Port state control

Q. Purpose of Port state control?
Ans:- Port State control
Many ships may not visit home port for a considerable period of time and during a certain period of time ship's certificates may not be renewed or maintained. thus it is important that the ship must be inspected at various ports to ensure compliance with rules requirement as regard to safety, maintenance and manning etc., when such control is exercised by a country other than flag state is called "port state control"
Port State Control (PSC) is the inspection of foreign ships in national ports to verify that the condition of the ship and its equipment comply with the requirements of international regulations and that the ship is manned and operated in compliance with these rules.
Flag state ensures that the ship entitled to fly its flag is safely constructed, equipped, maintained and manned as per the regulations developed by IMO. When a country exercises control over a ship which is registered in that country, such control is called flag state control (FSC).


Q. What is clear ground?
Ans:- Clear ground:- Evidence that the ship, its equipment or its crew does not correspond substantially with the requirement of relevant convention, or that the master or crew are not familiar with essential ship board procedures relating to the safety of ship or prevention of pollution.


Q. provision under which port state control is checked detailed instructions?
Ans:- Clear grounds to conduct a more detailed inspection include:-
(a) Absence of principle equipment on arrangement required by convention.
(b) Evidence that the ship's log, manual or other required documentation are not on board or falsely maintained.
(c) Evidence of a certificate is invalid.
(d) Evidence of serious damage to the hull or structure leads to risk the structural, watertight or weather tight integrity of ship.
(e) Deficiency in the safety, pollution prevention or navigational equipment.
(f) evidence that the master or crew is not familiarized with the key shipboard operations relating to the safety or pollution prevention.
(g) Crew member is not able to communicate with each other.

(h) Absence of an up to date muster list, fire control plan.

Q. Explain the principle of port State control and give in detail the verification the Port State Control Officer may carry out with particular reference to the following; A. Emergency generator; B. Auxiliary steering gear; C. Lifeboat engine; D. Bilge pumps; E. SOPEP.

Ans: Click here

Q. General Check list of PSC inspection:

Ans: General Precautions against possible PSC Interventions on your Ship: 

1. Master's Office / responsibilities 

• Certificates - Original copies of all trading certificates and documents are available 

• STCW 

 1. Verification that the Master, officers and ratings are certificated as required by the STCW Convention. 

 2. Verification that the "letter of receipt of application for a COE" is available on board for officers sailing under the ship's flag, but who are yet to receive the endorsement 

• SOPEP - Approved, up to date and with all contact details included 

• ISM Emergency preparedness - Drills to be carried out regularly and effectively, with documented evidence 

 

2. Bridge Area

• Nautical Publications - Valid and as required for the voyage 

• Charts - Correct charts for voyages being undertaken and corrected as necessary 

• Magnetic Compass 

1. Easily readable and correctly adjusted(deviation card) 

2. Confirmation that a table of curves of residual deviations for the magnetic compass is available on board 

3. Verification that the magnetic compass deviation book is properly maintained 

• Lights, shapes, sound signals 

1. Verification that the required sound signaling equipment (whistles, forecastle bell, gong), alarms, PA systems and shapes are in satisfactory working condition 

2. Verification that the required navigation lights are in satisfactory working condition 

• GMDSS - In working order and the last radio Surveyor's report is available 

• EPIRB - In working order, updated maintenance records available and located in a float free position which can also be accessed by the ship, staff, without the need to climb a vertical ladder 

• Fire detection cabinet - Alarms in working order including sensors, call points and fault alarms. 

• Others 

1. Verification that pyrotechnics, line throwing apparatus, immersion suits and life jackets are in place and in date. 

2. Verification that "hours of rest" book has been completed and is accurate 

3. Passage plans are in place, berth to berth 

3. Life Saving Appliances 

• Emergency lighting and batteries 

1. Verification of the lighting of the muster and embarkation stations, alleyways, stairways and exits giving access to the muster and embarkation stations, including the emergency source of power(all ships) 

2. Check of low level lighting(passenger ships) 

• Lifeboats 

1. Sound structure, examination of each lifeboat, including its equipment and confirmation of the compulsory markings of each lifeboat 

2. Check of lifting hooks, keel attachment, etc. and where fitted, the on-load release(settings to be precise) and hydrostatic lock, including the date of servicing or replacement 

3. Verification that the last date of launching and testing in water(three monthly for davit launched and six monthly for freefall) are recorded in the logbook 

4. Examination of the launching appliances and embarkation arrangements of each lifeboat 

5. Verification of the condition and operation of water spray and air supply systems where provided in totally enclosed lifeboats which have self-contained air support systems 

• Lifeboat engine - Verification that the engine of each lifeboat, if so fitted, satisfactorily starts and operates both ahead and astern and fuel tank contents are maintained at acceptable level 

• Lifeboat davit - When maintained and in good working order and certificates and reports of annual thorough examination and five year load tests are available 

• Lifeboat inventory - Confirmation that the record indicating that the lifeboat equipment was examined and found to be complete has been entered in the logbook 

• Lifebuoys 

1. Examination of the provision, disposition, stowage and the condition of the lifebuoys. 

2. Confirmation that they are provided with retro-reflective material, lights and ropes. 

3. Confirmation that the Man Overboard Lifebuoys(MOBs) with smoke / lights meet with the minimum requirement for weight as per LSA Code and, requirement of smoke / light device 

• Lifejackets, immersion suits and TPAs 1. Examination of the provision, disposition, stowage and the condition of the lifejacket, immersion suit and TPAs. 2. Confirmation that they are provided with whistle, retro-reflective material and lights 

• Inflatable life rafts 

1. General examination of each inflatable life raft and its hydrostatic release units and float-free arrangements, including the date of servicing or replacement 

2. Confirmation that the life raft stowage will facilitate a proper release. 

 

4. Accommodations 

• Fire doors 

1. Examination of manual and automatic fire doors and verification of their working condition and able to close tight 

2. Verification that fire doors are self closing and self latching, ensure that the self closing doors have no hold back arrangements fitted other than those that can be remotely released - e.g. magnetic stoppers 

• Fire fighting equipment 

1. Examination of the fire fighting appliances, with working test as far as necessary and practicable 

2. Examination of the hydrants, hoses, spanners and nozzles and confirmation that they are at their respective locations 

3. Examination of the International shore Connection and confirmation that it is located as shown on the Fire Control Plan 

4. Verification that the connection bolt dimensions is as per regulation and must be stored next to the connection. The correct joint must also be available at the location as it should along with a spanner of correct size. 

5. Confirmation that the fire fighter, outfits are complete(correct number of suits are available) and in satisfactory condition 

6. Confirmation that the cylinders, including the spare cylinders of any self-contained breathing apparatus are suitably charged 

• Fire control plan 

1. Confirmation that the fire control plans are permanently exhibited, or, alternatively, that emergency booklets containing information dealing with fire fighting are available on board 

2. Confirmation that a duplicate copy of the fire control plans(or booklet) is available in a prominently marked enclosure, external to the ship, deckhouse 

• Signs, indications(weather tight doors, fire detectors, fire dampers, ventilation) - All in place and as required 

• Emergency lighting and batteries 

 1. Tests of emergency lighting, transitional emergency lighting and supplementary emergency lighting to be carried out 

2. Verification that batteries are fully charged 

• Alarms and PA systems - Tests of general emergency alarms and signals, operational alarms and public address systems functioning and clearly audible in all areas 

• Sanitary facilities 

 1. Equipment in place, clean and functioning correctly 

2. Hot water available at the wash-areas and in the galley 

3. Living facilities adequate for conditions, ample bed covers, etc. 

4. Living areas are clean and hygienic 

5. Deck Area 

• Deck corrosion - Weather decks, side shell above water line and accessible parts of the rudder well maintained, not corroded, holed or wasted 

• Railings, cat-walks 

 1. Guard rails, gangways, walk ways, ladders and any other means provided for the protection of the crew and means for safe passage for crew well-maintained, not corroded, holed or wasted 

2. Gangway watch and security checks in place as required 

3. Pilot ladder / hoist, condition and lighting arrangements 

• Cargo and other hatchways 

1. Examination of the means of securing the weather-tightness of machinery-space hatchways and of other hatchways on decks 

2. Verification of the satisfactory condition of hatch covers 

3. Verification of the satisfactory condition of hatch coamings and stiffeners. 

4. Verification of the satisfactory condition of clamping devices, retaining bars and cleats 

5. Verification of the satisfactory condition and operation of hydraulic and power components, wires, chains and link drives essential to closing and securing(mechanically operated hatch covers) 

6. Verification of the satisfactory condition of wooden covers and portable beams, carriers or sockets for the portable beams and their securing devices(pontoon hatch covers) 

• Weather-tight doors and rubber sealing - Examination of the means of closing and securing the weather-tightness of all openings in freeboard, superstructure and exposed decks 

• Ventilators, air pipes, casings 

1. Examination of ventilators, including their coamings and closing appliances 

2. Examination of air pipes and overflow pipes, including their coamings and closing appliances 

• Winches and capstans - Examination of anchoring and mooring equipment, as far as practicable, clear markings and in good working condition 

• Fixed fire-extinguishing installation 

1. Bottles / tanks serviced, levels checked and dated; release mechanisms and applicators in good condition and in place 

2. Examination of the fixed fire fighting system for the cargo spaces and confirmation that its operation mode is clearly indicated 

3. Confirmation of the operational readiness and maintenance 

4. Examination of the controls, piping, instructions and markings; search for evidence of proper servicing, including date of last system tests 

5. Verification that the test for inert gas flooding and test of remote fan / pump stops are performed and recorded.

• Fire fighting equipment 

1. Examination of the fire fighting appliances, with working test as far as practicable 

2. Examination of the hydrants, hoses, spanners and nozzles and confirmation that they are at their respective locations 

3. Confirmation that the fire fighters' outfits are complete and in satisfactory condition 

4. Confirmation that the cylinders, including the spare cylinders, of any self-contained breathing apparatus are suitably charged 

• Fire dampers, quick closing devices and means of control - Examination of fire divisions, examination and test where applicable and as feasible of fire doors, dampers in ventilation ducts, means of closure of skylights and other openings 

• Signs, indications(weather-tight doors, fire detectors, fire dampers, ventilation) - All in place and functional as required 

• Lighting - Tests of main lights, emergency lighting, transitional emergency lighting and supplementary emergency lighting 

• Alarms and PA systems - Tests of General Emergency alarms and signals, operational alarms and public address systems functioning and clearly audible in all areas. 

 

6. Working Spaces 

• Emergency Fire Pump 

1. Capable of being started easily 

2. Examination of the emergency fire pump and verification that it can be operated so as to simultaneously produce two jets of water from different hydrants at any part of the ship whilst the required pressure is maintained ion the fire main 

3. Verification of the operation of the engine room isolation valve in the fire main 

• Emergency Generator 

1. Auto start-up on black out. Manual operation and connection to the switchboard sign-posted and tested. 

2. Tests of the emergency sources of electrical power, their automatic arrangements and associated circuits. 

3. Verification of operation of first start(dead ship) arrangements 

• Lighting 

1. Adequate and with covers fitted and cleaned 

2. Tests of emergency lighting, transitional emergency lighting and supplementary emergency lighting 

 

7. Engine room 

• Retention of oil onboard 

1. Tanks correctly identified and any disposals documented 

2. Visual examination of records of various oil discharge monitoring and control systems 

• Cleanliness of the Engine room - Clean, no Al leaks, clean bilges/ tank tops / save-alls, good house keeping 

• Auxiliary Engines 

1. All in working order. No leaks. 

2. General examination of the machinery, the boilers, all steam, hydraulic, pneumatic and other systems and their associated fittings; verification that the spaces where this equipment is located are properly maintained, particular attention being paid to fire and explosion hazards. 3. Examination of the means for the operation of the main and auxiliary machineries essential for the safety of the ship(including the control, monitoring, reporting, alert and safety action) 

• Propulsion Main Engine 

1. All in working order. No leaks 

2. General examination of the machinery, the boilers, all steam, hydraulic, pneumatic and other systems and their associated fittings; verification that the spaces where this equipment is located, are properly maintained, particular attention being paid to fire and explosion hazards 

• Jacketed piping system for high pressure fuel lines 

1. Confirmation that all external high pressure fuel oil delivery lines between the high pressure fuel oil pump and the fuel oil injectors are protected with a jacketed piping system, capable of containing fuel from a fuel line failure 

2. Verification that a fuel oil leakage alarm is given in the event of a pipe failure 

• Oil filtering equipment(Oily water separator) 

1. No illegal pipe-work(magic pipe); no oil in overboard discharge pipe; external examination of the oil filtering equipment shows no defect 

2. Check satisfactory operation. Test of the operation of the automatic means provided to stop the discharge of effluent overboard • 15 ppm alarm arrangements 

1. Functioning as required and instructions posted 

2. Examination of the oil content meter(15 - ppm alarm and bilge monitor), for equipment approved under MEPC 107(49), verification of the calibration record or calibration certificates 

• Oil Record Book 

1. Confirmation that appropriate entries are being made in the Oil Record Book-Pot I, as required by Reg. 17, Annex I, MARPOL 73/78 

2. Confirmation that all completed pages are signed by the master, no spaces left empty between entries, no use of correction fluids etc. 

3. Visual examination of records of various oil- discharge monitoring and control systems 

• Fire Pumps 

1. Examination of fire pumps and verification that each of them can be operated separately so as to simultaneously produce two jets of water from different hydrants at any part of the ship whilst the required pressure is maintained in the fire main 

2. Confirmation that where remote start is provided, the valve arrangement and configuration is correct 

• Steering gear 

1. Examination and working test of the main steering arrangements, including their associated equipment and control systems 

2. Confirmation that the emergency instructions are posted 

3. Confirmation of the arrangements to relay instructions from the bridge to emergency steering position is clear and audible, confirmation that visual indication exists at emergency steering position for rudder angle 

• Signs, indications(weather-tight doors, fire detectors, fire dampers, ventilation) - All in place and as required 

• Emergency lighting and batteries - Tests of the emergency lighting, transitional emergency lighting and supplementary emergency lighting 

• Alarms and PA Systems - Tests of general emergency alarms and signals, operational alarms and public address systems functioning and clearly audible in all areas 

• Fire fighting equipment 

1. Examination of the fire fighting appliances, with working test as far as necessary and practicable 

2. Examination of the hydrants, hoses, spanners and nozzles and confirmation that they ate at their respective locations 

3. Examination of the international Shore connection and confirmation that it is located as shown on the Fire Control Plan 

4. Confirmation that the fire-fighter's outfits are complete and in satisfactory condition 

5. Confirmation that the cylinders, including the spare cylinders, of any self contained breathing apparatus, are suitably charged 

• Weather-tight doors 

1. In good condition and secured correctly. All seals are correctly fitted and free from cracking and paint 

2. Verification, as far as practicable and as appropriate, of the operation of the remote control means provided for the closure of power operated and other doors 

3. Testing of operation of the remote control means provided for the closure of power operated doors and the other doors 

8. Common ISM Questionnaire 

• The IMO guidelines lists the questions shown in the right column 

1. Is there a Company safety and Environment Protection Policy and are the ship's personnel familiar with it? 

2. Is safety documentation (e.g. manuals) are readily available on board? 

3. Is relevant documentation in the SMS in a working language or a language understood by the ship, personnel? 

4. Can the ship, officers identify the Company responsible for the operation of the ship and is it corresponding with the entity specified on the ISM Code certificates? 

5. Can the ship's officers identify the "Designated Person"? 

6. Are procedures in place for establishing and maintaining contact with the shore management in an emergency? 

7. Are programs for drills and exercise to prepare for emergency actions available on board? 8. How are new crew members made familiar with their duties if they have recently joined the ship and are instructions which are essential prior to departure for sailing, available? 

9. Can the master provide documented proof of his responsibility and authority, which must include his over-riding authority? 

10. Have non-conformities been reported to the Company and has corrective action been taken by the Company? (PSCOs should not normally scrutinize the contents of any non-conformity) 

11. Does the ship have a maintenance routine and are records available? 

12. Do the SMC, DOC and CSR concur in all respects for owner, manager etc.?   .