Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Date: N/A

Dear All,

This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the Top 20 detainable deficiencies identified by the Liberian Registry for December 2025, based on recent Port State Control (PSC) statistics, and to enhance awareness on common root causes, preventive measures, and survey focus areas.

The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies include:

1. Auxiliary Engine – condition, maintenance, or operational deficiencies
2. Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment
3. Lifeboats – readiness, condition, launching arrangements
4. ISM Code – ineffective implementation
5. Main Propulsion Engine
6. Emergency Fire Pump & Fire Main System
7. Fire Doors / Fire Dampers / Fire Integrity
8. Emergency Generator
9. Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
10. Emergency Lighting
11. Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems (CO₂, foam, water mist)
12. Life rafts & Launching Arrangements
13. Navigation Equipment (radar, ECDIS, gyro, alarms)
14. Oil Record Book / Record-Keeping Deficiencies
15. MARPOL Annex I – Pollution Prevention Equipment
16. MARPOL Annex VI – Air Emissions / IAPP related items
17. Watertight / Weathertight Integrity
18. Alarms & Safety Monitoring Systems
19. Crew Familiarization with Emergency Procedures
20. Statutory Certificates & Documentation

Common Root Causes of PSC Detentions

PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:

• Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
• Lack of effective onboard verification prior to arrival at port;
• Insufficient crew familiarization and training, particularly for emergency duties;
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.

Recommendations to Ship-owners and Operators

To reduce the risk of PSC detention, ship-owners and operators should be strongly encouraged to:

• Conduct pre-arrival internal checks, focusing on:
  • Fire safety systems
  • Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
  • ISM implementation
  • Pollution prevention equipment
• Ensure all safety and emergency equipment is operational, tested, and readily available;
• Verify that crew are familiar with emergency duties and ship-specific procedures;
• Review and update statutory certificates, logs, and records prior to port entry;
• Pay particular attention to recurring PSC deficiency areas highlighted in this Circular and in PHRS PSC bulletins.

As a recognized organization, PHRS will continue to:

• Monitor PSC trends affecting ships classed and/or certified by PHRS;
• Share relevant information for awareness and preventive purposes through Technical Circulars, Newsletters, and PSC Bulletins;
• Support ship-owners and operators through technical guidance, clarification, and proactive engagement.

For more information, please contact us at technical@phrs.gr