The editor has compiled 15 recent cases of vessels detained by PSC. We retain the original information including case dates, ports, ship registries, ship types and deficiencies, and provide suggestions for self-inspection and rectification for your reference.

Detention Case 1: On May 29, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged container ship was detained by PSC in Shanghai. The vessel was cited with 4 detention deficiencies as follows:

1. IGF training certificate cannot be verified

Shanghai Port has recently imposed extremely strict verification on certificates for gas-fueled ships, and multiple vessels have been detained for this reason. The original IGF training certificate must be kept on board. Currently, PSC inspectors no longer merely check whether the certificate is available, but focus on crew proficiency. They will randomly select a crew member to conduct IGF practical assessments, including emergency response to gas leakage and bunkering procedures. Failure to pass the assessment will be deemed a failure of the safety management system, resulting in vessel detention.

2. Boiler area smoke detector not functioning

The boiler area features heavy oil contamination and high temperature, which often causes dust buildup and renders detectors inoperative — a long-standing issue. Conduct a manual alarm test every week to ensure signals are transmitted to the wheelhouse. Do not wait for an actual fire to find the detector fails to work.

3. CO₂bottle measuring scale defective

4. No.1 G/E Quick closing valve defective

The quick-closing valves located 3 meters away from auxiliary machinery have become a key focus of recent PSC inspections.

Detention Case 2: On May 23, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged liquid cargo ship was detained by PSC in Jiaxing. The vessel had four detention deficiencies as follows:

1. Emergency generator room and emergency fire pump room fire dampers cannot be closed.

Fire resistance division is a top priority for liquid cargo ships. If the fire dampers in these two compartments get stuck, the entire fire compartmentation will be compromised. This is a routine inspection item.

2. The illumination angle of the NUC light exceeds 6 degrees.

Editor's comment: Do not overlook this minor deficiency. PSC inspectors have expanded their scope beyond just masthead lights. As covered in previous special topics, PSCOs are fully conversant with navigation lights and readily issue detention for related defects. Please review relevant requirements regularly.

3. Oil Water Separator (OWS) malfunction.

The OWS is the most problematic item in pollution prevention inspections. It is subject to mandatory operational tests during every inspection. Both the 15ppm alarm and automatic discharge shutdown functions must work properly. Replace filter cartridges and clean the separator interior on a regular basis. Do not perform maintenance only when the discharged water turns black. Ensure operational records are consistent with actual working hours.

4. No steel protective shield fitted underneath the lowermost stairway in the engine room.

This stairway serves as an escape route within the engine room.

Detention Case 3: On May 20, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged liquid cargo ship was detained by PSC in Lianyungang. The vessel had two detention deficiencies as follows:

1. High-pressure alarms for No.4 and No.5 starboard tanks out of service.

The high-pressure alarm system for liquid cargo tanks monitors tank conditions and is critical to preventing tank rupture due to overpressure, which must remain fully operational at all times. PSCOs usually require a high-pressure simulation test. Prior to inspection, ensure audible and visual alarms are received in the wheelhouse. Check sensors for loose or corroded wiring, and calibrate alarm set points accurately.

2. Emergency generator fails to start; crew lack proficiency in operation.

This ranks among the top three deficiencies leading to vessel detention by PSC worldwide, and no excuses will be accepted.

Detention Case 4: On May 18, 2026, a Monrovia-flagged oil and chemical tanker was detained by PSC at Dongjiakou Port. The four detention deficiencies are listed as follows:

1. Cargo pump room fixed fire extinguishing system malfunction

2. No.2 G/E leakage alarm not functioning

3. No.4 & No.5 ballast tank closing device defective

Malfunction of ballast tank closing devices may cause seawater leakage and impair vessel stability. This is a regular inspection item by PSCOs. All hatch covers and vent valves shall be tested one by one for closing and tightness, and any defects must be repaired promptly.

4. NUC light not arranged properly.

The NUC lights shall be installed at the highest and most prominent positions of the vessel and must not be obstructed by masts or funnels. The distance between the forward and aft NUC lights shall comply with SOLAS requirements. These lights shall be clearly distinguishable from other navigation lights to avoid confusion for other vessels.

Detention Case 5: On May 19, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was detained by PSC in Ningbo. The two detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Air remote control valve of CO₂cylinder leaking

Leakage of the CO₂ system is a critical deficiency. Accidental discharge may cause asphyxiation of personnel in the engine room.

2. Sludge discharge piping and bilge piping connected to common line

This is a serious violation of pollution prevention regulations. Vessels will be detained immediately once identified by PSC, and heavy fines may also be imposed.

Detention Case 6: On May 17, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was detained by PSC in Ningbo. The two detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Isolating valve malfunction

Isolating valves of fire fighting systems are a key focus of PSC inspections.

2. Sludge discharge pipe connection defective

Detention Case 7: On May 16, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was detained by PSC in Yingkou. The five detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. COAMING OF ENGINE ROOM SKYLIGHT HOLED

2. MAIN ENGINE F.O LEAKAGE ALARM SYSTEM OUT OF WORK

3. RESCUE BOAT ENGINE FAILED TO BE STARTED

4. FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL IN BRIDGE OUT OF ORDER

5. THE GENERAL EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM FAILS TO COVER ALL CREW NORMAL WORKING SPACES

The general emergency alarm is the sole means to assemble crew members in emergencies and shall cover all working and living areas on board.

Detention Case 8: On May 15, 2026, a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was detained by Yingkou Port State Control (PSC), with three detention deficiencies identified as follows:

1. OWS operates normally even when the sample line is blocked

2. Main escape trunk cover cannot be closed

3. Sewage treatment malfunction

Wastewater treatment plants for domestic sewage are now a mandatory inspection item under PSC. Conduct operational tests by starting the unit; the aeration, sedimentation and disinfection processes must function properly, and the discharged water shall meet effluent discharge standards. Chemicals shall be replenished in a timely manner with authentic and accurate dosing records. Do not allow the unit to run idle or operate with defects.

Detention Case 9: On 14 May 2026, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker was detained by UK PSC. The three detention deficiencies are listed as follows:

1. Weather deck ballast tank hatches damaged

2. Insufficient familiarization with fire drill

UK PSC attaches great importance to the practical effectiveness of drills, rather than merely going through the motions.

A full crew fire drill shall be conducted monthly with various fire scenarios simulated, such as engine room fire and accommodation fire. Crew members' emergency duties and proficiency in equipment operation will be spot-checked.

Drill records must be detailed, including time, location, participants, response procedures and existing problems. Do not simply put down "Drill completed normally".

3. ISM non-conformity

Detention Case 10: On 12 May 2026, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier was detained by Indonesia PSC. The two detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Funnel damper cannot be closed

2. SMS failure

Detention Case 11: On 11 May 2026, a Panamanian-flagged ro-ro ship was detained by Qingdao PSC. The three detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Paint store sprinkler nozzle cannot cover all area

    The paint locker is a high-risk fire area, and the sprinkler system shall provide full coverage without blind spots. Measure the protection radius of each sprinkler head. Install missing heads promptly, clear blockages from sprinklers and test the sprinkler pressure. Stored items inside the paint locker must not exceed the coverage area of sprinklers, nor block them.

2. Cargo hold natural ventilator corroded

3. Speed log malfunction

Detention Case 12: On 12 May 2026, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was detained by PSC in Ulsan, South Korea. The three detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Inadequate cargo loading/unloading plan established and insufficient monitoring records

Port authorities in South Korea conduct rigorous inspections on cargo handling management. The loading and unloading plan must be reviewed and signed by the Master and Chief Officer, with detailed contents including cargo type, quantity, stowage sequence and draft variation of the vessel. The entire loading and unloading process shall be monitored, and all records must be authentic and accurate. Inspection records of cargo lashing and securing shall also be properly kept.

2. Fire integrity failure in emergency generator room and accommodation area

Loss of fire integrity constitutes a serious fire safety deficiency. Normally, the emergency generator is installed in a separate compartment isolated from the accommodation area, so as to prevent fire integrity failures.

3. SMS failure

Detention Case 13: On 7 May 2026, a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was detained by Qinzhou PSC. The three detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Paint store ventilator cover cannot be closed

2.  Fire detector malfunction with alarm

Fire detectors are a routine PSC inspection item. Neither false alarms nor missed alarms are acceptable, as they will impair the crew's judgment in case of fire. Defective detectors shall be replaced immediately, and fault indicators on the fire alarm panel must not remain lit continuously.

3. Freefall lifeboat windows not clear

Detention Case 14: On 6 May 2026, a Panamanian-flagged oil/chemical tanker was detained by Changshu PSC. The four detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. Starboard lifeboat embarkation ladder damaged

The embarkation ladder serves as the sole access for crew to board lifeboats and must be kept in sound condition. Inspect the treads and handrails for cracks and deformation. The ladder shall be of sufficient length to reach the water surface. It shall be stowed in the correct position, free from obstruction by sundries, and capable of rapid deployment in an emergency.

2. ECDIS not updated

3. False entry of lifeboat lowering record

Falsified records are a red line for PSC inspections. Any violation will result in immediate ship detention. Lifeboat launching tests shall be conducted at least once a month. All records must be authentic and accurate, signed by the operator and the Master. Pre-filling or retroactively completing records is strictly prohibited.

4. All the flame arresters and screens for cargo hold ventilators corroded and broken

Flame arresters and fire screens on ventilators of oil/chemical tankers are critical for preventing fire spread and shall be kept intact. Inspect all ventilators one by one. Replace any corroded or damaged components without delay. Regularly clear debris inside flame arresters to ensure unobstructed ventilation and reliable fire resistance.

Detention Case 15: On 5 May 2026, a South Korean-flagged ro-ro ship was detained by Australia PSC. The three detention deficiencies are as follows:

1. OWS malfunction

2. Starboard lifeboat on-load release mechanism malfunction

The on-load release mechanism of lifeboats is a failure-prone component and a mandatory PSC inspection item. Regularly check its locking and releasing functions, apply grease to moving parts for maintenance, and conduct on-load release tests as required to ensure safe and reliable operation. Avoid mechanism jamming that may prevent lifeboat lowering in real emergencies.

3. SMS failure