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Foreign ships visit New Zealand ports 2,500 to 3,000 times each year, and when in port may be inspected by Maritime NZ inspectors. These inspections make sure that the ship, its equipment, and the safety and health of those on board, meet international safety and environmental protection standards.
The safety and operation of the vessel, however, is the responsibility of ship owners and flag States.
Eligibility for PSC Inspections
Selection of a ship for inspection depends on a number of factors, including the Tokyo MOU targeting scheme, any risk the ship may pose to the safety of the crew or to the maritime environment, or as a result of specific complaints.
Powers of Inspection and Detention of a Ship
Maritime NZ inspects 90 percent of all eligible foreign ships during their time spent in New Zealand ports under Section 54 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. If a ship is substandard, Maritime NZ inspectors have the power, under Sections 55/397 of the Maritime Transport Act, to detain it until it is brought up to standard, or to impose conditions upon its operation.
Conduct of PSC Inspections
Maritime Safety Inspectors (MSIs), conduct PSC inspections in accordance with international guidelines and within the constraints of their authority. MSIs are guided by a checklist, which is based on resolutions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
During a PSC inspection, the MSI first conducts an initial inspection. This comprises a visit on board to verify the ship carries the necessary valid certificates and documentation. The MSI also inspects areas critical to the safe operation of the ship. If certification is invalid, or if there are clear grounds to suspect that the ship and/or its equipment or crew may not be in substantial compliance with the relevant convention requirements, a more detailed inspection is undertaken.
On completion of the inspection a ‘Form A’ is completed to indicate that an inspection has been carried out and this is left with the Master for the information of PSC officers in subsequent ports as well as being posted on the Tokyo MOU database. When deficiencies are noted, a similar process is followed through a ‘Form B’.
Detention/Release of Unseaworthy/Substandard Ships
Detention of a ship is part of a process that ensures critical deficiencies are rectified before the ship can depart. When a ship is detained/released, Maritime New Zealand notifies the Flag State (the country where the ship is registered) and the relevant classification society. (All vessels must be classed by a classification society.)
Details of all detentions are also forwarded to the IMO and published on both the Tokyo MOU website at www.tokyo-mou.org and Maritime New Zealand – List of detained ships.
Annual Report on Port State Control
Maritime New Zealand produces an Annual Report on PSC activities.
  Port State Control - Annual Report 2006 (PDF - 276Kb)
Further information on New Zealand’s PSC programme may be obtained by writing to:
Maritime Operations
Maritime New Zealand
PO Box 27 006, Wellington
Phone: (04) 494 1206
Fax: (04) 494 1263
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