On June 12, the China MSA officially released the list of vessels detained under PSC in May. To provide you with first-hand information, our editor immediately sorted out all the May PSC detention data in China. We were utterly shocked after going through the statistics-the inspection crackdown is unprecedentedly rigorous!

Here’s the overall tally for your reference: A total of 175 vessel detentions were recorded under China’s PSC inspections in May, among which 140 vessels flew the Panamanian flag, accounting for 80% of all detained ships. The May figure is 11 vessels higher than April’s 164 detentions, hitting a new recent high. On average, five to six vessels are detained at Chinese ports every single day, representing an unprecedented frequency of inspections. Our editor will walk you through several sets of hard statistics below to illustrate just how stringent this round of oversight really is.

1. Distribution by Flag State: Panama remains the top flagged nation with the highest detention volume

Please note that Panamanian-flagged vessels still account for as high as 80% of all detained ships.

Though this figure has dipped slightly from 82.3% in April, Panama-flagged ships still make up the overwhelming majority. Out of the 175 detained vessels, 140 sail under the Panamanian flag.

2. Top 5 Categories of Deficiencies Identified: Fire Safety Remains the Most Problematic Area

Among the 175 detained vessels, fire safety deficiencies were found on 85% of them!

This is exactly what our editor pointed out last month. PSC inspectors carry out extremely rigorous checks focusing heavily on fire safety.

3. Blacklist of Specific Deficiencies (Top 10 Most Frequent Items)

Our editor has sorted out the most recurrent detention deficiencies detected on the 175 vessels. These are the high-risk items that PSC inspectors zero in on, and the most common triggers for detention:

1. 07109 - Fixed fire-extinguishing system malfunction, recorded 50 times, ranking as the top deficiency leading to detention.

2. 03108 - Damaged ventilators and air pipes, recorded 41 times; heavy corrosion and failure to close tightly are prevalent defects.

3. 07114 - Remote control gear malfunction, recorded 35 times. Special attention is paid to quick-closing valves located more than 5 meters away from auxiliary engines.

4. 07106 - Inoperative fire detection and alarm system, recorded 30 times, mainly caused by dust-covered detectors, false alarms and equipment breakdowns.

5. 07117 - Failed high-pressure fuel pipe leakage alarm, recorded 25 times. Inspectors routinely check this item when considering vessel detention.

6. 07103 - Damaged fire divisions, recorded 24 times. Most defects are holes and defective sealing on bulkheads penetrating between accommodation spaces, wheelhouses and engine room cable lockers.

7. 07115 - Fire dampers unable to fully close, recorded 22 times.

8. 14104 - Oily Water Separator (OWS) malfunction, recorded 21 times. Inspectors usually require engineers to conduct an internal circulation test, which exposes nearly all existing faults.

9. 07105 - Defective fire doors, recorded 14 times.

10. 07113 - Malfunction of fire pumps and piping systems, recorded 13 times. PSC officers place strict scrutiny on isolating valves of fire mains.

Eight out of the top ten deficiency items are fire safety related!

Doesn’t this speak volumes? PSC inspectors are now scrutinizing fire safety with a fine-tooth comb-how can anyone still take chances?

Everyone has witnessed the grim detention figures for May: 175 vessels were detained. The number has climbed month on month, rising from 124 in March to 164 in April, then hitting 175 in May. Inspections are growing increasingly stringent each month, and June will most likely see even stricter rather than relaxed oversight. This round of intensive inspections is still underway. Shipowners operating Panamanian-flagged vessels must exercise extra caution!

Lastly, a few reminders from our editor:

First, switch your vessel’s flag without delay if you plan to do so. The issues surrounding Panama are far from over. Shipowners with the capacity may consider reflagging to Yangpu Flag, China National Flag or Hong Kong Flag. Do not rush into remedial action only after your ship gets detained. Ample time has been reserved for you to make the change.

Second, carry out all necessary maintenance promptly. Do not skimp on maintenance expenses. The financial loss caused by a single PSC detention can cover the cost of ten full rounds of thorough maintenance. Remove rust from ventilators, clean smoke detectors, and complete inspections for the CO₂ fire suppression system. These tasks cost very little yet can save you hundreds of thousands in potential losses.

Third, deliver mandatory training to seafarers in a timely manner. Seafarers’ practical operation capabilities are critical; holding certificates alone means nothing if they cannot operate relevant equipment proficiently. Crews must master standard procedures including emergency generator startup, CO₂ system discharge, and the organization of fire drills.

Fourth, never falsify any official records. This is an absolute red line that no one should cross. Keep records truthful and factual. At worst, you will receive a rectification order with a time limit, which is far better than facing vessel detention.

Safety leaves no room for fluke chances. If you cut corners on equipment upkeep, the equipment will fail you when you need it most. If you overlook safety protocols to save trouble, maritime incidents will come looking for you.

We are already mid-June, and intensified PSC inspections are still ongoing. It is our hope that this article serves as a wake-up call for all ship operators. Conduct thorough self-inspections and complete rectifications where required, so vessels can sail safely and clear port inspections smoothly.

Wish all mariners smooth voyages and trouble-free port calls!

------------------------------------------Reprinted from PSCReady