The IMO regularly updates the Procedures for Port State Control (PSC), with the latest revision having been adopted at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in late 2025.

IMO Assembly Resolution A.1206(34) Procedures for Port State Control, 2025 has been issued accordingly, and supersedes the previous A.1185(33) Procedures for Port State Control, 2023. The structure of PSC inspections (initial/more detailed inspections) remains unchanged, with most changes being in the appendices, not the core chapters.

The revised Procedures significantly reduce tolerance for “paper compliance” where operational knowledge or effective implementation is lacking.

Most substantive changes which likely to affect vessel/operators are

1. Security now explicitly within PSC scope (NEW)
2. LRIT compliance elevated to detention risk (SIGNIFICANT CHANGE)
3. Annex VI of MARPOL, as amended – expanded detention grounds (MAJOR CHANGE)
4. Competence now explicitly linked to compliance (REINFORCED)

Some of the detainable findings can be

1. No LRIT conformance test report.
2. Crew unfamiliar with LRIT operation.
3. Minimum Safe Manning Document not presented (explicitly listed).
4. Security deficiencies demonstrating ineffective implementation (Appendix 20).
5. Missing or invalid EEXI / SEEMP / CII documentation.
6. SOx non-compliance (including in ECAs).
7. EGCS equivalency failures.
8. Non-compliant incinerators.
9. Crew unable to demonstrate operation of statutory safety or pollution-prevention systems.

Shipowners/Operators are strongly advised to:

• Verify LRIT conformance documentation is valid and readily available onboard.
• Ensure that Masters and relevant officers are operationally familiar with LRIT systems.
• Review MARPOL Annex VI compliance, particularly EEXI, SEEMP and CII documentation.
• Confirm EGCS and incinerators are operated strictly within approved parameters.
• Reinforce crew training and familiarisation, especially for environmental and safety systems.
• Review onboard security arrangements to ensure effective implementation, not just documentary compliance.

Shipowners and operators should expect more consistent and more assertive PSC action in these areas and should take proactive measures to mitigate detention risk.

For any assistance, ship/shore staff training for better understanding please reach us on info@maritimesutra.com