One of the nightmares of a shipping organization is the Port State Control inspections that managed vessels are subject all over the world. This is not a new era for the industry as PSC was one of the foundation bases of modern shipping.
PSC works as the tool of verifying the implementation of rules, regulation and legislation both at a national and international level.
Some tips for vessels in order to successfully get through a Port State control inspection are:
Prior inspection
- A PSC Inspection preparation guide (or check list) should be followed on board in order items and issues to be checked prior inspection and possible gaps to be addressed effectively.
- As vessel’s condition is one of clear grounds that may lead to a more detailed inspection, they should be maintained in a high level of condition. Extra care should be made in embarkation area as this is the first impression for a PSCO.
- During organization’s personnel visits on board an inspection “simulation” to be conducted, trying to approach a PSCO’s point of view during inspection.
- Documentation and record keeping to be in good order and ready for review and inspection.
- Try to identify (and record/address) items and prepare answers for PSCO.
- Minimize all activities on board (except commercial activities eg discharging/loading) in order to avoid additional eras for inspection.
- Instruct crew to be dressed up in fully uniform and verify the use of PPE on board.
During inspection
- Give a warm welcome to the inspector. Be polite and gentle.
- Present all identified issues (accompanied by appropriate corrective measures) in order to be one step ahead of the PSCO.
- Follow the inspection 100%. Normally a two parts team will be deployed on board for inspection (a deck party team and an engine party team).
- Do not argue with the PSCO.
- If something is not working accept it. Regardless your statements and actions, PSCO will remain on facts.
- Do not volunteer additional information beyond that necessary to answer a PSCO’s question.
- Keep files closed and hand the PSCO a file only when asked.
- Try to fix as many of the items the PSCO (and show same to him/her) in order to leave the minimum possible items in PSCO’s list.
After inspection
- An inspection ends when vessel has a copy of PSC final report and the inspector has been disembarked.
- Head office to be notified immediately for results
- All issues should be addressed immediately for rectification
- A safety meeting may be conducted in order to de brief crew for the inspection and set an action plan for rectification if needed.
- All items in PSCO’s list should be handled as per SMS procedures: Report; Address (corrective – preventive measures); Follow up and; Close out – a final copy to be provided on board
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Source: safety4sea
