The US Coast Guard’s Port State Control 2016 Annual Report has been released by the Foreign and Offshore Compliance Division of the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, mentioning a decrease in detentions from 202 to 103, its lowest through the last five years.
The foresaid report provides key statistics related to the enforcement of regulations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
Vessel Arrivals and Examinations Increased, Detentions Decreased
In 2016, a total of 9,859 individual vessels, from 83 different flag administrations, made 81,877 port calls to the United States. The Coast Guard conducted 9,390 SOLAS safety exams and 8,818 ISPS exams on these vessels. The total number of ships detained in 2016 for environmental protection and safety related deficiencies decreased from 202 to 103. The total number of ships detained in 2016 for security related deficiencies slightly decreased from 11 to 8.
Flag Administration Safety and Security Performance
Flag administration safety performance for 2016 increased, with the overall annual detention rate dropping from 2.18% to 1.09%. The three-year rolling detention ratio also decreased from 1.67% to 1.63%. The flag administrations of Honduras and Malta were both removed from our Targeted Flag List. Flag administration security performance for 2016 increased as well, with the annual Control Action Ratio (CAR) decreasing from 0.13% to 0.09%. The three-year rolling average CAR has remained steady at 0.11%. Additionally, the flag administrations of Egypt, Honduras, and Tanzania were all removed from ISPS/MTSA targeted matrix.
Detention Appeals
In addition to receiving appeals contesting the overall merits of a detention, we also receive appeals requesting the removal of a party’s association to a detention. In 2016, Coast Guard Headquarters received a total of 13 detention appeals. Four appeals were submitted challenging the overall merits of the detention. All four were denied. For those parties appealing their association with a detention, nine total, all nine were granted.
The Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance further announced the QUALSHIP 21 E-Zero Program, which officially commences July 1, 2017.
Specifically, E-Zero indicates a vessel has zero environmental deficiencies or violations and is a new addition to the existing QUALSHIP 21 program, which has been in place for over 15 years worldwide. The E-Zero designation will be awarded to QUALSHIP 21 ships that have consistently adhered to environmental compliance, while also demonstrating an immense commitment to environmental stewardship, above and beyond the QUALSHIP 21 criteria.
The QUALSHIP 21 program as a whole remains voluntary and is aimed at recognizing foreign ships that have demonstrated the highest commitment to maintaining strict compliance with U.S. and international safety, security and environmental regulations.
All existing QUALSHIP 21 ships due for renewal between July 1 and December 1, 2017 will be automatically screened for eligibility. For all other QUALSHIP 21 ships that presently meet the E-Zero criteria, we welcome shipping companies to submit applications in order to have the E-Zero designation added to current certificates for reissuance.
Present Incentives for QUALSHIP 21 Vessels VS New Incentives For QUALSHIP 21/E-Zero Vessels
Present Incentives for QUALSHIP 21 Vessels
All Vessels
- QUALSHIP 21 enrollment valid for 3 years.
- Vessel name posted on U.S. Coast Guard website & EQUASIS.
Tank Vessels
- Certificate of Compliance (COC) annual examination reduced in scope. (For tank vessels,
the COC annual examination occurs at the mid-period of the COC’s two-year validity.)
Freight Vessels
- Three years of limited Port State Control (PSC) oversight.
Passenger Vessels
- No reduced PSC examination, but vessel will receive QUALSHIP 21 certificate and recognition on the QUALSHIP 21 web page & EQUASIS.
New Incentives For QUALSHIP 21/E-Zero Vessels
All Vessels
- Special recognition denoted on QUALSHIP 21 certificate
- Vessel name posted on U.S. Coast Guard website & EQUASIS.
Tank Vessels
- Vessel permitted to conduct cargo operations within six months of both the COC annual examination due date and the COC expiration date. OCMIs must, at a minimum, must verify cargo-specific statutory documents (e.g., IOPP, International Certificate of Fitness) and confirm all cargo systems are operational with the master prior to allowing cargo operations. Tank vessels must still receive a full COC renewal examination prior to the issuance of the COC and the vessel’s departure from the Captain of the Port Zone.
Passenger Vessels
- Reduced scope for the environmental portion of the examination during COC periodic examinations.
Further details may be found in the Annual Report herebelow
You may also read the E-Zero Pamphlet
Source & Image credit: USCG