, MARPOL, and MLC 2006 evolving and enforcement tightening, understanding the most common deficiencies is essential for shipowners, crew, and maritime cadets alike.

Failure to address these issues not only risks fines and detention but also damages a vessel’s reputation and commercial viability. This article explores the top 10 PSC deficiencies most frequently found on ships—offering insights, real-world examples, and practical strategies for compliance in 2025.

Understanding Port State Control Inspections

Port State Control is the inspection of foreign-flagged ships in national ports to verify compliance with international regulations. Conducted by regional authorities such as the Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU, US Coast Guard, or EMSA, PSC inspectors assess documentation, crew competence, safety equipment, pollution controls, and structural integrity.

These inspections are risk-based, prioritizing vessels with past deficiencies, low performance flags, or older builds. The outcome may be:

  • Clean report

  • List of deficiencies

  • Detention

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 deficiencies triggering the most detentions worldwide.

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Top 10 Port State Control Deficiencies

1. Fire Safety Systems (SOLAS Chapter II-2)

Description: Defective fire dampers, missing extinguishers, expired fire detection units

Fire safety remains one of the most cited deficiency areas across all MoU regions. Common issues include blocked escape routes, malfunctioning fire alarms, and corroded or poorly maintained fire pumps.

Case Insight: A Ro-Ro vessel in Rotterdam was detained in 2024 after multiple fire doors failed to close automatically during a drill—an essential SOLAS requirement.

Reference: SOLAS Chapter II-2 – Fire Protection

2. Life-Saving Appliances (LSA Code)

Typical Failures: Inoperative lifeboat release mechanisms, missing or damaged lifejackets, expired pyrotechnics

PSC inspectors frequently find LSA non-compliance due to poor maintenance or expired safety gear. Lifeboat launch simulations often reveal hidden faults that may go unnoticed by crew.

Preventive Tip: Conduct monthly maintenance and realistic launch drills—ideally with class attendance before major port calls.

3. Documentation Deficiencies

Includes: ISM Code, Oil Record Book, Garbage Record Book, crew certificates, IAPP certificate

Invalid or missing documentation continues to rank among the top causes for detention. Even digitally stored certificates must be accessible and verifiable.

Real-World Incident: A bulk carrier was delayed in Antwerp when the master failed to produce a valid IAPP Certificate during a sulfur content inspection.

Compliance Tip: Use digital platforms like ABS Nautical Systems to manage certification validity and expiry.

4. ISM Code Non-Compliance

Description: Poor implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS), absence of audits, lack of familiarization

The ISM Code underpins safety culture on board. Deficiencies here often reflect deeper systemic issues, such as poor communication between shore management and crew.

Example: Paris MoU reports highlight that over 12% of detained ships between 2022–2024 had major ISM deficiencies, including missing internal audits and untrained crew.

5. Pollution Prevention Equipment (MARPOL Annex I & IV)

Key Issues: Inoperative oily water separators (OWS), illegal discharges, faulty sewage systems

PSC inspectors rigorously check for MARPOL compliance, particularly OWS logs and automatic stopping devices. Tampering with pollution equipment is not only a deficiency—it may trigger legal prosecution.

Noteworthy Case: A chemical tanker in Singapore faced detention and a $1.2 million fine for falsified Oil Record Book entries detected during a surprise PSC inspection.

6. Emergency Systems (SOLAS Chapter III)

Deficiencies: Malfunctioning emergency generators, non-operational general alarms, broken emergency lighting

Emergency preparedness is a non-negotiable standard. Even minor lapses in testing emergency lighting or alarms can result in major deficiencies.

Recommended Practice: Weekly testing of emergency generators and full-scale drills during anchorage before arrival at major ports like Hamburg or Singapore.

7. Crew Certificates and Manning Compliance (STCW)

Common Violations: Invalid endorsements, missing rest hour records, unqualified watchkeepers

PSC inspectors often verify that all officers have valid STCW certificates and are familiar with their duties. Discrepancies between the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate and actual crew lists are also red flags.

Case Study: A cargo ship in the Port of Los Angeles was detained in 2023 due to an unlicensed chief engineer on board, despite being listed as qualified.

8. Navigation Equipment and Charts

Failings: Outdated electronic charts (ENCs), malfunctioning ECDIS or AIS, magnetic compass deviation not recorded

Navigation-related deficiencies directly impact vessel safety and are taken seriously. PSC checks often include demonstration of ECDIS alarm systems and update procedures.

Compliance Tip: Regular updates via NAVTOR or other chart management platforms help automate corrections and reduce errors.

9. Accommodation and Working Conditions (MLC 2006)

Reported Issues: Poor hygiene, insufficient food, unsafe bunk arrangements, unpaid wages

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) protects crew welfare. Dirty bathrooms, pest infestations, or expired provisions can all trigger deficiencies. Mental health support and access to communication are also increasingly emphasized in inspections.

Case Insight: A PSC inspection in Barcelona found crew had not received wages for two months, prompting immediate intervention by the flag state and ITF.

10. Structural Conditions

Examples: Corroded deck plating, cracked bulkheads, water ingress in cargo holds

While less frequent, structural deficiencies are among the most serious. Extensive corrosion or hull fractures often lead to immediate detention and class suspension.

Note: Many structural deficiencies are revealed during rainy port calls or after heavy sea voyages—making pre-arrival inspections crucial.

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Case Studies & Real-World Examples

Case Study: PSC Detention in Hamburg for Multiple Deficiencies

A general cargo vessel was detained in 2024 after PSC inspectors found expired fire extinguishers, an incomplete garbage logbook, and an emergency generator that failed to start. This case illustrates the compounding risk of minor issues when left unchecked.

Case Study: Tanker Cleared Due to Digital Compliance Readiness

A Japanese-flagged tanker passed a comprehensive PSC inspection in Rotterdam thanks to its proactive use of digital certificate management and routine drills. It became a model case for how technology supports compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What triggers a PSC inspection?

Targeting factors include ship age, flag performance, past deficiencies, and random selection. Ships from “black list” flags are inspected more frequently.

2. Can a ship refuse a PSC inspection?

No. Refusal or obstruction leads to immediate detention and possibly legal action from port authorities.

3. What are the most serious PSC deficiencies?

Fire safety, pollution equipment tampering, and crew certification issues are among the most severe, often leading to detention.

4. How can ships prepare for PSC inspections?

Regular internal audits, drills, crew familiarization, and digital document tracking are key strategies.

5. Are PSC regulations standardized globally?

While the IMO sets global standards, each MoU region may have specific inspection protocols and risk models.

6. Do detentions affect a ship’s commercial operations?

Yes. Detentions delay schedules, affect insurance premiums, and tarnish a vessel’s performance profile with charterers.

Conclusion

Port State Control inspections are not merely regulatory hurdles—they are critical evaluations of a vessel’s safety, environmental integrity, and crew welfare. The top 10 deficiencies highlighted above are consistent across regions, ship types, and flag states. In 2025, with enhanced digital systems, stricter enforcement, and growing transparency, ships must maintain not just compliance, but excellence in their operational standards.

Maritime professionals, cadets, and ship operators must prioritize proactive maintenance, crew training, and thorough documentation. Remember: a well-prepared ship is not only compliant—it’s respected, trusted, and commercially viable.

References

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