Port-State Control Guide Published

The North of England P&I club and Intercargo have published a second edition of their unique and popular guide on how shipowners should prepare for port-state control inspections. Port State Control - A Guide for Cargo Ships has been updated throughout and includes a comprehensive new chapter on the commercial implications of delays, detentions and banning orders. According to Tony Baker of the North of England's risk-management department, port-state control inspections are increasing in intensity and scope every year. 'In 2002 over 60,000 inspections were carried out by the top five port-state control regions, resulting in the detention of more than 3,500 ships. The introduction of the ISPS Code and new IMO con conventions on anti-fouling and ballast water, due for adoption in 2004, will further increase the risk to voyages unless shipowners are properly prepared for inspections,' he says Baker points out that the commercial implications for a shipowner of failing a port-state control inspection can be severe. 'Apart from loss of reputation and future earnings, a failed inspection can compromise an owner's ability to fulfil contractual obligations under charterparties, contracts for the carriage of goods and sale-and-purchase agreements,' he says. The 48-page illustrated A4 guide has been written by Intercargo's former safety, environmental and technical manager Peter Kidman in association with the North of England. It explains how port-state control works around the world, how ships are selected for inspection, what the inspection process involves and what deficiencies, detention orders and banning orders mean for shipowners. The guide also provides useful checklists of the convention certificates and documents to be carried on different types of ships and of the essential shipboard operations that could come under scrutiny during a detailed inspection. All 400 members and 2600 ships entered in the North of England have been sent a copy of the second edition. Non-members can obtain copies from the club's risk-management department (email [email protected]) or Anchorage Press in London (telephone +44 20 8892 9905, email [email protected]) for £30 including postage. The ISBN reference is 0 9542012 8 0.