What are the most common PSC deficiencies in 2026?

Based on Tokyo and Paris MOU data, the top deficiencies are Fire Safety (Fire Dampers, Fire Pumps), Life Saving Appliances (Lifeboat Engines), and ISM Code related failures.

What is Code 30 in PSC?

Code 30 means 'Detention'. The ship is unsafe to proceed to sea and must rectify deficiencies before departure. This negatively impacts the ship's risk profile.

What is the CIC for 2026?

The Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) topics often rotate. Check the official Tokyo MOU or Paris MOU press releases for the specific 2026 focus area (e.g., Crew Wages, Fire Safety, or Propulsion).

How can I prevent a PSC detention?

Conduct regular pre-arrival inspections using a ship-specific checklist, test all critical equipment (Emergency Generator, Fire Pump) before arrival, and ensure the Oil Record Book is accurate.

Port State Control (PSC) Checklist 2026: Top Detainable Defects (Guide)

A Port State Control (PSC) detention is a ship captain's nightmare. It delays the schedule, ruins the company's reputation, and can cost thousands of dollars.

In 2026, PSC inspectors (PSCOs) from Tokyo MOU, Paris MOU, and USCG are becoming stricter, utilizing data-driven targeting to find substandard ships.

This guide provides a battle-tested PSC Checklist and highlights the Top Detainable Defects you must check before dropping anchor.

Top 3 Detainable Areas in 2026

Statistically, most detentions (Code 30) happen due to failures in these three areas:

1. Fire Safety (The #1 Killer)

Inspectors go straight for the weak spots.

Fire Dampers: They must move freely. Frozen or wasted flaps are an instant detention.
Emergency Fire Pump: Must build pressure immediately. If it fails to produce two jets of water, you are detained.
Quick Closing Valves: Must operate correctly and not be blocked open by wire or wood.

2. Life Saving Appliances (LSA)

Lifeboat Engine: Must start within 2 minutes (even in cold weather).
On-Load Release Gear: Must be properly reset and maintained.
Launch Instructions: Must be clearly visible under emergency lighting.

3. ISM Code (The "Catch-All")

If an inspector finds multiple small defects (e.g., a messy Oil Record Book + a broken light + a rusty pipe), they will combine them into a single Major ISM Failure (Code 30). This means your Safety Management System is not working.

The "Zero-Detention" Pre-Arrival Checklist

Use this condensed checklist 48 hours before arrival:

Bridge & Navigation

Charts & Pubs: All corrections applied? ECDIS fully updated?
Passage Plan: Berth-to-berth, signed by all officers.
GMDSS: Test run on batteries? Logbook updated?
VDR: No alarms?

Engine Room

Oily Water Separator (OWS): Test the 15ppm alarm stop function. NEVER trick the sensor.
Auxiliary Engines: No oil leaks (fire hazard). Fuel pipes double-skinned?
Steering Gear: Test emergency steering.

Accommodation & Galley

Fatigue: Work/Rest hours records accurate? (No 18-hour days hidden).
Hygiene: Galley clean? No cockroaches? Frozen meat at correct temp?

How to Handle the PSC Officer

The "Soft Skills" of an inspection are just as important as the hardware.

Professional Welcome: Gangway watch must ask for ID and log them in. Escort them to the Master's office.
Organization: Have all certificates and records ready on the desk. Don't make them wait.
Honesty: If a piece of equipment is broken, tell them before they find it. Show them your deviation report and class notification. This proves your ISM is working and usually avoids detention.

Conclusion

Passing a PSC inspection isn't about luck; it's about preparation. A well-maintained ship with a confident, knowledgeable crew will always pass.

Don't wait for the inspector to find the problem. Find it yourself first.

Ensure your vessel is physically and administratively safe. Check out our STCW Certification Guide or calculate your stability with our GM Calculator.