New elearning course helps seafarers understand the importance of Port State Control inspections

Marlins, V.Group’s elearning business, has launched a new elearning course, which aims to provide seafarers at all levels with the practical skills to prepare for a Port State Control (PSC) inspection.

With Port State Control inspections taking place worldwide, each maritime authority checks around 25 per cent of visiting vessels. Originating from the Netherlands, the aim of PSC inspections is to ensure shipboard living and working conditions meets the internationally agreed requirements.

Every year, each PSC region features a concentrated inspection campaign, which runs for three months from September to November. The focus is related to where high levels of deficiencies have been encountered by PSC officers or where new Convention requirements have recently entered into force. The campaign inspection runs alongside existing inspections. The focus from 1 September is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) looking at living and working conditions, accommodation, hours of work and rest/food for example.

Catherine Logie, Marlins manager says: “The key to successful inspections is adequate preparation, which is often overlooked; some crews just hope it will be alright on the day. We know from seafarers’ feedback, they often feel ill-prepared and this can be a source of unnecessary stress for them. We very much view PSC inspections as an important element in assuring the health of fleets; the course helps crew understand how to prepare and why it’s important, for their own personal welfare, to meet the requirements at all times – not just when visiting a port.”

Marlins is offering a combined elearning package for both the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and PSC inspections. These are available individually or as part of the Marlins eLearning Suite for Seafarers.