You're right, Marce. All things considered, without PSC system organized through MOUs, it would be like the Wild West at high seas...

Cheers

Vlad

Thank you all for the accurate explanations with regard to PSC.
I think that in spite the mistakes some PSCO ferquently do, PSC system organized through MOU comprising several countries has made an important contribution to merchant marine safety.
Kind regards.

Definitely. From the top of my head, valid (not expired) crew certificates in line with STCW, also endorsed for the flag the vessel flies, in case of different nationalities; qualifications in line with Safe Manning certificate.

Cheers

Vlad

Some interesting explanations there. What is meant by 'Certification of crew'? Is it something to do with up-2-date training?

Example of one reason for detention: life boat plexiglass was old enough to get that yellowish hue with fine lines that the PSC officer stated were "cracks".
The same inspector, however, did not notice that the vessel had invalid Safety Construction certificate.

In one other case, PSCO requested alteration of fuel oil supply system to the main engine, detaining the vessel before it was carried out. Alteration was completely unnecessary, and had no technical, nor statutory grounds, but everybody were quick to comply with the PSCO. There were consequences for every one involved - and I just hope that the PSCO in question did not come out of it unscathed.
Bottom line: PSCO are just people, like everybody else, and they can make mistakes.

Cheers

Vlad

A short summary of reasons not to pass a PSC control :

The main criteria for detention is that the ship is deemed unsafe to proceed to sea and that the deficiencies on a ship are considered serious by the inspector. These deficiencies must be rectified before the ship may sail again. In the annual report of Paris MOU,[10] it stated that the major deficiencies are:
1. Certification of crew
2. Safety
3. Maritime Security
4. Marine Pollution and Environment
5. Working and Living Condition
6. Operational
7. Management
These deficiencies are the most common concern of a PSCO. When these deficiencies are clearly hazardous to safety, health, or the environment, the PSCO would require the hazard to be rectified before the ship can sail or detain the vessel or even issue a formal prohibition of the ship to operate.

I think it's safe to assume that if a ships looks from the outside like this, the inside will be not much better :-)

Great photo.
Would nowadays a vessel in that condition pass a Port State control visit?

Every vessel has one / needs one. With a little imagination you can see her somewhere between 2nd and 3rd deckhouse.

Would she have a Plimsoll Line normally or just rely on the markings on her bow?

Excellent in Full Screen - superb close-up capture from 1983 !!! Some great details on the old rust-bucket.