A Port State Control deficiency does not automatically mean detention. However, deficiencies that seriously affect the safety of the ship, its crew, the marine environment or the vessel's ability to continue its voyage safely can lead to much more serious PSC action.
Paris MoU recorded 51,797 deficiencies and 4,744 detainable deficiencies during 2025, with an overall detention rate of 4.18%. The figures demonstrate why shipboard condition, maintenance and effective implementation of procedures deserve attention before arrival.
1. Fire Safety
Fire safety continues to be a major PSC focus. Paris MoU's 2025 results show fire safety represented a significant share of recorded deficiencies.
Problems involving fire doors, firefighting arrangements, detection systems, fire pumps, dampers and associated equipment can become particularly serious when they affect the vessel's ability to detect, contain or fight a fire.
The important question is not simply whether equipment is listed on a checklist, but whether it is maintained, accessible and capable of performing its intended function.
2. Watertight & Weathertight Integrity
Doors, hatches, closing appliances and other arrangements protecting the vessel's watertight or weathertight integrity deserve careful attention.
A defective closing arrangement can appear relatively simple, but its significance changes when it affects the vessel's ability to maintain watertight integrity in an emergency or adverse conditions.
Masters and responsible officers should ensure applicable closing appliances are maintained and capable of being properly secured.
3. Life-Saving Appliances
Lifeboats, rescue arrangements and other applicable life-saving appliances must be ready for their intended emergency use.
Poor maintenance, defective launching arrangements, inaccessible equipment or crew unfamiliarity can turn a life-saving appliance deficiency into a serious safety concern.
4. Machinery & Electrical Safety
Machinery and electrical deficiencies can affect propulsion, steering, emergency systems and the overall safe operation of the vessel.
Particular attention should be paid to visible leaks, defective alarms, emergency machinery, electrical hazards, maintenance condition and defects that may compromise essential shipboard systems.
5. ISM & Maintenance
Sometimes the individual defect is only part of the problem.
Where multiple deficiencies indicate that maintenance, defect reporting or corrective-action processes are not working effectively, PSC may also consider the implementation of the vessel's Safety Management System.
The SMS should reflect actual shipboard practice. Repeated or unmanaged defects can indicate a wider failure rather than an isolated equipment problem.
6. MARPOL & Pollution Prevention
Pollution-prevention deficiencies can become serious when required equipment is defective, records do not reflect actual operations, or shipboard practices do not comply with applicable requirements.
Responsible officers should ensure applicable pollution-prevention equipment is operational, required records are properly maintained and crew members understand the procedures relevant to their duties.
7. Navigation & Watchkeeping
Safe navigation depends on more than having the required equipment onboard.
Navigational equipment, passage planning, charts or approved electronic equivalents, records and bridge procedures should support safe operation of the vessel.
Defects affecting the ship's ability to navigate safely deserve particular attention and should be properly reported and managed.
8. MLC & Crew Matters
PSC can also examine seafarers' working and living conditions and applicable MLC requirements.
Employment documentation, accommodation and welfare-related requirements, hours of work and rest, medical arrangements and other applicable crew matters should be properly maintained and consistent with actual onboard conditions.
9. Emergency Preparedness & Crew Familiarisation
Equipment may be operational, but the crew must also know how to use it.
Responsible personnel should be familiar with emergency duties, firefighting and life-saving arrangements, and safety-critical equipment relevant to their responsibilities.
10. When Can a Deficiency Become Serious Enough for Detention?
Not every PSC deficiency results in detention. Its seriousness depends on the nature and circumstances, including whether it affects safe operation, crew safety, pollution prevention or the vessel's ability to continue its voyage safely.
A single serious deficiency affecting a critical safety function can be more significant than several minor observations.
WAN Insight
Strong PSC readiness means safety-critical equipment works, defects are properly identified and managed, records reflect reality, and the crew can demonstrate the procedures they are expected to follow.
Disclaimer: This article provides general maritime information and is not a substitute for applicable international conventions, Flag State requirements, Class requirements, Port State Control procedures or professional advice.
