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

Action Date: Immediate

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 March 2026, 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 (with codes) include:

1. Auxiliary engine –13102
2. Propulsion main engine–13101
3. Maintenance of the ship and equipment – 15109
4. Gauges, thermometers etc. –13103
5. Lifeboats –11101
6. Nautical publications –10116
7. Fire-dampers –7115
8. Firefighting equipment and appliances – 7110
9. ISM – 15150
10. Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
11. Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
12. Ventilators, air pipes , casing –3108
13. Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
14. Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
15. Rescue boats – 11104
16. Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
17. Fixed fire extinguishing installation –7109
18. Decks- corrosion –2117
19. Steering gear –2105
20. Magnetic compass –10105

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• Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.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