PORT STATE CONTROL

The Bahamas reports record low ship detentions

2019, March 1: The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) announced that its lowest number of detentions following port state control (PSC) inspections was recorded in 2018. Only 24 ships were detained from 2,782 inspections.

The number of detentions in 2017 was 36 from 2,975 inspections. In 2016 the BMA detained 29 ships following 2,955 inspections. In 2015, from 2,956 inspections 42 ships were detained.

PSC is an internationally agreed regime for the inspection of foreign ships in ports other than those of the vessel’s flag state. The ultimate objective is to preclude the operation of sub-standard ships on the world’s oceans.

PSC Officers are required to inspect a ship for compliance aligned with the requirements of the international conventions, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and MLC 2006.[]