Port State Control (PSC) is the inspection of foreign ships in national ports to verify that the ship, its equipment and its crew comply with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and MLC 2006.
What inspectors typically check
- Certificates and documents: ship's certificates, crew certificates and records.
- Condition of the ship: structure, life-saving and fire-fighting equipment, navigation equipment.
- Living and working conditions: accommodation, food and hygiene, hours of work and rest, wages.
- Crew familiarity: whether crew know their emergency duties and can operate equipment.
How crews can prepare
- Keep certificates valid and easily accessible.
- Make sure work and rest records are accurate.
- Know your muster station and emergency duties.
- Keep spaces clean and equipment maintained.
- Be honest. If there is a problem, tell the Master; inspectors value transparency.
Seafarers' role
Seafarers can also raise onboard concerns with PSC officers, and complaints should be treated confidentially.
An inspection is not a punishment; it is a check to make sure everyone gets home safely.