IMO Adopts Revised Port State Control Procedures
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted revised procedures for the control and inspection of ships at its 34th Assembly, formally approving the updated framework under Resolution A.1206(34).
PMO News Portal - The newly adopted procedures, titled Procedures for Port State Control 2025, replace the previous Resolution A.1185(33) and mark a significant shift from traditional inspection practices toward a more system-oriented approach.
the updated framework expands the role of Port State Control (PSC) beyond conventional document checks and deficiency identification. PSC will now function as a structured feedback mechanism to assess how effectively IMO instruments are implemented by Member States.
The revised approach emphasizes evaluating the effectiveness of compliance by shipowners, shipping companies, and flag states. Rather than focusing solely on the presence of certificates and individual non-conformities, PSC officers are required to assess the consistency between onboard management systems, operational procedures, and documented records.
Under the new methodology, objective evidence demonstrating the effective implementation of safety management systems and marine environmental protection measures will serve as a key inspection benchmark. Where clear grounds indicate deficiencies in implementation, shipowners and operators may face expanded inspections and associated regulatory consequences.
