(In accordance with STCW Convention, SOLAS and MLC 2006)
This guidance addresses Port State Control inspections related to:
• Certification of seafarers (STCW Convention)
• Safe manning requirements (SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 14)
• Crew welfare and hours of rest (MLC 2006, Regulation 2.7)
The objective is to ensure that ships are operated by properly certificated, qualified and sufficiently rested personnel, capable of maintaining safe operations at all times.
1.Safe Manning Requirements
IMO Resolution A.1047(27) – Principles of Minimum Safe Manning
Minimum Safe Manning is required to ensure:
- Safe navigation
- Safe watchkeeping
- Safe ship handling
- Safe emergency preparedness
- Safe operation of machinery and engineering systems
- Protection of the marine environment
- Safe cargo operations
- Ship security
- Crew welfare
Factors to be considered in determining MSM include:
- Size and type of the ship
- Type of machinery and level of automation
- Trading area and voyage pattern
- Type of cargo carried
- Frequency of port calls
- Maintenance requirements
- Shipboard training activities
- Workload and compliance with hours of rest
The PSCO shall examine:
•The Minimum Safe Manning Document
• The Muster List
• Crew composition and qualification
Verification shall ensure:
• The number and qualification of crew are in accordance with flag State requirements
• The vessel is capable of conducting the intended voyage safely
Even where MSMD is available, the PSCO may assess whether:
The actual manning level is adequate, considering:
Voyage duration // Area of operation // Type of ship
If the flag State cannot confirm adequacy of manning, a more detailed inspection may be conducted.
PSC Safe Manning Deficiencies:
Relevant Regulations:
SOLAS V/14 // STCW I/4.2.2 // MLC Reg. 2.7
•Minimum Safe Manning Document not available
•Manning not in accordance with MSMD requirements
•Insufficient number of crew for safe operation
•Crew not qualified for assigned duties
•Unqualified personnel performing watchkeeping duties
• Absence of qualified GMDSS radio operator
•Crew composition not suitable for voyage / operation
•Flag State not confirming safe manning when required
•Manning adjusted for convenience, not safety
2.Inspection of Certification
During initial inspection, the Port State Control Officer shall verify that:
• All seafarers hold valid CoC or CoP in accordance with STCW.
•Certificates are endorsed by the flag State, where required
•Certificates correspond to:
1 The rank and function of the seafarer
2 The type and operation of the vessel
•Original certificates and endorsements are available onboard (including electronic format where permitted). Certificates contain:
Unique identification numbers & Valid expiry dates
Any inconsistency, missing information, or incorrect format may raise suspicion of fraudulent certification, requiring further verification.
PSC CREW Certification Deficiencies
Relevant Regulations:
STCW Reg. I/4.2.1 // Reg. I/10 // Reg. VI/1, VI/3, VI/4, VI/6
• No Certificate of Competency onboard
• No Certificate of Proficiency available
• Missing flag State endorsement
• No proof of application for endorsement (CRA)
• Certificates expired or invalid
• Certificates not applicable to rank or duties
• Certificates issued by non-recognized administration
• Missing mandatory STCW training certificates
• Crew not holding basic safety training certification
• Evidence or suspicion of fraudulent certificates
• Seafarer serving in higher capacity than certified
3.Hours of Rest
All watchkeeping personnel and those assigned safety, security, or environmental duties shall comply with:
• Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
• Minimum 77 hours rest in any 7-day period
The PSCO shall verify:
• Posted watch schedules
• Records of hours of rest
• Consistency between records and actual operations
Records shall be:
• Maintained in a standardized format
• Available in the working language and in English
Non-compliance, falsification, or absence of records constitutes a deficiency.
PSC WRH Deficiencies
Relevant Regulations:
STCW Reg. I/4.2.3 – I/4.2.5 // STCW Code A-VIII/1 // MLC 2006 (Hours of Rest / Work)
• No records of hours of rest maintained
• Records incomplete or improperly filled
• Records falsified or inconsistent with operations
• Crew receiving:
• Less than 10 hours rest in 24 hours
• Less than 77 hours rest in 7 days
• Watch schedule not posted
• Watch schedule not followed in practice
• Crew not fit for duty due to fatigue
More Detailed Inspection
A more detailed inspection may be carried out where clear grounds exist, including:
• Doubt regarding crew competence
• Non-compliance with watchkeeping standards
• Evidence of unsafe operations
Assessment may include:
• Verification of certificates
• Practical demonstration of competence
• Evaluation of emergency response capability
Such assessment is limited to standards defined in STCW Code Part A.
Follow-Up Actions
Where deficiencies are identified:
• The flag State shall be notified
• The Master shall be informed in writing by PSCO
• Corrective actions shall be verified prior to departure
If deficiencies are not rectified and safety is compromised, the vessel may be detained until compliance is achieved.