Date of Award
1997
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Maritime Safety Administration
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
India
First Advisor
Langjord, Tore
Abstract
This dissertation deals with Port State Control. Over the years there has been wide variation in the assessment of ships, as perceived by different shipping interests. A detailed analysis of Port State Control including the legal background was done to evaluate the present day problems. The effects of new SOLAS amendments and IMO guide lines on Port State Control are discussed. It was observed that the professional competence of Port State Control Officers (PSCO) is far from uniform and their experience vary widely throughout the world. Hence a requirement to separate 'need to know' from 'nice to know' was felt. A standard inspection procedure comprising IMO and ILO requirements for a generic ship was evolved to reduce the assessment variation among inspecting officers as well as Administrations. MARPOL and ILO inspections are described separately for clarity. In addition, this dissertation suggests steps to improve PSCO inspection and the general performance of Port State Administrations. The need to enlist co-operation between administrations, as well as with other shipping interests, is also high lighted. This is followed by the steps required to establish a quality system for administration. These will help in reducing the operation of substandard ships world-wide. Throughout this dissertation the underlying philosophy was to provide not only just ‘how to do it’ but also ‘why do it’, with simple explanations and descriptions. This dissertation concludes with recommendations to improve Port State Control worldwide.