Top 10 Deficiencies Found in PSC Inspections — and How to Prevent Them
- Markus Luostarinen
- Nov 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Why vessels still fail — and what smart operators do differently.
Port State Control (PSC) inspections remain one of the most effective mechanisms for ensuring that vessels comply with international maritime conventions. But even well-managed ships get caught with avoidable deficiencies. Issues that often stem from unclear procedures, poor documentation practices, or a lack of internal verification.
In this article, we break down the 10 most common PSC inspection deficiencies across major MoUs, explain why they happen, and outline simple, practical steps to avoid them. Whether you are a shipowner, DPA, Master, Chief Engineer, or superintendent, these insights will help you improve compliance, reduce risks, and protect your vessel’s operational continuity.
1. Fire Safety Deficiencies
Why They Happen:
Faulty fire dampers, missing or expired extinguishers, blocked escape routes, and poorly maintained detectors are among the top PSC findings every year.
How to Prevent Them:
Conduct weekly checks on extinguishers and fire doors
Ensure fire-detection systems are included in planned maintenance
Run monthly walk-throughs with clear accountability for follow-up
2. Emergency Systems & Drills
Why They Happen:
Crew unfamiliar with emergency procedures, malfunctioning emergency generators, or incomplete drill records.
How to Prevent Them:
Conduct realistic, scenario-based drills
Test the emergency generator under load regularly
Ensure drill records match actual activities
3. ISM-Related Non-Conformities
Why They Happen:
Gaps between SMS procedures and onboard practices, outdated manuals, or missing evidence of implementation.
How to Prevent Them:
Perform internal audits before entering high-risk ports
Ensure SMS updates are clearly communicated to crew
Collect objective evidence of compliance (photos, logs, checklists)
4. Deficiencies on Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
Why They Happen:
Poorly maintained lifeboats, expired flares, inoperative lights, or davit issues.
How to Prevent Them:
Include LSA checks in weekly safety rounds
Keep clear inventory of expiry items
Conduct monthly lifeboat tests and document them properly
5. MARPOL Annex I: Oil Record Book Issues
Why They Happen:
Incorrect entries, missing signatures, misaligned timestamps, or poor understanding of operations.
How to Prevent Them:
Train engineers on ORB terminology
Verify entries daily
Ensure Chief Engineer reviews and signs consistently
6. Navigation Safety
Why They Happen:
ECDIS training gaps, missing voyage plans, outdated charts, or malfunctioning bridge equipment.
How to Prevent Them:
Maintain up-to-date ENC corrections
Conduct navigational equipment tests before arrival
Review voyage plans with the full bridge team
7. Working & Rest Hours (MLC)
Why They Happen:
Incorrect entries, insufficient rest periods, or mismatched digital/ handwritten logs.
How to Prevent Them:
Use automated digital tools instead of spreadsheets
Review rest-hour reports weekly
Correct entries immediately when discrepancies appear
8. Structural Conditions
Why They Happen:
Corrosion, wastage, poor coating maintenance, or leaking bulkheads.
How to Prevent Them:
Conduct quarterly structural assessments
Maintain a coating maintenance plan
Report early signs of corrosion before they worsen
9. Water/Accommodation Hygiene (MLC)
Why They Happen:
Poor food storage, dirty galley areas, contaminated fresh-water tanks, or expired provisions.
How to Prevent Them:
Keep a weekly galley & accommodation sanitation checklist
Test water quality regularly
Train cooks and stewards on food handling
10. Certificates & Documentation
Why They Happen:
Expired statutory certificates, missing endorsements, or inconsistent logbooks.
How to Prevent Them:
Maintain a digital document calendar with alerts
Verify that crew certificates match their onboard roles
Review all statutory documents prior to PSC-prone port calls
Why These Deficiencies Matter
A single deficiency may not cause detention — but a pattern will. Most detentions stem from three root causes:
Lack of familiarity (crew don’t know procedures)
Poor maintenance routines (equipment not tested or documented)
Gaps between SMS and actual practices
These weaknesses are preventable, and correcting them dramatically reduces PSC risks.
How Ilmarine Helps You Avoid PSC Findings
Most deficiencies are predictable. With thorough preparation and internal verification, vessels can eliminate over 80% of common findings before arrival.
Our approach focuses on three key areas:
Documentation & Record Accuracy
Equipment Condition & Function Tests
Crew Knowledge & Drill Preparedness
We conduct targeted pre-inspection reviews that simulate PSC expectations and give you a clear, prioritized action plan — so you arrive compliant, confident, and ready.
Final Thoughts
PSC inspections shouldn’t be a source of stress. With the right routines, clear documentation, and proactive auditing, you can prevent most deficiencies long before an inspector steps onboard.
If you want support preparing for an upcoming PSC region — or simply want to benchmark your current safety performance — Ilmarine Maritime Surveys & Consultancy is here to help.
Stay compliant. Stay operational. Arrive with confidence.
Sincerely,
Markus
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