Port State Control (PSC) is the inspection of foreign ships in national ports to verify that the condition of the ship and its equipment comply with the requirements of international and national regulations and that the ship is manned and operated in compliance with applicable rules and standards, thus ensuring maritime safety and security, protection of the marine environment, as well as decent living conditions of the ship’s crew.

PSC inspections are normally intended to complement flag State implementation, as a ‘second line of defence’ against substandard shipping.

MPA, as a member of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (TMOU) in the Asia-Pacific region, regularly conducts PSC inspections with the aim to eradicate sub-standard shipping operating within the Asia-Pacific region.

Recent PSC activities from post covid period (2022) had seen an increase in deficiencies issued, and detentions of foreign flagged vessels inspected in the port of Singapore. Some of the most common deficiencies and detention are related to firefighting, lifesaving, and non-compliant pilot ladder transfer arrangement. These developments have begun to raise awareness and concerns from ships calling to Singapore Port and the Asia-Pacific region.

To address the situation, MPA's PSC Department has embarked on a proactive engagement initiative with various stakeholders within the shipping industry. This engagement aims to inform, educate, consult, and collaborate with key stakeholders, including flag administrations, recognized organizations, ship owners and ship’s crew.

MPA's PSC Department has been actively participating in seminars, utilizing various platforms to share insights into PSC activities, highlight areas of concern, and raise awareness about the importance of compliance such as the use of non-compliant pilot transfer arrangement which can lead to loss of life and serious injury for users in our port waters and beyond.

Singapore PSC is also engaging with other likely-minded Authorities to embark on bilaterial PSCO exchange programmes to exchange ideas, knowledge, skill, good practices and harmonisation of PSC inspections.

Through these collective efforts, PSC Department strive to cultivate a deeper understanding and stronger commitment and collaboration within all stakeholders in promoting safety of ship and crew, as well as protection of the marine environment.