Download 18 FREE Maritime eBooks
40 Ship Certificates and Documents that are Checked in a Port State Control (PSC) Survey
A Port State Control (PSC) survey is a general practice that is followed by port authorities around the world to ensure that the foreign ships coming to their ports is in proper condition and complies by the standards put forth by international maritime authorities.
In case a foreign going vessel doesn’t satisfy all the maritime conventions for operating in international waters, then the Port State Control (PSC) has all the rights to detain the substandard ship.
A Port State Control (PSC) survey not only includes inspection of machinery, equipment, and ship’s structure, but also involves verifying of several ship certificates and documents.
In this article there are forty important documents provided which can be checked by the Port State Control (PSC) Authority. Kindly note that this is not an exhaustive list; but a general list of important shipping certificates and documents (for all types of vessels) which are often checked during a PSC survey.
- Cargo Record Book
- Oil Record Book
- International tonnage certificate
- Minimum safe manning document certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
- Compliance and Safety Management Certificate (ISM Code)
- International Load Line Certificate
- International load line exemption certificate
- Dangerous Cargo Carrying Certificate
- International Oil Prevention certificate
- Cargo ship safety radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony certificates or GMDSS
- Certificate of fitness for carriage of liquefied gases in bulk
- Certificate of fitness for carriage of noxious liquid substances in bulk
- Passenger ship safety certificate
- Reports of previous Port State Control Surveys
- Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
- Cargo Securing Manual
- Cargo loading and unloading plans
- Garbage record book and garbage management plan
- Document of operational limitations in case of passenger ships
- Muster List
- Reports on previous surveys apart from PSC
- Documents
- Fire control and safety plan
- Special purpose ship safety certificate
- Engine room and deck log book
- A/A Max Certificate for Ro-Ro Ships
- Records of tests and drills
- bHigh Speed Craft Safety and Operational Certificate in case of high speed craft
- Certificate of Ship’s hull strength and machinery installation issued by the classification society
- Ship crew’s certificate of competency for dangerous goods endorsement
- Certificate for carrying of dangerous chemicals in bulk
- Cargo ship safety certificate
- Intact stability booklet with damage calculations
- Stowage plan
- Record of oil discharge monitoring and control system for oil tankers
- Mobile offshore drilling safety certificate for offshore drilling vessels
- Documentation of authorization for carrying of particular cargo
- SAR Cooperation plan for passenger ships
- Cargo Ship safety certificate for ship’s construction and equipment
Do you know any other important certificate or documents that are checked during a port state control survey?
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
⚓️ Enhance Your Knowledge. Prevent Accidents. Stay Safe at Sea.
1. eBooks for Engine Department
Master machinery operations, troubleshooting, and safety procedures with expertly written guides tailored for marine engineers. Prevent costly breakdowns and onboard accidents through practical knowledge.
👉 Explore Engine Department eBooks
2. eBooks for Deck Department
Sharpen your seamanship, navigation, and cargo-handling skills with real-world case studies and practical insights designed for deck officers and cadets.
👉Discover Deck Department eBooks
3. eBooks on Electrical Fundamentals & Issues
Understand marine electrical systems, identify potential faults, and prevent onboard electrical failures with step-by-step explanations from industry experts.
4. Pocket Guides for Quick Reference
Compact, handy, and loaded with essential checklists—perfect for on-the-go reference during operations and emergencies at sea.
5. Combo Packs to Save Big
Access multiple expert eBooks at discounted prices. Ideal for professionals seeking complete safety and operational knowledge across various ship departments.
6. Digital Maritime Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Upgrade your competence with Marine Insight Academy’s online courses. Learn from industry professionals anytime, anywhere, and become a safer, smarter seafarer.
Related Articles
About Author
An ardent sailor and a techie, Anish Wankhede has voyaged on a number of ships as a marine engineer officer. He loves multitasking, networking, and troubleshooting. He is the one behind the unique creativity and aesthetics at Marine Insight.
Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
International Air Pollution Prevention certificate (IAPP)
I think you may want to not call it a ‘survey’ but a PSC ‘Inspection’. There are differences between surveys and inspections.
PSC do not hold surveys per se.
@CMS: Agree. Thank you for pointing this out ??
THANKS
Ship Security Plan
International tonnage cert.
International loading cert.
International oil pollution prevention cert.
International air pollution prevention cert.
International sewage pollution prevention cert.
Certificate of Registry .
Certificate of class.
Minimum shipmanning cert.
Continuous synopsis record.
Cargo ship safety cert.
Cargo ship safety construction cert.
Cargo Ship safety equipment cert.
Cargo Ship safety radio cert.
Shore-based maintenance.
Document of compliance.
International Ship security cert.
International ship management cert.
De-rating or de-rating exemption cert.
Maritime labour cert