Annual PSC Report 2023

May 2024

INTRODUCTION

Dromon Bureau of Shipping (DromonClass) has completed 20 years of growth and has established itself as a reliable Recognized Organization and Classification Society by adhering to International Regulations and ensuring vessels follow all required provisions.

DromonClass has grown through the years and gained experience in marine-related fields, through continuous efforts by all its personnel, and good collaboration with Clients. This has enabled insights and direct support to vessels, to improve matters related to the protection of the marine environment, crew, and maritime safety as well as to ship seaworthiness and proper maintenance.

Using technology along with various streams of information, DromonClass evaluates data and offers solutions to ISM Managers and Operators to prepare their fleet for upcoming Port State Control Inspections.

DromonClass’s commitment to PSC preparedness, spearheaded by the Marine Division’s culture of continuous vessel improvement, has demonstrably reduced detention rates and grown the fleet.

Following last year’s analysis and data gathering, an in-depth study was conducted from both qualitative and quantitative standpoints. PSC Inspections in the Paris, Black Sea, Mediterranean, Abuja, Indian, and Tokyo MoUs were evaluated. From these reports statistics and outcomes were constructed that are constantly monitored and implemented during Preventive initiatives, annual surveys, and audits. Regarding the number of vessels that DromonClass performed Class and Statutory surveys/audits on, the previous year’s increasing trend continues. The growth of the Dromon Fleet has led to more inspections, resulting in an increased number of deficiencies onboard the fleet. However, the ratio between inspections and detentions has reduced.

In the following pages, DromonClass fleet statistics are presented both numerically and graphically. An explanation of important aspects is provided, and key topics are mentioned.

INSPECTIONS AND DEFICIENCIES

Inspections and detentions in the Paris, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Tokyo, Abuja, and Indian MoUs are used for data gathering and analysis. Dromon also records and evaluates all PSC Reports in other MoUs but conducts analysis and takes decisions based on the 6 main MoUs, where most Inspections are recorded.

The steady increase in inspections over the last years for vessels holding DromonClass Certification is displayed in the below graph. In 2023 a total of 912 Inspections were recorded across the 6 main MoUs, from which 845 are unique inspections. The 67 duplicate inspections result from the fact that some Ports belong to more than one MoU jurisdiction. The 2023 Inspections increased by almost 20% compared to 2022, while compared to 2020, there is an increase of almost 37%. Throughout the last 4 years, there has been a steady increase in inspections during 2020-2022 and a spike in 2023, with more than 150 Technical Publication 5 additional Inspections compared to the previous year.

Despite the Increased number of Inspections, the Detention Ratio of vessels has decreased compared to last year. Efforts to improve the vessels’ preparedness, as well as the implementation of Maritime Regulations, have contributed to this Detention Ratio reduction. The figure of 4.50% during 2020 indicates a margin for further improvement. But it is understood that when the Detention Ratio is already at a small percentage, any effort to further improve and reduce it will have a small impact on the overall Detention Ratio having also in mind the large number of Inspections.

Another measurable KPI is the number of Paris MoU inspections over the years. In the 4 years displayed below, it is important to note the increase from 2020 to 2023. The number of inspections peaked in 2021 at 206. However, the fleet has grown from 2021 and therefore so has the number of vessels calling in Paris MoU. It is important to note that the vessels’ profiles in the Paris MoU have changed to Standard Risk, meaning they are inspected once per year. The change of vessels’ profile also indicates the overall improvement of the fleet.

The total number of detainable deficiencies in the last 3 years has decreased. As indicated below, from 2021 to 2023 there was a year-by-year decrease in the total detainable deficiencies identified during detentions. From 2021 to 2022 there was a decrease of about 27% and from 2022 to 2023 there was a further decrease of about 12%. The reduction in total detainable deficiencies is accompanied by a decrease in findings per inspection and is a result of the efforts to reduce the probability of detention due to better preparedness.

SUMMARY OF DETAINABLE DEFICIENCIES

Through the initial evaluation of any vessel wishing to have DromonClass Certification and following the Dromon Transfer of Certification procedure, each vessel is assessed as to its previous PSC Inspection history and potential risk. In this way, Dromon quickly identifies areas of deficiencies that may cause future problems with the vessel’s condition and seaworthiness and as a result, the risk of Detention.

The graph below illustrates the percentage of detainable deficiencies by area and is ranked based on the frequency of their occurrence in the DromonClass fleet in 2023.

Based on the 2023 evaluations, “Safety of Navigation” had the highest percentage of detainable deficiencies at 15%. “Fire Safety” also had frequent observations over the past few years and has a detainable impact accounting for 13%.

The areas with the highest detainable ratios are presented below along with the percentage of their occurrence:

• Safety of Navigation
• Fire Safety
• Certificate & Documentation – Ship Certificates
• Life-Saving Appliances
• Propulsion and auxiliary machinery

These areas account for 52% of the total detainable deficiencies compared to 59% in 2022. This reduction of 7% is distributed throughout the other 23 deficiency areas.

The overall reduction in all 23 areas was 13.5%, indicating an overall relative reduction in detainable findings. In absolute numbers, this corresponds to 244 detainable findings in 2023 compared to 282 in 2022.

Comparing the Top 5 detainable findings for 2023, as shown in the below table, a reduction of 22 findings is observed, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 15%.

This 15% reduction in the Top 5 detainable areas compared to the 13.5% overall reduction in all 23 detainable areas indicates the effort to average out the detainable areas.

Notably, 3 of the top 5 detainable areas for 2023 are the same as in 2022. These areas are:

• Safety of Navigation,
• Fire Safety, and
• Life-Saving Appliances,

These all have reduced appearances in the Analysis. The new area of “Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery” also has a relative reduction from 2022. The new Area of “Certificates and Documentation-Ship Certificates” has almost doubled and is now 3rd in the top detainable areas.

In 2022 the two areas of “Structural Conditions” with 26 recordings, and “Emergency Systems” with 19 recordings are no longer in the Top 5 Areas. Efforts to contain and minimize these areas around the general average have paid off.

DromonClass has developed a Treemap chart based on the frequency of deficiencies to identify significant detainable remarks. The chart indicates that the five areas mentioned earlier are critical and can cause detention. The areas of detainable deficiencies are represented in the chart in proportionate size compared to their frequency.

All detainable deficiencies have been sorted and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of overall ship detention remarks. The table below identifies the top categories for grounds for detention during PSC inspections.

Below, the Items of the 5 Top Detainable Areas are illustrated graphically.

Safety of Navigation

n this deficiency area, the most detainable deficiencies can be identified in terms of occurrence. Most, if not all deficiency items below could have been identified and eliminated before the PSC Inspection. More notably, “Charts” are attributable to 33% of Safety of Navigation deficiencies, followed by VDR/SVDR at 17%. Charts should be properly and promptly prepared by the Navigating Officer while issues identified with VDR/SVDR should be reported as soon as they are noticed, for prompt action.
Voyage or Passage Plans need to be prepared and Nautical Publications should be updated and on board. Echo sounder issues should be treated with caution, similar to VDR/SVDR. The last-mentioned deficiency items each account for 11% of the Safety of Navigation area and therefore a combined 33%.

Fire Safety

Similar to the “Safety of Navigation” area, one deficiency item stands out compared to all others in the “Fire Safety” area. This is “Fire Detection and Alarm Systems” at 22%. It is followed by “Fixed Fire Extinguishing Installation” at 13%. “Ventilation” along with “Fire Doors/Openings in Fire-resisting divisions” hold each a 9% share. If planned maintenance systems for “Fire Safety and Fire Fighting” are followed this deficiency area can be contained. There is therefore an area of improvement from the Manager’s side as well as from the Crews to avoid detentions. Dromon is continuously striving to support and prevent this along with other areas identified as critical.

Certificate & Documentation – Ship Certificates

Regarding Ship Certificates, it is observed that Managers/Owners often neglect to have original certificates onboard. The top deficiency item in the “Ship Certificates” area is the Document of Compliance with the largest share of the deficiency area at 21%. Safety Management Certificates follow at 13%. Detainable remarks have been also identified in a wide range of Certificates, the majority of which have been missing on board.

Life-Saving Appliances

Similarly to the “Fire Safety” area, “Life-Saving Appliances” deficiencies can be kept to a minimum by following the planned maintenance system. The most frequent deficiencies are observed in “Rescue boats” and “Launching arrangements for Rescue boats” at 25% and 15% respectively. At 15% also, are “Lifebuoys including provision and disposition”. At 10% “Lifeboats” and “Inflatable life-rafts” can be found.

Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery

Under Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery, not that many defective Items were identified in the Detainable Deficiencies for 2023. However, a cluster of numerous defective Items is observed around the “Auxiliary Engines” at 40%. Another 40% is attributed evenly to “Propulsion main engine” and “Gauges, thermometers, etc.” Proper maintenance and regular checks should be made by the Chief Engineer and Crew on all systems onboard to ensure the proper operation and sound condition of the
machinery and equipment.

COMPARISON OF PSC INSPECTION OUTCOMES

The chart below shows the percentage of detainable deficiencies found during inspections conducted by the Paris, Black Sea, Mediterranean, Abuja, Indian, and Tokyo MOUs between 2021 and 2023.

The 23 areas of defective items are shown year by year, comparing the last 3-year weights of each category. The average target weight is 4.3%. This target, if achieved for all deficiencies, indicates that all detainable items have the same numerical occurrence and that all areas are treated as equal. This is difficult to achieve, therefore Dromon’s efforts are diverted to areas of extreme deviation from this target and to areas that have had a notable change.

The top 5 deficiency areas for 2023, 2022, and 2021 can be observed from the graph. For 2023, areas fluctuating around the 4.3% target maintain their low percentage share. The extreme areas of “Fire Safety”, “Safety of Navigation”, and “Life-Saving Appliances”, are reduced compared to 2022. It is also worth mentioning that during 2023, a CIC on Fire Safety was performed by Paris and Tokyo MoUs, but proper preparation of the fleet has not only managed to maintain last year’s percentage share and numerical occurrence but also managed to decrease both factors.

Ships certificates, as well as planned maintenance systems in “Life Saving Appliances” and “Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery”, have margins for improvement in the upcoming years.

Overall, proper planning, thorough preparation for PSC inspections, organized inspections on board the DromonClass fleet, and the effective use of data have contributed to a reduction in detainable deficiencies.

DROMON CIC ON MOST FREQUENT DEFICIENCIES

Dromon Bureau of Shipping has decided to implement a Concentrated Inspection Campaign to target specific items that appear most frequently on PSC Reports and during detentions. A specific checklist has been developed to enhance the compliance and readiness of the vessel, which should be completed by DBS Surveyors during their attendances on board. This comprehensive and targeted checklist will be checked from 17th April to 15th July 2024.

The outcomes of the campaign will be evaluated against the Inspections, and the effectiveness will be assessed.

2024 CIC OF PARIS AND TOKYO MOUs

The Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Annual Report states that a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Crew Wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements under MLC will be conducted in 2024. DromonClass will notify all relevant parties about the requirements of this CIC and provide additional guidance by issuing a Circular along with a questionnaire.

For more information, please email psc@dromon.com
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