Port State Control in Australia
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Port State Control in Australia
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Introduction
The Australian Government is committed to the protection of life and property at sea and to the preservation of the marine environment. Port State Control (PSC) is one of the strategies used to ensure that these objectives are achieved, however responsibility for the safety and operation of the vessel lies with ship owners and flag States.
PSC inspections are conducted to ensure that foreign ships visiting Australian ports are seaworthy, do not pose a pollution risk, provide a healthy and safe work environment and comply with relevant international regulations.
Powers of Inspection and Detention of a Ship
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) marine surveyors may board a ship at any time to inspect and detain un-seaworthy or substandard ships under s.190AA(1) and s.210(1) of the Navigation Act 1912.
Frequency of PSC Inspections
Cargo ships become eligible for a PSC inspection every six months, while tankers over 15 years of age and passenger ships become eligible every three months. Selection of a ship for inspection depends on a number of factors, including any risk it may pose to the environment, specific complaints and an AMSA targeting scheme.
Selection of Ships for PSC Inspection
AMSA uses a mathematical formula to identify the "risk factor" associated with a ship eligible for PSC insepction. More information may be obtained on AMSA's targeting approach by reading the Risk Factor Explanation.
Conduct of PSC Inspections
AMSA conducts PSC inspections in accordance with international guidelines and within the constraints of its authority. Surveyors are guided by a set of 'Instructions to Surveyors' and a 'Ship Inspection Manual', which are based on resolutions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). During a PSC inspection, the surveyor first conducts an initial inspection. This comprises a visit on board to verify the ship carries the necessary valid certificates and documentation. He also inspects areas critical to the safe operation of the ship. If certification is invalid, or if there are clear grounds to suspect that the ship and/or its equipment or crew may not be in substantial compliance with the relevant convention requirements, a more detailed inspection is undertaken. This attracts a fee of A$185/hr.
Ship Inspection Record Book
When undertaking an inspection a surveyor will utilise a Ship Inspection Record (SIR) book which contains guidelines and relevant forms. For uniformity, specific areas are nominated in the book but the surveyor has the discretion to examine other areas. In all cases a 'Form A' is completed to indicate that an inspection has been carried out. When deficiencies are noted, a 'Form B' is completed.
Detention/Release of Unseaworthy/Substandard Ships
Detention of a ship is part of a process that ensures critical deficiencies are rectified before the ship can depart. When a ship is detained/released, AMSA notifies the flag State and the relevant classification society. Details of all detentions are also forwarded to the International Maritime Organization. As Australia is a party to the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, information on detained ships is published on the Tokyo MOU website at www.tmou.org.
Undue detention or delay and appeals
Every effort is made to avoid undue detention of or delay to a ship. The decision to detain a ship may be reviewed under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
Further information on Australia's PSC program may be obtained from the inspecting surveyor or by writing to:
Maritime Operations Division
Australian Maritime Safety Authority,
GPO Box 2181, CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 6279 5684 . Fax: +61 2 6279 5058 . Email: email
last updated: 13 September 2004