Port State Control,

Vetting & Security

Awareness
(Ratings)
Prepared by Captain B.Chernovol

All rights reserved

PSC, OIL MAJOR VETTING & SECURITY AWARENESS
Port State
Responsibility
 SOLAS, L/L, MARPOL , STCW & MLC provide
control procedures on ships calling at foreign
ports

 Role extended to cover operational requirements

b9fa75
because some Flags States failed to discharge
their responsibilities

 PS are required to inspect 25% of all ships

calling at their ports. (50% in Asia/Pacific
regions).
 If the ship cannot pass a port state or
vetting inspection, the responsibility is that
of the crew.

 If crew jobs are to be retained, the crew

must take the task of preparing for port
state and vetting inspections very
seriously.

 Professionalism, organization and a good

routine of following standard procedures is
the key to success.
Port State Control (PSC)
Port State Control (PSC)
Flag State
Responsibility

Responsibility to ensure compliance with

Conventions that they are signatories to.
 Implement IMO Conventions
 Establish Administration (To entrust to
Classification Societies) to conduct:

 Surveys
 Casualty Investigations
 Issue Safe manning Documents
 Seafarer’s Certificates etc.,
Class
Responsibility
 Responsibilities from Flag States:
 To conduct statutory Surveys
 Issue Certificates
 Traditional Responsibilities - to ensure that
ships are:
– Built to adequate strength
– Maintained to meet Class Rules
– Seaworthy
Port State Control (PSC)

“…ship will not sail until it can proceed

to sea without presenting a danger to
the ship or persons on board, or without
presenting an unreasonable threat of
harm to the marine environment,
whether or not such action will affect the
normal schedule of the departure of the
ship.”

IMO Resolution A.787(19), Chapter 2, 1.6.3

Extremely thorough port state
programs.

Netherlands Coastguard
MOU – Memoranda of Understanding:

•Europe (Paris) www.parismou.org

•Asia & Pacific ocean region (Tokyo) www.tokyo-mou.com
•Latin America (Vina Del Mar) www. Acuerdolatino.int.ar
•Caribbean
•West & Central Africa (Abuja)
•Black Sea
•Mediterranean www.medmou.org
•Indian Ocean www.iomou.org
Port State Control (PSC)
To ensure that IMO Convention requirement s are
met in the following:

Ship quality
Seaworthiness
Manning levels
Competence
Port State Control (PSC)

DON’T EVER DO ANYTHING FOOLISH

Port State Control (PSC)
Port State Control (PSC)
Port State Control (PSC)
Port State Control (PSC)

What is Wrong ?
Port State Control (PSC)
Oil Majors Vetting (SIRE)

 The IMO
 Maritime Administrations
 Port State
 Classification societies
 Ship owners/operators
 Industry Policing – The
SIRE programme
Oil Majors Vetting (SIRE)

Substandard or not ?:
 Hull
 Machinery
 Equipment
 Life Saving
 Fire Fighting
 Pollution Prevention
 On-board management
 On-board operations
 Shore management (Manager’s audits)
 Oil Majors Vetting (SIRE)
Reasons of non approval

 The absence of required principal equipment or

arrangements;
 Gross non-compliance with equipment or
arrangements with required specifications;
 Substantial deterioration of the vessel structure or
its essential equipment;
 Non-compliance with applicable operational and/or
manning standards; or
 Clear lack of appropriate certification, or
demonstrated lack of competence on the part of
the crew.
OCIMF
 Voluntary association
 Comprises 40 oil companies world-wide
 Maintains SIRE (Ship Inspection Report) available on
web site for members.
*SIRE does not indicate if a ship is acceptable or
substandard; the process requires the report to be
evaluated by an in-house expert to determine if the
vessel is fit for individual oil companies’ purpose.

Review of SIRE is only one component of Vetting process. Fixing

vessel for charter owner need:

1. Approval by the charterer

2. Approval by the operator of the loading terminal
3. Approval by the operator of the receiving terminal
What else does OCIMF do ?
 Develops Standards recognized as definitive in
the tanker industry (>50 guides)
 Supports & contributes to regulatory
developments
 Strong participation to IMO
 Active support to National enforcement of
International Conventions
 Vigorous Promulgation of Tanker Safety –SIRE
 Oil Pollution Compensation – IOPC Fund
(www.iopcfund.org)
 Projects and publications:

 Baseline Safety Criteria for Terminals

 Tanker Management & Self Assessment
 ISGOTT 5-TH edition
 STS Transfer Guidelines 2011 – IMO
(Member states looking to endorse via IMO
submission at next MSC)
 OCIMF VIQ.

Y – Yes
N – No
NS – Not seen
N/A – Not applicable
 What are the SIRE Objectives &
Operating Principles:
 Increase the availability of inspection reports
 Reduce the duplication of inspections
 Reduce the burden on ship crew
 The SIRE contains ship inspection reports, Operator
Comments & VP data (VPQs)
 Reports address operational safety & pollution prevention
issues only
 No indication of pass/fail rating or other assessment of ship
accessibility is provided
 Reports are submitted to SIRE strictly voluntarily
 Ship operator is given the opportunity to respond to each
report & submit comments to SIRE
 Comments become part of the report.
The SIRE is consist of:

 SOLAS
 Fire Safety Systems Code
 Life Saving Appliances Code
 MARPOL
 STCW
 ISGOTT
Risk Management
Risk Management Elements

 Procedural Risk Control

 ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISGOTT, Company’s
operating procedures (SMS), etc.
 Operational Risk Control
 Crew trained to high level, including appropriate
special knowledge
 Compulsory Risk Control
 Design and maintenance (Integrity & Reliability)
Risks ?

 Equipment
 Structure
 Procedures
 Seafarers

80% of accidents/incidents are caused by

seafarers (human factor).
Responsibilities of All
Officers and Crew as
well.
 Drills.
 The Chief officer must
demonstrate command and
control in basic fire and boat
drills.
 To teach all crew to sound
the alarm by shouting “Fire, All hands present and accounted for:
Fire” until the bell sounds.
Fire pump on line
 Use standards commands:
Electrical power secure
 Make sure that Muster List is Ventilation secure
posted on each deck.
Fire boundaries established
Emergency team make ready
Commence fire fighting
Common reasons why vessels
are detained over drills.
 Failure to Take Roll Call (The
Coast Guard Always Hides One
Man To See If The Officers Are
Aware Someone Is Missing.)
 Failure To Secure Electrical
Power.
 Failure To properly Don BA,
Fireman’s Suits And Life Lines.
 Failure Obtain Water Pressure.
 Failure To Demonstrate
Procedural Competence
 Material Condition Of The F/F
or LS Appliances
 Inoperative Fire Alarms
 Inoperative Fire Pumps
 Holed Or Soft Patched Fire Main Line
 Failure To Don Life Jackets and Muster Properly
 Failure To Bring Assigned Equipment
 Inability To Lower Boats
 Cracked, Damaged, Or Holed Life Boats
 Broken Grab Rails, Flanges And Bolts
 Inoperative Life Boat Motors
 Cracked, damaged pipe-
 Line system
Objectives

 How to meet an Inspector

 Handling observation on the spot
 What conditions considered sub-
standard
 Crew awareness of instructions,
procedures and use of essential
instruments and equipment.
 How to meet an Inspector.
Boarding - First Impression.
 The first eye contact is with the gangway (Gangway
securely rigged &properly marked with SWL, Safety net,
secure a portable staircase, life buoy, sufficient lighting)
 Second sighting to the boldly marked safety signs &
warnings (location – at lower platform)
 Gangway is to be manned at all times
 Watchman ask the Inspector to his business and checks
ID, s/off electronic equipment
 Registration in the Visitor’s Log
First Impression
……very impressed !
 How to meet an Inspector.
Boarding - First Impression.
 The first eye contact is with the gangway (Gangway
securely rigged &properly marked with SWL, Safety net,
secure a portable staircase, life buoy, sufficient lighting)
 Second sighting to the boldly marked safety signs &
warnings (location – at lower platform)
 Gangway is to be manned at all times
 Watchman ask the Inspector to his business and checks
ID, s/off electronic equipment
 Registration in the Visitor’s Log
SHIP VETTING
During the Inspection

“ I am the Inspector and I am

about to board your ship.”

Remember that the Inspection has

already started ;

Let’s see it through my eyes !

SHIP VETTING
During the Inspection
Properly dressed

What shall we do with him????

SHIP VETTING
During the Inspection

What is
wrong
here?

Only line or light, not both on same

buoy Ref. Solas and Pilot boarding
Arrangement
Boarding.

 Emergency Fire Plan & International

Shore connection prominently visible
 Helmet & new gloves offered
 Emergency Station card given + Security
badge
 Duty officer to meet & guide to the
Master
The walk to the accommodation
 Are all dipping/sampling points closed
 Is small spill clean-up equipment provided near
manifold
 Are fire hoses rigged in vicinity of manifold
 Are bolts inserted into all the manifold flanges
 Are all unused manifolds blanked/fully bolted
 Are pressure gauges fitted outboard of the
manifold valves
 Are all scuppers plugs in place and tight
 Are scuppers free of rain water
 Are “Wilden” pumps rigged for immediate use
Entering the Accommodation

 Are all accommodation doors shut

 Is the watertight door seal packing in good
order & it properly closed
 Is the accommodation under positive
pressure
 Are the alleyways brightly lit, free of clutter
and clean
 Are the posted fire & safety signs,
instructions clearly legible
 Good cosmetic appearance of the ship.

 Good housekeeping, clean public

spaces, toilets, engine room,
accommodation, CCR, store rooms etc.

 All crew on duty in a clean safety

working cloth, wearing helmets & safety
shoes, supplied with personal gas
analyzer and friendly to the inspector.
Mooring equipment issues.
 Are mooring lines coiled properly and free of
tripping hazards
 Is the fire wire rigged correctly
 What is the condition of mooring winches
 If hydraulically powered, are save alls fitted
 On split drum winches, are the lines stowed
correctly on the tension drum
 Dates of last brake testing stencilled to winches
 Are winch brake applied properly
 Brake bands appear to have sufficient thickness
 Are lines wound the bitts correctly
 What is the condition of mooring lines, they
Certificates are available
The Fire Wire.
 The eye of the fire wire must be kept 1-2
meters above the water
 The fire wires must be rigged for and aft
on the outboard side.
 The wire used must not have any
significant kinks and should be fixed with
at least 5 turns and passed through a
chock.
 The end of the wire on board must not
be fitted with an eye.
 Pump room, cargo operations &
Cargo Control Room (Continue).
 If emergency venting provided are upper vents
closed
 Are pumps & pipelines free of oil leakage
 Are bilges free of oil
 Are gas, temperature & high level alarms
operational
 Is ODME equipment in place & in operational
condition (evidence of test in ORB)
 Are Pump room lights working & are the glass
covers properly fitted & explosion path not painted
over
Instruments.
 Produce IG with no more that 5 % Oxygen
 Sensors must be calibrated
 Maximum level of Oxygen in COTs <8%
 Records of regular monitoring of void spaces, ballast
tanks for volatile gases and vapours available.
 Explosimeter -Combustible Gas Indicators , Tank
scopes – Hydrocarbon gas meters
 Oxygen Analyzers
 Toxic gas meter
 It is also recommended to have a personal gas
detection instruments for personnel engaged in cargo
operations with sufficient inventory of various tubes for
(Benzene, Hydrogen Sulphide and Hydrocarbon).
 Calibration and proper maintenance of instruments.
Calibration of detection instruments.

 Combustible Gas Indicators – mixture of flammable gas

and air to a known percentage of the LEL such as 50%.
 Oxygen meters – nearly pure Nitrogen Gas is used to
confirm a zero (0) or no Oxygen reading.
 Tank-Scopes – mixture of Hydrocarbons in inert gas is
normally used, such as 8% Hydrocarbons by volume.
 Drager Detector Tubes – leak test at regular intervals

 Please also refer to the “HSQEEn manual” and ISGOT.

Emergency Signals and
Emergency shutdown.
 It is utmost important that the emergency
signals, both onboard and ashore are
clearly understood, entered in SSSCL
 Emergency Signals and procedure to
initiate an emergency shutdown must be
posted on the “Visitors’ Information
Board”.
 Hose and flange connections should be
fully bolted.
External Accommodation issues
 Man overboard lights
 Fire fighting equipment
 Hose boxes
 Accommodation doors
 Ventilators
 Fire flaps
 Warning signs
 External lighting
 Loose pipes, or other equipment
 Tripping hazards
 Slippery decks
 Lifeboats
 The main deck area
 Is the deck non-slip. Mooring stations & Passage from
Gangway to the accommodation are to be non – slip
surfaces.
 IG deck seal. If fitted is sight glass clean
 Non return valve – is date of last exam stencilled
 Are “Wilden” pumps ready at aft end of Main deck & are
they earthed
 Will dump valves to slop tanks work as designed
 P/V valves in good condition. Capacity stencilled
 PV breaker sight glass clean
 Are cargo & COW pipelines free of patches
 Are tank access hatches tight
 Are vapour locks secured
General Deficiencies.

 No Life buoy with a line attached at the

gangway
 Life buoy lights inoperative
 A “good wipe down” of all oily surfaces, remove
ice or use sufficient sand on a slippery surfaces.
 Hard rust spots on valves, flanges, bolts etc
 Fire doors are not able to be closed completely
 Doors, F/F & life saving appliances are blocked
 Improper stowage of quantities of large pipes in
steering gear room
General Deficiencies.

 Use of walkie-talkies, cameras, torches of non-

explosion proof design. Use of mobile phones on
the open deck.
 Lack of “No Smoking” areas signs on deck.
 Metal drums & large pipe fittings are stowed on
deck without wooden dunnage.
 Other “Metal to Metal” contact
(Worn out breaks on a mooring
winches, spares stored on deck etc.).
 General Deficiencies.

 All entrances to the accommodation on tankers must be

closed with only one designated entrance
 The route from the gangway is free from obstructions or
obstructions are clearly marked
 Dangerous spaces should be clearly marked and pad
locked
 Crew is to wear working gear, hard hats. Engine staff is
using ear defenders in the E.R.
 Open holes are to be covered, hazards removed.
 Unsafe portable ladders are not allowed. Any ladder in
use must be tied off to prevent falls.
 General Deficiencies.
 PPE (Personal protective equipment) should be used when
handling Chemicals.
 Rubber gloves, face shield, aprons and portable eye wash units
in Battery locker.
 Improper storage of Oxygen, Acetylene bottles.
 Winch brake is not tested. (BHC -60% MBL) Rendering force -
80-85% from BHC).
 BHC or Rendering force are not indicated.
 Poor condition of mooring ropes and equipment
 Fire extinguishers were not improved for use in below zero T-re
 Garbage Record Book not properly entered concerning
incinerator use
 General Deficiencies.

 Removal of machine guards

 Storage of paints and solvents
 Storage of Oil samples
 Snap Back Zones are missing at forward & aft
 Colour code is not statutory but a good practice
 Cargo & fuel pipes must be hydrostatically tested to
1,5 times the MWP (maximum working pressure) on
an annual basis. The date should be stencilled.
 Pressure/Vacuum relief valves are not tested and
stencilled.
Accommodation.
HOUSEKEEPING
TO WELL ORGANISED
HOUSEKEEPING
FROM DIS - ORGANISED
HOUSEKEEPING
FROM UNSAFE
HOUSEKEEPING
TO SAFE
 Are smoking regulations being observed
 Is the accommodation free of fire hazard
 Is laundry clean of dirty/clean clothes
 Are ports closed
 Are fire & Safety plans, muster lists & other
notices posted, up to date & legible
 Is the galley free of fire hazards
 Is the emergency ventilation fan stop clearly
indicated
 Do the officers know how to operate
emergency stops & where they located
Oil Spill cleaning equipment.
 On tankers over 400 feet –
12 barrel deck spill
 On a smaller tanker – 7
barrel deck spill
=================
– Non sparking shovels
– Brooms
– Absorbent materials
– Emulsifier
=====================
Portable pumps should be rigged
at the end of the cargo deck.
Garbage management.

 Garbage record book

 Separate garbage bins
 Handling of plastic
 Incinerator use
 Food waste commuter available & in good order
 Garbage bin’s covers properly secured for avoid waste
blowing
 Breathing Apparatus.
 An installed bottle is fully charged (Not less than 90% of full
capacity)
 Face mask have no broken straps. Lens free from serious
scratches, paint.
 BA set is readily accessible in an emergency
 Manufacturers instruction available
 Serviced on an annual basis
 All maintenance to be logged in PMS
 On tankers the EEBD & harness must be rigged in the pump
room.
 Compressor in order condition & records available
 All spare equipment: flashlight, batteries, lamps in good
order
 General Deficiencies:

Leaking pump glands

Dirty water gauge glasses
Inoperable pressure gauges
Rusted relief valves
Inoperative or disconnected safety or control
devices
Evidence of repeated operation of diesel engine
scavenger belt or crankcase relief valves
Malfunctioning or inoperative automatic equipment
and alarm systems
Leaking boiler casing or uptakes
Permit to work systems and
reporting.
 Confined space entry*
 Hot work*
 Cold work*
 Working aloft*
 Over the side/outboard work*
 Electrical isolation works*
(*Refer to ISGOT and Company Safety Manuals)

 All accidents and hazardous

 occurrences must be reported
 Medical Log will be examined
 Use of Company updated forms
 Documentation of rest/work hours (Hours of watch
keepers should be posted)
Tank venting arrangements

SOLAS II-2 Part C Regulation 11.6.3.2

 What is the secondary venting
arrangements
 Full flow pressure/vacuum breaker or,
 Pressure sensing equipment
 If fitted, are IG inlet isolation stop valve
locking arrangements satisfactory
 Is the key to the lock in the custody of C/O
 Is the board used to show Open/Close
status in CCR
Helpfully suggestions
 Wear clean and matching company boiler suits
 Promptly drain rain water from deck areas
 Display plans and pictures
 Have a well organized filing system
 Re-stow loose gear with proper marking
 Ensure cargo high-level alarms are tested and
activated in the “On” position
 Give the Inspector top priority
 Correct items on the spot
 Be co-operative and diplomatic
 Call the office if things get out of control
Helpfully suggestions
 Never tell the Inspector that you do not
know the Regulations
 Never convey a bad attitude about the
company or other officers and crew
 Never leave the Inspector unattended
 Never assign a junior officer to attend the
Inspector
 Don’t get angry and argue about
legitimate deficiencies
 REMEMBER !

A negative attitude
can adversely affect
the inspection.
 If the ship cannot pass a port state or
vetting inspection, the responsibility is
that of the crew.

 If crew jobs are to be retained, the

crew must take the task of preparing
for port state and vetting inspections
very seriously.

 Professionalism, organization and a

good routine of following standard
procedures is the key to success.
The commercial consequences:

 Inability of the owner to

trade the ship due to lack
of charterers and cargo.
 More frequent attention
by PSC at every port.
 The Company obtain bad
reputation and looses
clients and ships.
 Crew is replaced by other
deemed more
competent.
International Code for the Security
of Ships and of Port Facilities

Why ISPS Code ?

ISPS Its Origin

SEPT 11,
2001
ISPS Few More Incidents
USS Cole

October 12 – 2000
Explosion that blew a 40-
by-60-foot hole into the
side of the ship.

The blast killed 17 U.S.

soldiers and wounded 37
 ISPS Few More Incidents

M.T. LIMBURG

Oct. 6, 2002 - off Ash Shihr Yemen

1 crew member killed - Vessel

abandoned

Assumed to be hit by a smaller

fast going vessel fully loaded
with Explosives!
ISPS and SSP Its Basic Nature
 Is the ISPS Code mandatory ?
Yes, as per SOLAS Chapter XI-2
 How do I follow it onboard ?
SSP
 Who takes care of SSP and its Implementation
onboard ?
SSO
 Who takes overall care of SSP and its
Implementation from ashore ?
CSO
ISPS and SSP CSO and SSO

KNOW
YOUR SHIP’S
CSO
&
SSO
ISPS and SSP
Know Your Security Levels
ISPS and SSP
Know Your Security Levels

This ship
will always maintain
Security Level 1
as a minimum.
ISPS and SSP
Know Your Security Levels
Is your
current
Security
Level
posted?
ISPS and SSP
Ship Security Threats

Possible Security Incidents are :

- Bomb / IED or other Suspicious Object Onboard

- Piracy or Terrorist Attack

- Stowaway / Smuggling Threat

Any Past Experiences to share!

ISPS and SSP
Ship Security Measures
What are the Security measures existing on-board ?
 Access to the Ship
 Restricted Areas
 Handling of Cargo
 Delivery of ships stores
 Handling of unaccompanied baggage
 Monitoring the security of the ship
 Use of Security equipment's

Depending on the Security Level, the extent of control on

above Security measures will vary.
ISPS and SSP
Ship Security Measures – Ship Access

“ACCESS CONTROL
IS CONSIDERED
THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE
SECURITY MEASURE
ON BOARD THIS SHIP.”
ISPS and SSP
Ship Access – Gangway, Watch keeper
and Log

Gangway to be manned at all times ;

Maintain Gangway / Visitor Log at all times ;
also ensure:
 entries in pen
 no page torn ;
 proper way to correct mistakes
Issue badges to visitors and to inform :
 wear badge at all times and visible
 if lost, report immediately.
 when leaving ship, return badge
ISPS and SSP
Ship Security Equipment's

Onboard Security Equipment – examples :

Deck lights, Flashlights
Portable VHF sets and Telephones
Door locks and Padlocks
Escapes
 SSAS (do you know your ship’s SSAS well?)
 AIS Transponder
 Ship’s Identification Number
 Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)

All the above equipment's are to be maintained regularly

and records maintained
ISPS and SSP
Training and Drills

What are the Training and Drill requirements ?

Security Awareness briefing:

 when crew joining for the 1st time ;

 shall be recorded on the ISM Ship Familiarization Checklist

 SSP Drills every 3 months ,or

 if 25% of crew change, then within 1 week

ISPS and SSP
Audit and Review

Following are the requirements :

 Test the operational effectiveness of this SSP at least once

every three months.
( See SSP )

 Also, reviewed annually as per the ISPS Review form.

 Annual audit by the CSO.

ISPS and SSP
Record Keeping – Key Log

Key log to include :

 A list of important keys shall be drawn up, including but not limited
to:
 Door/hatch keys to Restricted Areas (RA’s) and Access Points,
including padlocks.
 General Master Keys (GMK’s)
 Machinery operation keys within RA’s

 GMK restricted to top 4 Officers

 The Chief Officer shall be responsible for the board and the register
ISPS and SSP
Safety OR Security

 Clash between Safety and Security – what to choose ?

 Without doubt – SAFETY ;
 And you can choose, because of :

MASTERS OVERRIDING AUTHORITY

(SOLAS XI-2/8, ISPS A/6).

Can you think of some scenarios when this conflict can

happen ?
Examples : Safety locker , Exit doors
ISPS and SSP
Safety OR Security

 Clash between Safety and Security – what to choose ?

 Without doubt – SAFETY ;
 And you can choose, because of :

MASTERS OVERRIDING AUTHORITY

(SOLAS XI-2/8, ISPS A/6).

Can you think of some scenarios when this conflict can

happen ?
Examples : Safety locker , Exit doors
ISPS and SSP
Fire Exits – Emergency operation

ON YOUR SHIP, IS THE ABOVE ARRANGEMENT MARKED AND

FREE TO OPERATE ?
ISPS and SSP
Deck Watch - Gangway
Level 1 – escorting not compulsory ;
1 in 20 persons (5%) shall be randomly searched; RA once a
watch

Level 2 - 1 in 4 persons (25%) shall be randomly searched;

2 person for Gangway ; external security; one door;
waterborne patrols, RA every 3 hrs

Level 3 – No visitors allowed ; 100 % search ;

M/E state of readiness ; Follow PF instructions ; allow only
Company Officials and ship’s crew ; no other craft to come a/s

Ship search; RA continuously