Pratik Bijlani –
The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) hosted a Technical Seminar on the Impact of Port State Control, which focused on maritime safety on April 27, 2024 at the IMEI House in Navi Mumbai. It presented a comprehensive introduction of Port State Control (PSC) inspections and their vital role in maintaining the safety and compliance of ships operating in international waters.
Port State Control inspections are an important method for ensuring that foreign ships conform with international regulations and standards. Port authorities undertake these inspections to ensure that a vessel’s condition, equipment, and operational methods meet specified safety and environmental standards. While the flag State is primarily responsible for maintaining ship standards, PSC inspections serve as an important safety net for identifying and correcting flaws in ship operations.
Mr Duncan Peart, Assistant Chief Surveyor, Eastern Hemisphere, ABS gave a thought-provoking lecture on the growing number of ships reported for infractions in recent years. He emphasised the significance of Safety Management Systems (SMS) on ships in fostering a culture of safety and compliance. Mr Peart emphasised the disturbing trend of declining ship maintenance standards, which has been compounded by the COVID-19 outbreak. He emphasised the importance of taking aggressive actions to address these concerns and guarantee that maritime activities remain secure.
In conclusion, Mr Peart said, “The ISM has been implemented since 1998, with SMS being implemented for over 25 years on ships, but in the last few years, ship maintenance has deteriorated, and is getting worse especially after the pandemic.” This remark emphasises the importance for industry stakeholders to prioritise maintenance practices and maintain high safety requirements.
Mr Dilip Mehrotra, Ex-Secretary of the IOMOU on Port State Control & Ex -Dy. CS, Ministry of Shipping, shared significant insights into the efficiency of PSC inspections as well as the problems that regulatory bodies encounter. He spotlighted the importance of regional agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), in facilitating coordinated inspections and identifying substandard ships. Mr Mehrotra underscored the importance of implementing innovative technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PSC inspections.
In his presentation, Mr Mehrotra said, “Utilising the latest AI technology, ship owners and companies can now be notified about all the deficiencies in the ships prior to inspection, so they know if their ships will be targeted and detained before it happens.” This recognition emphasises the potential of AI technology to transform maritime safety standards and streamline compliance processes.
The seminar ended with a plea for collaboration among industry players, regulatory authorities, and technology providers to meet the expanding issues of marine safety. By adopting new solutions and cultivating a culture of transparency and accountability, the maritime industry can negotiate complex operational landscapes while assuring the safety and security of both seafarers and vessels.
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