In the 1980s and 1990s the number of substandard ships increased significantly. This was seen  by many governments as a threat to life and environment. Therefore, the majority of IMO member Governments have agreed to use greater efforts to ensure compliance with IMO regulations that are in force in order to eliminate substandard ships.

The need for a more efficient Port State Control (PSC) was considered necessary to safeguard their ports and national waters. Consequently, regional agreements concerning Port State Control have been reached resulting in more effective Port State Control around the world.

DNV has developed this guide as a tool to assist ship masters, officers on board and ashore to achieve compliance with the requirements on safety and pollution protection and to be prepared for Port State Control inspections world wide. This is done through an increased awareness of preventive maintenance  as well as an increased understanding of PSC scope,  procedures and practice. This guide, which may be considered a supplement to ship's maintenance system, will guide those on board to have a better focus on preventive maintenance of main and critical areas on board that are normally in focus of Port State Control. By doing so, they should achieve compliance and be better prepared for PSC inspections.

We wish you good luck on the tour through this guide. Most of all, of course, we wish you good luck on your journey at sea.