Classification society ClassNK announced the release of its annual Port State Control (PSC) report.
Port State Control inspections have proved to be a highly effective tool for eliminating substandard ships that may be in operation, ensuring maritime safety as well as reducing maritime pollution, ClassNK said. In recent years, a large number of port states have signed and accepted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in addition to establishing a centralized database and harmonized approach towards surveys to improve the transparency of information and further strengthen PSC related activities.
The implementation of the ISM code for all ships means that PSC inspections oversee not only the physical structures and components of a ship, but now also examine operations such as the maintenance of the ship and ensuring that personnel have an adequate understanding of how to operate ship equipment. Undoubtedly the recent string of revisions to international regulations taking place over the years indicate that the scope of PSC inspections will most likely continue to expand in accordance with these regulation changes, incorporating the diversification and increase in the number of rules being applied to ships.
The ClasNk report aims to provide the maritime industry with information about ships detained by PSC as well as deficiencies that were found on board from all port states around the world in 2013. The information provided in this report can be used to further increase awareness about PSC and their activities, and improve ship maintenance, surveys and safety management systems.
In light of this, ClassNK said it is also working hard to increase the transparency of information related to PSC issues and make it even more difficult for substandard ships to survive in the marketplace.
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