In the first quarter of 2021, a total of 375 PSC inspections were conducted on Singapore registered ships under the Tokyo MOU while 129 PSC inspections were conducted under the Paris MOU.
While the number of inspections on Singapore ships under the Tokyo MOU remains similar to the same period last year, there is a 10.4% decrease in inspections on Singapore ships under Paris MOU from 1Q2020 (144 inspections).
Within this period, the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) experienced a total of 6 ships detained under Port State Control (PSC) regimes in the Tokyo and Paris MOU. The ships were detained by the following PSC authorities: Belgium, Canada, France, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. There was also one detention by the USCG.
Translating these numbers into percentages, the detention ratio of Singapore ships under the Tokyo MOU is 0.53%, which saw a decrease compared with 1.59% for the same period in 2020. Under the Paris MOU regime, the detention ratio is 3.1%, significantly up from 0.69% for the same period.
The detention ratio is the percentage of detentions over the total number of inspections on Singapore ships during a period. As the total number of inspections during the first quarter period has decreased compared to last year, this has also been attributed to the increase in detention ratio under the Paris MOU in this first quarter.
Nonetheless, efforts from all stakeholders are crucial to ensure Singapore ships maintain a low detention record.
Whilst we observed that some detentions occurred due to the rise of MLC-related deficiencies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the detentions still occur because of common safety related PSC deficiencies. A detailed breakdown of the deficiencies by category shown below:
To uphold Singapore's quality flag status amidst the pandemic, SRS operators are urged to arrange for their vessels to be thoroughly inspected regularly to ensure that they are well maintained in compliance with international rules and regulations, and to deal with any deficiencies promptly in accordance with the ISM Code. Serious deficiencies which cannot be rectified immediately shall be reported to the responsible company, MPA (shipping@mpa.gov.sg ) and the ROs as well as the competent authority of the Port State when the vessel is calling at a foreign port.
We have also sent out advisory emails including sharing of detainable deficiencies with the DPAs and ship managers of companies operating Singapore ships to draw attention to the increase in PSC detentions experienced by Singaporean ships in 2021. We urge all ship owners / managers to continue working and collaborate closely with the MPA, respective ROs and the Masters and crew in order to achieve our common objective.
Increase in PSC Detentions Experienced by Singapore Ships in Canada
In 2021 till date, SRS has experienced an increase in PSC detentions in Canada. In addition to the usual PSC inspections items, we noted that the port State control has focused on MLC inspection items. A detailed breakdown of the deficiencies by category is shown below:
We would like to share some of the PSC deficiencies issued:
Certificates, documentation and conditions of employment deficiencies include:
- Issues related to Crew Certificate and Seafarers’ Employment Agreement (SEA)
- Leave pay not being paid monthly as per the crew Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
- Legal documentation on work and rest hours
Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering deficiencies include:
- Poor sanitary facilities
- Insufficient provision quantity
- Poor provision quality and nutritional value, where some food was found to be in rotten state
Health protection, medical care and social security deficiencies include:
- Lack of personal equipment
- Poor condition of ropes and wires
- Poor maintenance of winches and capstans
- Poor cleanliness of engine room
- Lack of guards or fencing around dangerous machinery parts
Call to Action to bring down PSC detentions
In addition to MLC related inspection, the Canadian port State control authority also focuses on general conditions of the ships and ISM implementation of the vessel, such as oil soaking insulation, oily bilges, machinery/piping leakages, fire safety, life-saving appliances and garbage management.
With immediate effect, your company/Master/Chief Engineer is requested to ensure that your SRS conduct a self-inspection prior to calling Canada, and report back to MPA (shipping@mpa.gov.sg ) on the condition of the vessel. This is to ensure that the vessel is free of any serious deficiencies. For cases where the deficiency cannot be promptly rectified, you should seek MPA’s advice promptly.
We seek your cooperation in this matter and work together towards maintaining quality ships and flying the Singapore flag high.