In the second quarter of 2025, DNV-classed vessels experienced a significant number of detentions during Port State Control (PSC) inspections, with a total of 73 recorded cases. Over 80 percent of these took place within the Tokyo and Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), with containerships and bulk carriers being the most affected vessel types.
Containerships and Bulk Carriers Lead in Q2 PSC Detentions
The inspections revealed 252 detainable deficiencies, many of which were linked to recurring safety and maintenance issues. Fire safety deficiencies were among the most common, including faulty or missing quick-closing valves, malfunctioning fire dampers, defective fire doors, and problems with detection systems. Emergency system failures also featured prominently, involving issues with emergency generators, fire pumps, and crew preparedness, such as incomplete muster lists and inadequate drills. Life-saving appliances, including lifeboats and their launching arrangements, were also frequently found in poor condition. Additionally, safety of navigation deficiencies—such as inadequate lighting, malfunctioning sound signals, faulty compasses, and defective voyage data recorders—were recorded, with improperly rigged pilot ladders identified as a high-risk concern.
A substantial portion of these deficiencies was linked to shortcomings in the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. In many cases, what appeared to be minor technical issues reflected deeper systemic weaknesses in a vessel’s safety management system. PSC inspections often escalated to more detailed investigations when initial findings pointed to broader ISM compliance failures. This approach meant that a single fault, such as a defective fire door, could trigger an in-depth review of the vessel’s entire safety management framework.
The most common ISM-related issues mirrored the broader deficiency trends, with fire safety, navigational safety, life-saving appliances, machinery reliability, and watertight integrity topping the list. These findings underline the importance of treating inspection results as indicators of systemic performance, not just isolated faults.
To reduce the risk of detention, vessel operators are advised to conduct thorough reviews of past PSC and internal audit findings to identify patterns of recurring problems. Applying proper root cause analysis within the ISM framework is critical to addressing the underlying issues rather than simply correcting symptoms. Using tools such as targeted PSC preparation checklists and staying alert to upcoming concentrated inspection campaigns—such as those focusing on ballast water management—can help crews prepare effectively. Proactive maintenance, regular drills, and rigorous internal audits remain key to maintaining compliance and avoiding costly detentions.
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Source: DNV
