In a critical analysis of Port State Control (PSC) inspections for **CY2025**, a striking trend has emerged, highlighting persistent challenges in **maritime safety** and **vessel compliance**. The most frequently recorded deficiency worldwide across all ship segments was **Fire Safety Code 07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions**, underscoring a crucial area for improvement within the **shipping industry**.

This particular code accounted for a significant **2.57%** of the total 157,253 deficiencies reported globally, impacting a staggering 4,547 inspections, which represents 6% of all 75,168 inspections conducted throughout the year. More alarmingly, these deficiencies directly led to **331 detentions**, marking them as a serious concern for **ship managers** and operators. The issues predominantly revolved around basic **maintenance**: problems with water tightness, rusted handles, and fire doors being blocked in the open position. Experts suggest that robust onboard **maintenance** practices could substantially mitigate these findings.

While fire doors topped the list, other critical areas also demanded attention. **Code 11101 – Lifeboats** emerged as the second most common deficiency. Lifeboats, vital for **abandon ship** and rescue operations, frequently presented multiple technical and operational issues, including problems with water tightness, engines, provisions, and launching mechanisms. Additionally, **Code 04103 – Emergency lighting, batteries, and switches** consistently ranked among the top three for several ship segments, emphasizing the need for thorough maintenance plans and structured inspection schedules to address these less predictable faults.

The year **CY2025** saw 451 deficiency codes contributing to 12,017 detainable deficiencies, culminating in 2,569 vessel detentions. Notably, **Lifeboats (Code 11101)** were responsible for the highest number of detentions, with 353 instances. Despite the global PSC regime conducting two Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) on **fire safety** in recent years (2012, 2024), fire-related issues remain a leading cause of detentions. Three of the top five detainable codes—**Fixed fire extinguishing installation (07109)**, **Fire detection and alarm system (07106)**, and **Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions (07105)**—are directly linked to fire safety, indicating a persistent challenge for the **maritime sector**.

It’s important to note that deficiency profiles are not uniform across the diverse **global fleet**. While **Code 07105** was a top concern for tankers, LNG carriers, and general cargo ships, **Lifeboats (11101)** were the primary deficiency for bulk carriers and LPG carriers. Container ships, on the other hand, frequently faced issues with **Auxiliary engines (13102)**. This variation underscores the necessity for tailored approaches to **vessel compliance**.

Given the complexity and sheer number of potential deficiency codes, relying on generic preparation checklists is often insufficient. To effectively avoid failures and detentions, **ship operators** and managers must adopt a more strategic, **port-specific preparation** approach rooted in robust **risk assessment**. This involves considering three crucial factors:
* The specific port’s historical deficiency profile for the relevant ship segment.
* The vessel’s own PSC inspection history.
* The managing company’s overall PSC performance.

By integrating these elements, a customized Ship/Port/Manager-specific checklist can be developed, allowing for the prioritization of applicable codes and preparation measures based on accurate statistical analysis. This method ensures that vessels are optimally prepared for inspections at each unique port, moving beyond broad assumptions to targeted, effective **safety management**.

The findings from **CY2025** serve as a clear reminder that continuous vigilance and a data-driven approach are paramount for maintaining high standards of **maritime safety** and avoiding costly detentions. Proactive, tailored preparation is not just a best practice; it’s an essential strategy for navigating the complexities of **Port State Control**.

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