Course Overview

This course provides participants with a practical understanding of Port State Control (PSC) inspections, ship inspection procedures, and maritime compliance requirements under international maritime conventions. The programme focuses on how PSC inspections are conducted, how ship documentation and onboard conditions are evaluated, and how deficiencies are identified during shipboard inspections.

Participants will gain insights into the application of key international maritime regulations, inspection methodologies, detention criteria, and compliance verification procedures used by Port State Control authorities. The course also explores how vessels can prepare effectively for inspections to reduce the risk of detention, penalties, delays, and operational disruptions.

Through practical examples, inspection scenarios, and operational case studies, attendees will develop the knowledge and skills required to support vessel compliance, improve inspection readiness, and maintain high operational and safety standards within maritime operations.

Agenda

Day — 1 Introduction to Port State Control and Maritime Compliance

Module 1: Overview of Port State Control

• Understanding the definition, purpose, and objectives of Port State Control (PSC).
• Exploring the role of PSC in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
• Understanding the differences between Flag State Control and Port State Control responsibilities.
• Reviewing the responsibilities of maritime administrations in compliance enforcement.
• Understanding PSC inspection regimes and regional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Module 2: International Maritime Regulatory Framework

• Understanding IMO conventions related to Port State Control inspections.
• Reviewing SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC, ISM, and ISPS requirements.
• Understanding the role and functions of classification societies.
• Reviewing Flag State responsibilities for vessel compliance and certification.
• Understanding the role of Recognised Organisations and statutory certification processes.

Module 3: PSC Inspection Process

• Understanding vessel selection criteria for PSC inspections.
• Reviewing initial inspection procedures and compliance verification steps.
• Understanding detailed inspection and expanded inspection procedures.
• Identifying grounds for vessel detention and enforcement actions.
• Understanding PSC reporting requirements and follow-up actions after inspections.

Day — 2 Ship Documentation and Certification Inspection

Module 4: Ship Certificates and Statutory Documents

• Understanding ship registry and trading certificate requirements.
• Reviewing the Safety Construction Certificate and vessel structural compliance.
• Understanding Safety Equipment Certificate requirements and onboard safety systems.
• Reviewing Safety Radio Certificate requirements for communication systems compliance.
• Understanding the Load Line Certificate and vessel stability obligations.
• Reviewing MARPOL certificates related to environmental compliance.
• Understanding the Minimum Safe Manning Document requirements.
• Reviewing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Certificate and Declaration requirements.

Module 5: Crew Certification and Manning Compliance

• Reviewing STCW certificates and endorsement requirements.
• Understanding Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP).
• Reviewing medical fitness certificate requirements for seafarers.
• Understanding Seafarer Employment Agreements and labour compliance obligations.
• Reviewing watchkeeping arrangements and operational responsibilities.
• Understanding rest hour requirements and fatigue management compliance.

Module 6: Document Verification and Common Deficiencies

• Verifying the validity and authenticity of statutory certificates and records.
• Identifying expired, missing, or non-compliant documentation.
• Reviewing incorrect endorsements and certification inconsistencies.
• Understanding issues related to statutory record books and operational records.
• Identifying common documentary deficiencies found during PSC inspections.
• Conducting practical document review exercises and compliance checks.

Day — 3 Shipboard Inspection Areas

Module 7: Safety Equipment Inspection

• Inspecting lifeboats, rescue boats, and liferafts for operational readiness.
• Reviewing lifejackets, immersion suits, and personal lifesaving equipment.
• Inspecting fire detection and alarm systems onboard vessels.
• Reviewing fire extinguishers and fixed firefighting system compliance.
• Understanding emergency lighting systems and escape route requirements.
• Reviewing muster lists, emergency preparedness, and drill procedures.

Module 8: Navigation and Bridge Inspection

• Conducting bridge equipment inspections and operational checks.
• Reviewing nautical charts and required navigational publications.
• Understanding ECDIS compliance requirements and operational standards.
• Reviewing voyage planning procedures and navigational safety practices.
• Inspecting GMDSS equipment and communication system readiness.
• Understanding bridge procedures, watchkeeping practices, and operational compliance.

Module 9: Engine Room and Technical Inspection

• Inspecting machinery safety systems and operational procedures.
• Reviewing bilge systems and pollution prevention arrangements.
• Understanding emergency generator inspection and testing requirements.
• Inspecting steering gear systems and operational readiness.
• Reviewing oil filtering equipment and MARPOL compliance measures.
• Understanding engine room cleanliness, maintenance practices, and housekeeping standards.
• Identifying technical deficiencies and operational risks during inspections.

Day — 4 Environmental, Security and Labour Compliance

Module 10: MARPOL and Environmental Inspection

• Understanding oil pollution prevention requirements and onboard compliance measures.
• Reviewing Garbage Management Plans and waste handling procedures.
• Understanding Ballast Water Management requirements and environmental controls.
• Inspecting sewage treatment systems and discharge compliance procedures.
• Reviewing air pollution prevention measures and fuel compliance requirements.
• Understanding the use and maintenance of the Oil Record Book and Garbage Record Book.
• Identifying common MARPOL deficiencies during PSC inspections.

Module 11: ISM and Safety Management System Inspection

• Understanding the structure and requirements of the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Reviewing the Master’s responsibility and authority under the ISM Code.
• Understanding internal audit procedures and non-conformity management.
• Reviewing risk assessment processes and permit-to-work systems.
• Understanding maintenance planning and operational control procedures.
• Reviewing emergency preparedness arrangements and response planning.

Module 12: ISPS and Maritime Security Inspection

• Understanding Ship Security Plan requirements and implementation procedures.
• Reviewing maritime security levels and operational responses.
• Understanding access control procedures and restricted area management.
• Reviewing the responsibilities of the Ship Security Officer (SSO).
• Understanding security drills, exercises, and recordkeeping requirements.

Module 13: MLC and Crew Welfare Inspection

• Reviewing accommodation standards and onboard living conditions.
• Understanding food, catering, and crew welfare requirements.
• Reviewing working hours, rest hours, and fatigue management compliance.
• Understanding Seafarer Employment Agreements and labour rights obligations.
• Reviewing onboard medical care arrangements and health requirements.
• Understanding complaint procedures and crew welfare protections.
• Identifying common Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) deficiencies during inspections.

Day — 5 Deficiencies, Detention, Reporting and Practical Application

Module 14: PSC Deficiencies and Detention Criteria

• Understanding different types of deficiencies identified during PSC inspections.
• Distinguishing between minor and major deficiencies.
• Identifying detainable deficiencies and detention criteria.
• Applying immediate corrective actions to address operational deficiencies.
• Managing rectification evidence and compliance documentation.
• Communicating effectively with Port State Control officers during inspections.

Module 15: Preparing Ships for PSC Inspection

• Using pre-arrival inspection checklists to improve vessel readiness.
• Conducting internal audits before port arrival.
• Preparing crew members for PSC inspections and interviews.
• Organizing and verifying statutory and operational documentation.
• Ensuring housekeeping, maintenance, and safety readiness onboard vessels.
• Preparing masters and crew for inspection-related questioning and operational reviews.

Module 16: PSC Reporting and Follow-Up

• Understanding PSC inspection report formats and reporting procedures.
• Reviewing deficiency codes and classification methods.
• Developing corrective action plans for identified deficiencies.
• Managing evidence submission and follow-up communication.
• Coordinating communication with Flag States, classification societies, and shipping companies.
• Implementing strategies to avoid repeated deficiencies and detention risks.

Module 17: Practical Case Study and Final Assessment

• Reviewing real Port State Control inspection case studies.
• Participating in group exercises to identify shipboard deficiencies.
• Conducting ship inspection checklist exercises and compliance reviews.
• Engaging in mock PSC inspection scenarios and operational simulations.
• Participating in final discussions, practical assessments, and knowledge evaluations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the purpose, structure, and scope of Port State Control (PSC) inspections.
• Identify the main international conventions applied during PSC inspections, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC, ISM, and ISPS requirements.
• Review ship certificates, crew documentation, statutory records, and compliance evidence effectively.
• Recognize common shipboard deficiencies related to safety, navigation, machinery, environmental protection, security, and labour compliance.
• Understand detention criteria, corrective action procedures, and communication processes with relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare vessels effectively for PSC inspections using practical checklists and pre-arrival verification controls.
• Apply ship inspection techniques through case studies, reporting exercises, and mock inspection scenarios.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals involved in ship inspections, maritime compliance, and operational safety management, including:

• Port State Control Officers
• Flag State Inspectors and Maritime Administration Officers
• Ship Inspectors and Marine Surveyors
• Marine Superintendents and Technical Managers
• Vessel Masters, Chief Officers, and Chief Engineers
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPA), Safety Managers, and Compliance Teams
• Shipping Company Operations and Quality Personnel
• Maritime Training and Quality Assurance Professionals