1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the Top 20 detainable deficiencies identified by the Liberian Registry for October 2026, based on recent Port State Control (PSC) statistics, and to enhance awareness on common root causes, preventive measures, and survey focus areas.
The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies (with codes) include:
- Auxiliary engine – 13102
- Propulsion main engine – 13101
- Lifeboats – 11101
- Maintenance of the ship and equipment – 15109
- Gauges, thermometers etc. – 13103
- Fire-dampers –7115
- Fire fighting equipment and appliances – 7110
- ISM – 15150
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing – 3108
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 7109
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Nautical Publications – 10116
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Fire Detection – 7106
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Closing devices/watertight doors – 2101
- Certificates ( Cra Not issued, RLM 258 checklist not filled, Overdue , ETC) – 01199
2. COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF PSC DETENTIONS
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
- Lack of effective onboard verification prior to arrival at port;
- Insufficient crew familiarization and training, particularly for emergency duties;
- Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHIP-OWNERS AND OPERATORS
To reduce the risk of PSC detention, ship-owners and operators should be strongly encouraged to:
- Conduct pre-arrival internal checks, focusing on:
- Fire safety systems
- Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
- ISM implementation
- Pollution prevention equipment
- Ensure all safety and emergency equipment is operational, tested, and readily available;
- Verify that crew are familiar with emergency duties and ship-specific procedures;
- Review and update statutory certificates, logs, and records prior to port entry;
- Pay particular attention to recurring PSC deficiency areas highlighted in this Circular and in PHRS PSC bulletins.
As a recognized organization, PHRS will continue to:
- Monitor PSC trends affecting ships classed and/or certified by PHRS;
- Share relevant information for awareness and preventive purposes through Technical Circulars, Newsletters, and PSC Bulletins;
- Support ship-owners and operators through technical guidance, clarification, and proactive engagement.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at psc@phrs.co.com
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter is issued to help surveyors identify serious deficiencies that could lead to PSC detention and ensure that the ship is safe to sail.
A ship may be detained when deficiencies are so serious that the PSCO must verify their rectification before the ship can sail.
Surveyors should pay particular attention to:
- Certificates & Crew: Valid statutory certificates, minimum safe manning and crew competence.
- Navigation: Charts, passage plan, bridge equipment and watchkeeping.
- Cargo Safety: Gas detection, alarms, ventilation and cargo monitoring.
- Engine Room: Emergency generator, emergency fire pump, quick-closing valves, OWS and oil leaks.
- Propulsion & Steering: Main engine, steering gear and emergency steering.
- Fire Safety: Fire pumps, fire lines, dampers, fixed firefighting systems and drills.
- Lifesaving Equipment: Lifeboats, liferafts, launching arrangements and drills.
- Pollution Prevention: OWS, ORB, sewage treatment plant and ballast water systems.
- Stability & Watertight Integrity: Overloading, damaged air pipes, defective doors, seals and alarms.
- GMDSS & Distress Communications: VHF, DSC, EPIRB and required radio records.
- Crew Welfare: Hours of Rest, food, sanitary facilities and health hazards.
- VDR: Operational status, data preservation and accident-reporting procedures.
Pay special attention to emergency equipment, critical alarms, oil leaks, corrosion, watertight integrity and crew competence.
Several deficiencies together may indicate a wider failure of maintenance or the Safety Management System (SMS).
Additional references:
PhRS Technical Circulars
- TC 322/26 | LISCR – Top 20 Detainable Deficiencies – December 2025
- TC 387/26 | PSC 3 monthly Concentrated Inspection Campaigns – July to September 2026
- TC 381/26 | Panama Maritime Authority - Procedure for Port State Control (PSC), 2025 amendments
- TC 369/26 | Paris MoU Port State Control Committee 2026 guidelines to PSCOs on inspection topics
- TC 365/26 | LISCR – Most Common Maritime Labor Convention, as amended (MLC 2006) Deficiencies during PSC Inspections
- TC 304/25 | LISCR - Most Common MARPOL Annex VI Deficiencies during PSC Inspections
PhRS Internal Memos
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com
1. INTRODUCTION
Recently, the Tokyo-MOU issued a press release announcing revisions to the performance calculation methods for Flag States and Recognized Organizations (ROs). These performance results will be used in the Tokyo-MOU's annual report and will serve as a core basis for the new National Inspection (NIR) mechanism to determine vessel risk profiles and conduct vessel selection inspections. This will have a significant impact on port state control vessel selection and the performance ratings of Flag States and classification societies in the Asia-Pacific region. Shipping companies, ship management companies, and classification societies need to pay close attention to these changes in the rules' timelines.
2. NEW FLAG STATE AND RO PERFORMANCE RATING CALCULATION METHOD.
PART 1
The new rules adopt a model that compares the detention rate with the regional average detention rate, and divide the flag state/RO performance into three levels: high, medium, and low.
Standardized grading criteria for routine samples (sufficient testing volume)
- Retention rate < regional average retention rate: performance level is high;
- Regional average retention rate ≤ retention rate < 2 times regional average retention rate: Performance level is medium;
- A retention rate ≥ 2 times the regional average retention rate: performance level is low.
Data statistics period
Generally, inspection retention data from the most recent three complete calendar years are used. There are special arrangements for the transition period in RO performance calculation: in the two years prior to the implementation of 2027 and 2027-2028 data, a complete three-year statistical cycle will not be performed.
Explanation of statistical definitions
For the same vessel, regardless of the number of detainable defects found during a single inspection, only one detention will be counted for the corresponding flag state or RO.
Small fleets/flag states with low inspection volumes, RO special handling rules
If the total number of inspections by the flag state or RO within the statistical period is lower than the critical inspection number (critical value = 100 ÷ regional average detention rate), a simplified judgment applies:
- No records of any delays during the statistical period → High performance;
- One instance of delay within the statistical period → Performance evaluation in progress;
- Two or more instances of being stranded within a statistical period → low performance.
3. KEY CONCEPT CHANGE: "RELATEDRO" REPLACES "RESPONSIBLERO".
PART 2
In calculating RO performance, the Tokyo memorandum will use Related RO instead of the original "Responsible RO" as the rating basis.
What is "Relevant RO"?
When an inspection reveals deficiencies that can be retained, and the most recent issuance or endorsement of that certificate was completed by a RO (Responsible Authorities), that RO is identified as the relevant RO for the deficiencies. Specific certificate matching relationships are based on the "Backgroundtable" published on the Tokyo Memorandum website.
Additional notes: Existing "Responsible RO" data will continue to be collected, but will only be used for internal business analysis within the Tokyo Memorandum and will no longer be used externally for RO performance calculation and rating.
4. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE (KEY MILESTONES)
PART 3
New rule data collection started: 2027-01-01
From January 1, 2027, for all initial PSC inspections, once a detainable defect is identified, the Port State Control Inspector (PSCO) will need to refer to the Background Table, select the statutory certificate associated with the defect, and complete the data entry and collection for the "Relevant RO".
The data collection process for flag states will remain unchanged.
Performance release and NIR ship selection activation schedule
Around May 1 each year, the Tokyo Memorandum releases updated flag state and RO performance results in its annual report; starting July 1 of the same year, this set of performance results is officially applied to the calculation of the NIR vessel risk profile under the new inspection mechanism, guiding member states in selecting vessels for inspection by their PSCs.
Initial Implementation Transition Arrangements (2027 Performance)
Flag State Performance Statistics: 2025-01-01 to 2027-12-31 (three-year cycle).
RO performance statistics: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027 (only single-year data is used during the first year of the transition period).
Performance to be publicly announced: Tokyo Memorandum Annual Report around May 2028.
Officially put into use for NIR vessel selection: 2028-07-01 and thereafter.
Note: For international vessels arriving at port after July 1, 2028, the risk will be calculated according to this new flag and RO performance algorithm, which will directly affect the probability of being selected for inspection by the PSC.
5. TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SHIPPING STAKEHOLDERS
PART 4
Ship management companies and ship owners:
Pay attention to changes in the ship's flag state and class RO performance rating, as the performance rating directly alters the ship's NIR risk attribute and affects the probability of PSC inspections at Asia-Pacific ports.
Classification societies (ROs):
Starting in 2027, certificate issuance/endorsement records will be directly linked to performance statistics to strengthen quality control in the issuance, renewal, and endorsement of statutory certificates and reduce delays caused by certificate-related defects.
International vessels arriving at port:
Conduct thorough pre-departure self-inspections, focusing on verifying the validity of legal certificates and preventing potential defects that could lead to delays.
PSC professionals:
Be familiar with the concept of "RelatedRO" and the requirements for using "Backgroundtable", and strictly follow the new requirements to complete the on-site inspection data entry starting in 2027.
Find the Press Release below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com
SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of the Notice on Conducting Special Safety Supervision for Ships Recently Entering Shanghai by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China (MSA), in view of the 9th China International Import Expo. The main points are:
1. Implementation Time and Region
- From October 25 to November 10, 2026, Chinese-flagged vessels intending to navigate, moor, or conduct operations in the waters between the Shanghai Huangpu River Minpu Bridge and Buoy 105 (hereinafter referred to as the controlled waters) shall carry out special self-inspections, submit special information reports, and undergo special safety inspections.
- From November 1 to November 10, 2026, foreign-flagged vessels intending to navigate, moor, or conduct operations in controlled waters shall undergo special security inspections.
2. Special Information Report on Ships Entering Shanghai
- Special information reports for ships entering Shanghai shall be submitted via the "Maritime Communication" (Haitong) APP (see the attachment for operational guidelines).
- Vessels departing from domestic ports to enter controlled waters shall submit a report before setting sail from the port of departure. If a vessel, after leaving the port, changes its destination port for any reason and proceeds to controlled waters, it shall submit a report before entering the controlled waters.
- Chinese-flagged international navigation vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters shall report before entering the controlled waters.
- Vessels that are permanently or long-term operating in controlled waters, including navigation and mooring, shall submit the aforementioned report by October 25. If there are any changes in the vessel or its crew information, a new report must be submitted.
3. Special Safety Inspection for Ships Entering Shanghai
- Vessels departing from domestic ports and entering controlled waters shall apply to the maritime administration of the port of departure for a special safety inspection of the vessel, correct any deficiencies as required, and pass re-inspection.
- Chinese-flagged international navigation vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters will undergo special safety inspections conducted by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration.
- Vessels that are permanently or long-term operating in controlled waters, including navigation and mooring, shall apply for a special safety inspection of the vessel to the maritime administration authority in their area before October 25.
- If a vessel undergoes any of the following circumstances after receiving a special safety inspection, it shall reapply for a special safety inspection to the maritime administration authority in its location:
- A water traffic accident of general or higher severity occurs;
- Major navigation and pollution prevention equipment malfunction;
- There are changes in crew information, or inspections reveal discrepancies between the content of special reports and actual conditions.
4. Special Inspection of Security for Vessels Entering Shanghai
- Foreign-flagged vessels departing from domestic ports and entering controlled waters shall undergo special security inspections conducted by the maritime administration of the port of departure.
- International vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters will be subject to special security inspections conducted by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration.
- If a vessel encounters any of the following circumstances after undergoing a special security inspection, it shall promptly report to the maritime administration authority in its area, and the maritime administration authority shall conduct a new special security inspection on the vessel:
- A water traffic accident of general or higher severity occurs;
- Major navigation and pollution prevention equipment malfunction;
- The crew information has changed.
5. Other Requirements
- Ship owners or operators should earnestly study and implement the requirements of this notice; Vessels must submit special information reports for ships entering Shanghai in accordance with regulations and are responsible for the completeness and authenticity of the report content; Vessels shall strictly conduct self-inspections in accordance with each item listed in the "Special Safety Self-Inspection Checklist for Vessels Entering Shanghai" (see attachment) and rectify all deficiencies before arriving at the port.
- Ships shall not carry "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-sized aerial vehicles" into controlled waters. If there are practical difficulties in disposing of them on-site and it is indeed necessary to carry them, the types, models, and quantities of the "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-sized aerial vehicles" carried should be reported in a special report, along with clear storage measures. The use of "low-altitude, slow-speed, small aerial vehicles" is strictly prohibited in the aforementioned water areas.
- Ships shall ensure that the shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radiotelephones remain turned on, accurately input relevant information, and maintain unobstructed communication on board. Vessels with AIS and VHF equipment that are not installed as required or are damaged shall not be allowed to enter controlled waters. If a ship's AIS and VHF equipment is damaged after entering a controlled water area, it should immediately report to the local maritime administration authority and comply with the supervision instructions of the maritime administration authority.
- Except in emergency situations involving the safety of vessels or the rescue of lives at sea, from October 25 to November 10, 2026, vessels shall not release any on-board small boats (including manned floating devices, workboats, lifeboats, rescue boats, submersibles, unmanned vessels, etc.) in controlled waters. If release is indeed necessary, it should be reported in advance to the local maritime administration.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com
(This supersedes and replaces Marine Operations Note: 05/2025)
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of Marine Operations Note: 07/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Operations Note informs that Port State Control inspections and PSC detentions continue to increase in Australia, China, Europe and the USA. The Administration has published the following MAs and MONs to assist you with the preparation of the vessels when visiting ports in the designated areas:
- MA 01/2021 - Precautions When Navigating Waters In And Around Changjiangkou, China
- MA 16/2022 - Shipboard Preparedness For Emergency Steering In Port Hedland
- MA 18/2022 - Electromechanical Equipment Malfunction Procedures For Shanghai
- MA 22/2026 - AMSA Marine Notice - Invalid Extensions of Statutory Certification
- MON 02/2021 - Australian Ports – Measures To Mitigate Port State Control Actions And Detentions
- MON 05/2021 - China Ports – Mandatory Reporting And Port State Control
- MON 06/2021 - Main Public Routes Along The Coast Of Zhejiang, People’s Republic Of China
- MON 06/2026 - Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist for Vessels arriving to Australia, China, Europe and USA.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com. or Liberian Registry at prevention@liscr.com
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of Marine Notice YHT-001 Rev. 09/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Notice informs the maritime industry that the Administration has adopted the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code, 2024 Edition. The Code shall apply to all units falling within its scope that are to be registered under the Liberian Flag.
The Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code is an international standard for the design, construction, and operation of large commercial and private yachts, developed to ensure safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com. or Liberian Registry at dutyofficer@liscr.com
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of Marine Advisory: 22/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Advisory provides information about the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) position on statutory certificate extensions granted or used contrary to applicable Convention and Code requirements. It provides practical measures for Liberian flagged vessels trading to Australia and for companies requesting or relying on such extensions.
AMSA Marine Notice states that a vessel found with statutory certification extended contrary to Convention or Code requirements may be detained during a port State control inspection. Any current or proposed extension affecting a vessel calling at an Australian port should therefore be reviewed immediately.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com. or Liberian Registry at prevention@liscr.com.
(Supersedes: Marine Notice ISM-001, dated 07/2024)
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of Marine Notice – ISM-001 Rev. 09/26 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Notice advises and provides guidelines to owners, operators, and masters of Liberian flagships concerning the Administration's requirements for compliance with the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code). These guidelines provide the Liberian National Requirements for Companies and vessels seeking ISM Code certification. They also contain the Administration's policies and interpretations regarding application and implementation of the ISM Code to ensure compliance with Liberian Maritime Regulation 2.35.
2. APPLICABILITY
This Notice is applicable to all Liberian passenger ships, including high speed craft, and all oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, cargo high speed craft, self-propelled MOUs, on an international voyage, and all other cargo ships of 500 gross tons or over.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com. or Liberian Registry at regsandstandards@liscr.com.
NL 437/26 | LISCR – Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist for Vessels arriving to Australia, China, Europe and USA
(This Note supersedes Marine Operations Note 04/2025)
SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of Marine Operations Note: 06/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Operations Note is to inform Liberian Vessel Operators of the Administration’s requirement to submit to NOA@liscr.com a pre-arrival deficiency checklist (RLM-258) 96 hours prior to arriving to ports in Australia, China, Europe and USA.
BACKGROUND
The Liberian Administration has noticed that there has been an increased number of detentions in Australia, China, Europe and e USA as vessels are arriving without preparation for a Port State Control inspection.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com. or Liberian Registry at prevention@liscr.com.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the Top 20 detainable deficiencies identified by the Liberian Registry for September 2026, based on recent Port State Control (PSC) statistics, and to enhance awareness on common root causes, preventive measures, and survey focus areas.
The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies (with codes) include:
- Auxiliary engine – 13102
- Propulsion main engine – 13101
- Maintenance of the ship and equipment – 15109
- Lifeboats – 11101
- Gauges, thermometers etc. – 13103
- Fire-dampers –7115
- Fire fighting equipment and appliances – 7110
- ISM – 15150
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing – 3108
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 7109
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Nautical Publications – 10116
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Fire Detection – 7106
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Closing devices/watertight doors – 2101
- Certificates ( Cra Not issued, RLM 258 checklist not filled, Overdue , ETC) – 01199
2. COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF PSC DETENTIONS
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
- Lack of effective onboard verification prior to arrival at port;
- Insufficient crew familiarization and training, particularly for emergency duties;
- Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHIP-OWNERS AND OPERATORS
To reduce the risk of PSC detention, ship-owners and operators should be strongly encouraged to:
- Conduct pre-arrival internal checks, focusing on:
- Fire safety systems
- Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
- ISM implementation
- Pollution prevention equipment
- Ensure all safety and emergency equipment is operational, tested, and readily available;
- Verify that crew are familiar with emergency duties and ship-specific procedures;
- Review and update statutory certificates, logs, and records prior to port entry;
- Pay particular attention to recurring PSC deficiency areas highlighted in this Circular and in PHRS PSC bulletins.
As a recognized organization, PHRS will continue to:
- Monitor PSC trends affecting ships classed and/or certified by PHRS;
- Share relevant information for awareness and preventive purposes through Technical Circulars, Newsletters, and PSC Bulletins;
- Support ship-owners and operators through technical guidance, clarification, and proactive engagement.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at psc@phrs.co.com