Explain the principle of Port State Control and give in detail the verification the Port State Control Officer may carry out, with particular reference to (a) Emergency generator (b) Main switchboard (c) Lifeboat (d) Oily-water separator (e) Navigational lighting.

Principle of PSC:

Port State Control is the inspection by officers of the authorities of a port State of foreign ships (of other flag States) in their ports to verify that the ship, its crew, its certificates and its operations comply with the requirements of the relevant international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line, STCW, COLREG, ILO/MLC 2006, ISM, ISPS, Tonnage). The purpose is to ensure that sub-standard ships - those that do not meet the minimum international standards - are identified, corrected or detained, thereby protecting life and the environment and preventing unfair competition from sub-standard operators, and to give effect to the conventions on ships visiting foreign ports. PSC is based on (i) the rights and duties of the port State under each convention

(ii) the principle of "no more favourable treatment" (a ship flying the flag of a State that is not party must not be treated more favourably), and (iii) the international and regional MOUs (Paris, Tokyo etc.) which adopt a common, minimally-harmonised inspection regime. The inspector (PSC Officer) normally checks the ship's certificates, if they are valid and in order he/she may limit the inspection to an overview; if deficiencies exist (clear grounds) a detailed inspection is carried out. Where a ship is sub-standard to the extent that it constitutes a danger to safety/pollution, it is detained.

Verification by the PSC Officer:

• Check that an emergency generator is fitted as required for the ship's size/type and is located above the bulkhead deck/outside the machinery space (in a separate space) protected and fire-resisting, with its own fuel supply.
• Verify it starts automatically on loss of main power (auto start and changeover), within 45 seconds, and that the emergency switchboard picks up the emergency services (emergency lighting, navigation lights, fire pumps, watertight doors, alarm system, communication).
• Test automatic and manual starting, the automatic transfer of the emergency switchboard to the emergency source of power, and that it can supply the essential emergency loads.
• Confirm day-tank fuel, the batteries and the automatic starting arrangement are in order, that the space is adequately ventilated and protected, and that it has been tested (records of tests) as required (e.g. test at least monthly and during surveys).

• Verify the main switchboard is correctly arranged, with the necessary protection (overcurrent, short circuit, earth fault lamps/test), bus-bar protection, synchronising arrangement and the correct earthing (for the distribution) as appropriate.
• Confirms that the main source of electrical power can supply the essential services when the ship is at sea; that the generators are capable of the required service; that the switchboard is accessible and safely guarded (busbar covers, current limiters).
• Check insulation levels, the earth-lamp/test arrangements, correct fuse/circuit-breaker ratings, the integrity of the switchboard, cleanliness, and the presence of required labelling/single line diagram.
• Check that the main source of power, the emergency source, and the emergency switching function (the changeover) works, and that the electrical installations are in accordance with SOLAS II-1 (D) and the class/flag requirements.

• Verify the lifeboat is properly installed and ready, with the correct equipment inventory (per the LSA Code), that the falls, hooks and launching arrangement are maintained, and that the general emergency alarm is functional.
• A lifeboat should normally be launched (if not in port restrictions) to the water/at the minimum to the embarkation or at the correct weekly lowering; the PSC Officer checks the engine starts and runs ahead/astern, the steering, that the boat can be loaded and the falls/hook release in good repair.
• Check the renewal/service dates for life rafts, EPIRB, SART, and the record of the weekly/monthly inspections and 5-yearly examination; verify the muster list/lifeboat station and that the boat's equipment is complete and operational; check the launch rehearsals/drill records.

• Verify that a type-approved OWS/15 ppm processor with alarm arrangement (as per MEPC standards) is fitted and correctly connected as required by MARPOL Annex I for the ship; confirm the ODMCS (discharge monitoring) where applicable.
• Check the oil content is alarmed at 15 ppm and the automatic stopping device/diverter works; ensure no unauthorised bypass lines; confirm the OWS is operational and the sample point accessible.
• Ask for the record of the type approval, the calibration and the parts/service, and check the Oil Record Book entries regarding the OWS operation, the operation of the 15ppm alarm, and that effluent meeting the standard is only discharged with the required conditions.
• Check that the separation arrangement actually renders the bilge water oily-free and there is no direct overboard baffle/bypass.

• Verify that navigation lights (masthead, side lights, stern light, anchor lights) are correctly positioned, of the right intensity/colour and arc of visibility as per COLREGS Part C and SOLAS V (as applicable), and are installed with a backup/change-over arrangement.
• Check the emergency power supply for the navigation lights (from the emergency generator or battery) and the changeover/buzzer? - the navigation light switchboard with a split-second indicator and audible alarm for loss of the light (as required on ships).
• At night/day check the lights shine correctly, the lanterns are clean and correctly aligned, and that the backup lighting arrangement operates; verify the bulbs are the correct type and wattage.

In all cases the PSC officer verifies the underlying certificates and records and the last tests/surveys, and if deficiencies are found, the ship is required to rectify them before departure or detention as appropriate.