Performance in port state inspections continues to offer a benchmark towards the quality of both a vessel, and the owner, which both have the charterers’ attention. With the oversupply of tonnage in the market, this becomes even more important for bulk carrier owners.

The statistics published in the annual reports of the different PSC regimes have shown a trend of increasing detentions. DNV-classed vessels have over the years been top performers under the different PSC regimes, and DNV has co-operated very closely with port authorities in those cases where problems have occurred.

In our efforts to continue to offer support to our clients in this area, we in DNV Maritime in cooperation with our clients have undertaken research and investigations into how we can cooperate to achieve improved Port State performance. These activities, which were undertaken in the autumn of 2008, constitute the first phase of a continuous process aimed at enabling DNV Maritime to offer more advanced advice, guidance and training on the topic of Port State Control to our global client base.

DNV PSC Tool Kit
The research work resulted in the development of the new ‘DNV PSC Tool Kit’. This Tool Kit provides an amalgam of tools for both office and sea staff to help focus on the preparation prior to a Port State Inspection and comprises:

1. Port State Control – Top Detention Items 2008 (Booklet)

2. DNV PSC Wizard – software to enable creation of a ship-specific PSC Guide

3. Port State Control Posters – Good and Bad Practice

4. DNV PSC Tool Kit Folder – for storing all the documentation related to PSC Inspections.

This ‘Tool Kit’ has been developed in the above format to improve communication with crew members and to build ownership between the new PSC guide and the shipping company, and it can upload company logos and add ship-specific information and pictures. Our intention is for the Tool Kit to become a part of the work activity on board our clients’ vessels.

Statistics published by Port State Control regimes, and understanding of the PSC working processes and our general survey experience are all important elements forming the basis of the Tool Kit which is now available.

The DNV Tool Kit will form the foundation for future Port State campaigns by DNV, and will have the ability to store Port State Control Circulars and other updates as we continue to increase our clients’ awareness of this topic.

For more information contact MGGNO891@dnv.com