PSC Deficiency Codes
The harmonised system of port state control deficiency codes is used by inspection authorities worldwide to classify findings. Each five-digit code identifies a specific deficiency type, grouped into 19 categories covering everything from certificates and structural condition to fire safety, life-saving appliances, and maritime labour standards.
Browse by Category
Fire Safety
27 codesMLC 2006
74 codesCertificates & Documentation
106 codesSafety of Navigation
37 codesLife-Saving Appliances
36 codesEmergency Systems
23 codesPropulsion & Auxiliary Machinery
9 codesPollution Prevention
81 codesStructural Condition
40 codesWater/Weathertight Condition
16 codesISM
1 codesRadio Communications
17 codesOther
3 codesAlarms
11 codesCargo Operations
9 codesISPS
7 codesDangerous Goods
12 codesOther Safety
1 codesIndustrial Personnel
7 codesStatistics based on 12,814 inspections with itemised deficiency records (7.0% of 183,503 total inspections).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PSC deficiency codes?
PSC deficiency codes are a standardised five-digit numbering system used by port state control authorities worldwide to classify findings during ship inspections. The system is harmonised across all major MoU regions (Paris, Tokyo, Indian Ocean, and others) so that a code recorded in Rotterdam means the same thing as one recorded in Singapore.
How many deficiency code categories are there?
There are 19 main categories covering certificates and documentation, structural condition, fire safety, life-saving appliances, pollution prevention, maritime labour standards, and more. Each category contains between 1 and 106 individual codes.
What does detention correlation mean?
Detention correlation is the share of inspections where a particular deficiency was found that also ended in the vessel being detained. It indicates how strongly a deficiency type is associated with detention, but does not imply that the deficiency alone caused the detention.
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