PSC detention: what to do when a ship is detained in port
PSC detention is a temporary hold imposed by port State control when serious deficiencies are found and the ship must not sail until they are corrected.
What does PSC detention mean?
PSC detention is not just a note in an inspection report; it means the ship or its crew has deficiencies serious enough that departure must be stopped. For practical reference, use the official IMO Port State Control page and the ILO Guidelines for port State control officers under MLC 2006 standards.
What should you do immediately?
Immediately record the reason for detention and start fixing exactly the deficiencies listed by the inspector.
- get a copy of the report, deficiency list, and deadlines
- notify the master, company, flag State, and class if needed
- take photos, collect records, logs, and correspondence
- do not sign anything you do not understand
- if the issue is wages, accommodation, food, or rest, keep that issue separate in the communication
| Step | Who acts | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Record the findings | Master and senior officers | To preserve the inspection facts |
| Fix deficiencies | Crew and company | To reduce detention time |
| Get support | Union and lawyer | To protect seafarers' rights |
When should you contact the union?
Contact the union right away if the detention looks disputed, the inspection drags on, the crew faces pressure, or the company is not giving a clear action plan. For fast help, use report a case, contacts, or join the union.
What should be checked after correction?
After repairs, document updates, or crew-related fixes, ask for a re-inspection and written release confirmation. If the ship is released with limits or conditions, clarify exactly what remains open.
In short
Treat PSC detention as an operational stop signal: record the cause, correct the deficiencies fast, document every step, and do not leave the crew alone with the port inspection process. If you need seafarer-rights support, keep the seafarers section close.