If PSC findings indicate non-conformities, what may be issued to the ship?

• A. A formal report detailing the non-conformities
• B. A maintenance log entry
• C. A port state control audit report
• D. A detention order with a formal report

Answer: (D)

When port state control inspectors find serious deficiencies, they can take a strong enforcement step to protect safety and the environment: issue a detention order that prevents the ship from sailing until the problems are corrected and verified on a re-inspection. This detention is issued together with a formal report listing the non-conformities so the ship’s owner and master know exactly what must be addressed. The detention reflects the ship’s removal from service until compliance is achieved, rather than just making a routine record or an internal audit document.

A maintenance log entry is only a record-keeping note and does not stop operations. A port state control audit report is an assessment document, not an enforcement action issued to the ship. A formal report detailing non-conformities could exist, but the key action that may be issued to the ship to enforce compliance and allow release is the detention order paired with the formal report.