Implementation of Port State Control

Introduction

Port State control in Iceland is carried out under the procedures of Paris MoU to ensure the safety of the ship, its crew and the environment, of ships arriving in ports and anchorages under its jurisdiction. The responsibilities of the port State control officer include the inspection of foreign ships to ensure that they comply with international standards and regulations. Here is a general overview of the implementation of port State control.

Selection Scheme

Ships are selected for inspection based on several risk factors, such as age, type of ship, flag and previous inspection history. The computerised system THETIS operated by the European Maritime Organization (EMSA) carries out ship risk profile and provides inspectors with ships they are required to inspect.

Also, the Port State Control officer may decide to inspect a ship if they receive reports related to an incident, accident or MLC. (Unexpected and Overriding Factors).

• More information on Selection Scheme can be found on Paris MoU´s website on Selection Scheme.

• More information on Ship Risk Profile can be found Paris MoU´s website on Ship Risk Profiles.

Types of Inspection

Initial inspection

An initial inspection is carried out to verify the documentation and the general condition of the ship.

Certificates and documents listed in Annex 10 of the MoU text are checked. The overall condition and hygiene of the ship – including navigation bridge, accommodation and galley, decks including forecastle, cargo holds/area and engine room is checked to verify that it meets generally accepted international rules and standards. It is also verified that if any deficiencies found by an Authority at a previous inspection have been rectified in accordance with the time specified in the inspection report.

More detailed inspection

A more detailed inspection is carried out whenever there are clear grounds for believing, during an inspection, that the condition of the ship or of its equipment or crew does not substantially meet the relevant requirements of a relevant instrument. Clear grounds exist when a Port State Control Officer finds evidence, which in his/her professional judgement warrants a more detailed inspection of the ship, its equipment or its crew. The absence of valid certificates or documents is considered a clear ground. Other examples of clear grounds can be found in Annex 9, paragraph 6 of the MoU text.

A more detailed inspection will also be carried out on ships flying a flag that has not yet ratified all of the Relevant Instruments of the Paris MoU.

A more detailed inspection will include an in-depth examination in the area(s) where clear grounds were established, the areas relevant to any overriding or unexpected factors and other areas at random.

The more detailed inspection will take account of the human elements covered by ILO, ISM and STCW and include operational controls as appropriate

Expanded inspection

High Risk Ships (HRS) and ships of a risk type (chemical tanker, gas carrier, oil tanker, NLS tanker, bulk carrier and passenger ship) and more than 12 years old are eligible for an expanded inspection.

An expanded inspection shall include a check of the overall condition, including the human element where relevant. And, subject to their practical feasibility or any constraints relating to the safety of persons, the ship or the port, verification of the specific items in the risk areas for each ship type must be part of an expanded inspection. The expanded inspection will take account of the human elements covered by ILO, ISM and STCW and include operational controls as appropriate.

• More information on inspection types (Annex 9 Memorandum) | Paris MoU

• Guidance on type of inspections | Paris MoU

More information on type of Inspection can be found on the website Types of inspection.

Reporting obligations for ships

A ship which, is eligible for an expanded inspection and bound for an Icelandic port or anchorage.

All other ships bound for a port or anchorage of Iceland shall notify its arrival at least 24 hours in advance (24 ETA), or at the latest, at the time the ship leaves the previous port, if the voyage time is less than 24 hours, or if the port of call is not known or it is changed during the voyage, as soon as this information is available

The format of the reporting shall be as per Annex 12 of MoU text.

Inspection Results

For information on Inspection result, deficiency codes, Detention and Appeal please visit the website.

Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC)

Concentrated inspection campaigns focus on specific areas where a higher risk of non-compliance could exist. This could be evidenced by the number of deficiencies encountered, accidents or where new convention requirements have recently entered into force. Campaigns take place yearly over a period of 3 months (September - November) and are combined with a regular inspection. The agenda for the campaign is decided by the member countries of Paris MoU and is made with considerable notice. Public announcements are sent out beforehand on the Paris MoU website so that the owners/operators are informed.

More information on CIC can be found on the website.

Contact

The Icelandic Port state control can be contacted on the following address:

• Email: psc@icetra.is, telephone: +354 480 6000