Tanzania – PSC Inspections and Detentions

C26014| 04 February 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Surveyors

The Zanzibar Maritime Authority has issued Circular No. FSI/03/2026, which entered into force on 03 February 2026 and details the actions required following Port State Control (PSC) Inspections and Detentions on Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) Registered Vessels.

Upon detention of a TZIRS-registered vessel, the Owner, Operator and the Recognised Organisation are to immediately notify TZIRS technical department (technical@zma.go.tz) to allow the Administration to evaluate the case and determine any additional actions required.

Points to Note:

Administrative Actions Based on Detention History

 First Detention

• Mandatory attendance of the Recognized Organization (RO) at the port of detention.
• A Special Flag State Inspection (FSI) may be required within two (2) months.
• Issuance of a formal warning to all relevant parties.

Second Detention (within 36 months)

• Mandatory attendance of the Recognized Organization at the detention port.
• An Additional ISM Audit of the Safety Management System of the Management Company (DOC) and/or the vessel (SMC) may be required.
• A Special Flag State Inspection (FSI) may be required within two (2) months.
• Issuance of a formal warning to all relevant parties.

Third Detention (within 24 months)

• Issuance of a notice of intention to cancel the vessel’s registration. The Owner is to apply for deletion within one month.
• Failure to process deletion within the prescribed period will result in cancellation ex officio.
• The relevant Port State Control (PSC) MoU Secretariat shall be notified.

If attendance by the RO is not possible at the detention port, prior authorization from TZIRS is required to attend the vessel at the next port of call.

Reporting and Rectification of Deficiencies

 All deficiencies identified during a Port State Control (PSC) inspection, regardless of whether the PSC inspection resulted in a detention or not, are to be communicated to the TZIRS Technical Department (technical@zma.go.tz) and include the following documentation:

• PSC Inspection Report (Forms A and B);
• List of deficiencies with corrective actions and proposed rectification dates, where rectification is not possible at the port of inspection;
• Action Report describing measures to avoid recurrence of similar deficiencies;
• Photographic evidence demonstrating rectification of each deficiency.

Where deficiencies lead to a detention, the above requirements must be accompanied by a General Examination Report issued by the RO after attendance onboard. This Report must contain details on the status and condition of the vessel and of all the deficiencies imposed, including photographs of the condition of the vessel and the deficiencies.

Responsibilities of Owners, Managers and Agents

Owners, Managers and Agents are responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Circular and those imposed by the RO, and for presenting the vessel for Special Flag State Inspections when required.

Enquiries on the circular should be directed to:

Director General and the Registrar of Ships, Zanzibar Maritime Authority,

P.O.BOX 401

Tel +255 24 2236795

Website: www.zma.go.tz

Email: technical@zma.go.tz

Act now

Ship Owners/Managers/Operators/Surveyors are to take note of the contents of the Circular and be guided accordingly.