Port State Control

What is Port State Control?

Port State Control (PSC) is a regulatory mechanism that allows maritime authorities to inspect foreign-flagged vessels at their ports to verify compliance with international regulations on safety, pollution prevention, and crew welfare. By enforcing global maritime standards such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the STCW Convention, PSC acts as a safeguard against substandard shipping and enhances the safety at sea.

Why Was Port State Control Established?

Port State Control was established in response to accidents involving poorly maintained vessels that led to loss of life and environmental damage. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies introduced PSC as a backup enforcement layer when flag states fail to uphold international obligations. Today, PSC plays a key role in upholding safety and compliance across global shipping routes.

What Is a Port State Control Inspection?

A Port State Control inspection is carried out by designated inspectors or surveyors while a ship is in port. These inspections ensure that vessels meet international standards in areas such as:

• Documentation and certification
• Seaworthiness and structural integrity
• Pollution prevention equipment
• Crew qualifications and working conditions

Inspections may be routine, targeted, or follow-up based on prior history or risk assessments. Windward’s Maritime AI™ platform supports these inspections by providing real-time monitoring using remote sensing, behavioral analytics, and predictive models. This allows authorities and operators to anticipate potential compliance issues and streamline inspection readiness.

What Is the Difference Between Port State Control and Flag State Control?

Flag State Control refers to the legal obligation of a vessel’s country of registration to ensure the ship complies with international maritime laws and standards. This includes oversight of construction, equipment, crewing, safety, and environmental performance throughout the ship’s operational life. The flag state issues and verifies certifications, monitors compliance, and may be held accountable for any deficiencies.

Port State Control, by contrast, acts as a second layer of oversight. It allows maritime authorities in a foreign port to inspect visiting vessels to verify they meet international standards, even if the flag state has already certified them. If deficiencies are found, PSC authorities can detain the vessel, deny access, or report violations to global databases shared among port states.

Together, port state control and flag state control create a complementary system: flag states ensure proactive compliance, while port states serve as reactive enforcement bodies that protect their waters and uphold global safety and environmental standards.

What Happens During a Port State Control Inspection?

During a PSC inspection, officers assess whether a vessel adheres to applicable international standards. These inspections are comprehensive and follow established protocols to ensure vessel safety, crew welfare, and environmental compliance.

Documentation check

Inspectors verify certificates like the Safety Management Certificate and the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate. These documents confirm the vessel’s compliance with international conventions and readiness for safe operation.

Crew and ship condition

Authorities examine life-saving appliances, fire-fighting systems, and navigation equipment to ensure they are fully operational. Crew qualifications and adherence to working/rest hours may also be reviewed for compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.

Violation reporting

If deficiencies are discovered, inspectors document them in official reports. In severe cases, the vessel may be detained until corrective measures are taken.

Port State Control inspection results are often shared among port states to flag repeat offenders and improve global maritime oversight.

What Are Common Detainable Offenses?

Vessels can be detained if they are found to pose a risk to safety, security, or the environment. Common detainable offenses include:

• Defective fire safety systems
• Non-functioning emergency power supplies
• Oil discharge monitoring equipment failures
• Lack of valid certification or unqualified crew
• Improper navigation and communication systems

Where Does Port State Control Operate?

Port State Control is enforced globally through a series of regional Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs coordinate inspections, share data, and harmonize enforcement standards.

• Paris MOU: European coastal states

• Tokyo MOU: Asia-Pacific region
• USCG: the U.S. Coast Guard enforces PSC in American ports
• Mediterranean MOU: Mediterranean Sea region
• Indian Ocean MOU: South Asia, East Africa, Middle East bordering the Indian Ocean
• Riyadh MOU: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Arabian Gulf
• Black Sea MOU: Black Sea states
• Caribbean MOU: Caribbean Sea nations and territories
• Abuja MOU: West and Central African coastal states

Who Enforces Port State Control Regulations?

Port State Control is enforced by trained inspectors working for national maritime authorities, port authorities, or coast guards. These inspectors act under international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and MLC 2006, and are supported by data-sharing platforms that allow real-time flagging of at-risk vessels.

How Are Port State Control Data and Inspections Shared Globally?

These platforms support data exchange and inspection scheduling to avoid duplication and target high-risk ships.

How Does Port State Control Affect Commercial Shipping?

Failure to pass a PSC inspection can significantly impact a vessel’s commercial viability. Consequences include:

• Delays and detentions: disrupting supply chain schedules
• Loss of charter opportunities: as clients avoid high-risk vessels
• Damage to reputation: PSC findings are public and affect future port access
• Increased insurance premiums: due to demonstrated compliance risk

How Can Technology Help with Port State Control Compliance?

Technological solutions like Windward’s Maritime AI™ help commercial operators and regulators proactively manage risk by:

• Monitoring vessel behavior and inspection history
• Identifying high-risk vessels before port arrival
• Providing pre-arrival compliance insights
• Supporting internal audits and inspection preparation

This data-driven approach improves preparedness and reduces the risk of costly detentions.

Why Does Port State Control Matter Now?

PSC has taken on renewed importance amid rising scrutiny of deceptive shipping practices, sanctions enforcement, and ESG compliance. Regional MOUs are tightening inspection regimes and increasing collaboration. As regulations evolve, continuous monitoring tools like Windward’s platform are essential for operators and authorities to maintain visibility, uphold compliance, and ensure maritime safety.