IMO issues new Procedures for Port State Control

The International Maritime Organization has issued the Assembly resolution A.1185(33) which pertains to the Procedures for Port State Control, 2023.

The resolution focuses on the Procedures for port State control, offering guidelines and protocols for supervising foreign vessels in ports. Port state control officers (PSCOs) carry out inspections, thoroughly examining the ship's certificates, overall condition, and equipment. Their role includes verifying the resolution of any previous deficiencies and conducting more rigorous inspections if there are suspicions of non-compliance. PSCOs exercise professional judgment, determining whether to detain the ship until issues are rectified or permit it to sail with noted deficiencies. Additionally, the resolution outlines procedures for managing substandard ships, reporting requirements for port state authorities, and mechanisms for addressing challenges in applying IMO regulations.

The appendices within Resolution A.1185(33) offer detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the effective implementation of port State control procedures. Each appendix serves a specific purpose:

• Appendix 1: Provides a Code of Good Practice for PSCOs conducting inspections within regional memoranda of understanding and agreements on port State control.
• Appendix 2: Offers guidelines for detaining ships found in violation of maritime regulations, including criteria for determining the seriousness of deficiencies.
• Appendices 3 and 4: Provide guidance for conducting investigations and inspections under MARPOL Annexes I and II.
• Appendix 5: Outlines discharge requirements under MARPOL Annexes I and II to prevent pollution from oil and noxious liquid substances.
• Appendices 6 and 7: Offer guidelines for inspecting ship structural and equipment requirements and operational requirements to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Appendix 8: Provides guidance for PSCOs on the ISM Code, which establishes safety management objectives for ships.
• Appendices 9 and 10: Offer guidance for LRIT and port State control under TONNAGE 1969.
• Appendices 11 and 12: Offer guidelines for certification of seafarers, manning requirements, and a list of certificates and documents to be verified during inspections.
• Appendices 13 to 20: Cover various reporting procedures, including formats for reporting inspection findings, deficiencies, actions taken, contravention of MARPOL, and guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Procedures for Port State Control, 2023