PSC and FSI

PSC Inspection- When a ship arrives at a port, local authorities send their surveyors to check
if the ship has proper and valid documents to comply with SOLAS, MARPOL &MLC. For
E/R, MARPOL equipments are checked for proper working and safe working culture is being
followed or not.

Flag State Inspection- Can be carried out by Surveyors of the Flag State at any port across the
globe once in a year to ensure satisfactory standards are being maintained on the vessel flying
their flag. Surveyors inspect the ship for verification of statutory documents and condition of
ship in general. Inspection also includes verification of compliance with all rules and
regulations framed by different organisations.

Port State Control

The IMO facilitated international agreements called the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)
to split Port State Control into nine geographic regions, which must enforce international
regulations set by the IMO. Ports within these regions communicate dutifully with each other
to ensure they do not repeat unnecessary inspections on ships, helping conduct unique
inspections.

When Is a Port State Required?

Port State Control Officers can inspect ships for various reasons to ensure they are up to
code. Vessels transporting hazardous goods receive regular inspections to make sure the
materials are secure and pose no danger to the environment or the public. When an officer
marks a ship for necessary repairs, ships must undergo inspection before leaving the port
again to ensure they are safe to sail.

Ships require inspections each time they enter a port for the first time within a year. Any ship
entering a port that’s had recent detentions or suspensions must also receive an inspection
from Port State Control Officers. Because port authorities communicate regularly, officers
can easily spot ships they might need to inspect upon their arrival.

Port State Detaining

Upon inspection and regulation, Port State Control Officers have the authority to detain and
ban ships that do not adhere to the rules under the MoU of that region. Each MoU keeps an
updated list of all detained and banned ships, as well as the reason for their detainment or ban
and their flag state.

What Is a Flag State?

A flag state is a country where a company registers its commercial and merchant ships. The
name for the term flag state comes from ships registering with a specific nation and then
flying that flag to represent their registration with that country. For example, any ships
registered with the U.S. will fly the U.S. flag.

What Is the Role of the Flag State?

The role of the flag state is to conduct regular inspections of each of their ships to ensure the
safety of their cargo and crew members. The state that the vessel registers with is also
responsible for collecting taxes from that vessel and regulating the pollution levels of ships
under their flag. In turn, ships must follow any policies enforced by the country that they
register with.

Flag states are powerful and crucial in how they can influence and protect waters from
potential threats. Because they can create regulations and legislature that all ships under their
flag must follow, flag states can help prevent and stop international maritime issues, like
illegal fishing or piracy.