Port state control from the master's side
1The lesson in plain words
Prepare before arrival, guide the inspector calmly, record findings and arrange prompt rectification.
Before arrival
Check the ship's risk profile and inspection window in the MoU's public database, and the current concentrated inspection campaign (CIC). A CIC is a three-month campaign on one topic, such as cargo securing in late 2026. Run a pre-arrival checklist: certificates and their windows, record books, hours of rest, emergency equipment and drills, and that crew know their duties. Fix what you can and report the rest to the company.
During the inspection
Check the port state control officer (PSCO)'s identity and assign an accompanying officer. The PSCO starts with certificates and a walk through the ship. Clear grounds are evidence of possible non-compliance, such as inconsistent records, defective equipment or crew unable to demonstrate an emergency task. They justify a more detailed inspection, including drills or tests. Answer accurately, demonstrate what is requested and record each finding. Crew must be able to demonstrate their duties in their working language.
Deficiencies and codes
Each finding is written on the report with an action code. Paris MoU codes include 10 (rectified during the inspection), 15 (rectify at the next port), 16 (within 14 days), 17 (rectify before departure) and 30 (ground for detention). A finding can also be marked RO-related if the ship's recognised organisation (RO) should have caught it. Sign the report to show you received it, not that you agree.
Detention
A ship is detained when deficiencies are clearly hazardous to safety, health or the environment. Examples are an inoperative emergency fire pump, lifeboats that cannot be launched, or a crew unable to fight a fire. The flag is informed, and the RO where relevant. Only the port state can lift detention after accepting that the detainable deficiencies have been rectified; re-inspection is normally required. Re-inspections are often charged, and detentions are published and feed the ship's risk profile.
Disagreeing
Discuss disputed findings with the PSCO and PSC office. The owner or operator may appeal through the port state's legal procedure within its deadline. Separately, the flag or RO may request Paris MoU detention review, subject to its eligibility rules and deadline; the master cannot apply directly. An appeal does not suspend detention or repairs. Repeated detentions can lead to refusal of access under applicable criteria; see Law of the sea for triggers.
2Step by step
When the PSCO raises a detainable deficiency
- 1
Ask the PSCO to explain the finding and the legal basis.
You need the exact convention requirement to plan the repair.
- 2
Inform the company, designated person ashore (DPA) and flag at once; involve the RO where relevant.
The RO may need to attend, and the flag must know of the detention.
- 3
Agree a rectification plan with the PSCO and involve the relevant RO where needed.
A clear plan with dates shortens the detention.
- 4
Rectify and record the work, with photos and service reports.
Evidence speeds the re-inspection.
- 5
Request the re-inspection when everything is ready.
A failed re-inspection prolongs the detention and costs more.
- 6
Raise a non-conformity report and look for the root cause.
The ISM system must stop the same failure happening again.
3Key data
- Code 10
- Rectified during the inspection
- Code 16
- Rectify within 14 days
- Code 17
- Rectify before departure
- Code 30
- Ground for detention
- Detention test
- Clearly hazardous to safety, health or the environment
4Key points
- 1
Check the risk profile, window and current CIC before arrival.
- 2
Guide the PSCO, demonstrate duties, show evidence and note every finding or disagreement.
- 3
Code 17 means rectify before sailing; code 30 means detention.
- 4
Appeal through the port state's law, and never delay rectification.
5Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Signing the PSC report means you accept every finding.
Right: Your signature confirms receipt. You may still discuss findings, complain and appeal.
Wrong: A code 17 deficiency can wait until the next port.
Right: Code 17 must be rectified before the ship leaves. Code 15 is the one for the next port.
Wrong: Arguing hard with the PSCO protects the ship.
Right: Stay factual, ask for the legal basis and show evidence. Record disagreements and use the formal appeal route if needed.
6Practice case & exam keys
During a PSC inspection the emergency generator fails to start automatically on a blackout test. The PSCO says this is a ground for detention. The chief engineer says it is a sensor fault and wants to sail and fix it at sea. What do you do as master?
Show the answer
Do not sail. Code 30 is a detention, and sailing would breach it. Inform the company, DPA and flag at once; involve the RO where relevant. Let the engineers find and fix the fault, test the start several times and record it. Then request the re-inspection. Finally, raise a non-conformity report so the planned maintenance system checks the start circuit in future.
Exam keys
- Prepare: risk profile, window, CIC topic, pre-arrival checklist.
- Codes 10, 15, 16 (14 days), 17 (before departure), 30 (detention).
- Detention: clearly hazardous; only the port state can authorise release.
- National appeal does not suspend detention; Paris MoU detention review goes through the flag or RO.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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