Port State Control (PSC) inspections are a fact of life in the maritime world — and they’re getting tougher. With rising detention rates, unpredictable inspection criteria, and mounting pressure on crew performance, preparing for a PSC visit can feel like navigating a minefield, says Kaiko Systems.
In 2024 alone, over 73,000 PSC inspections were conducted globally, with a growing detention rate now over 3%. For vessel operators, a failed inspection can mean costly detentions, delayed cargo, reputational damage, and a hit to operational performance.
Despite the stakes, PSC preparation is still largely manual. Many ship operators rely on generic checklists, emails, spreadsheets, and time-consuming back-and-forth between ship and shore. This disjointed process places a huge burden on already stretched crews and leaves little room for proactive action. It also increases the likelihood of human error, missed deficiencies, and, ultimately, detentions.
That’s why Kaiko Systems and Risk4Sea have joined forces to launch a dynamic, mobile-first digital solution — designed from the ground up to help crews and shore teams take control of PSC preparation. This joint solution combines Kaiko Systems’ advanced data collection and frontline intelligence platform with Risk4Sea’s deep database of prioritized PSC risks, offering a fully tailored and predictive approach to port inspection compliance.
How It Works:
• Real-Time Risk Profiling: As soon as a vessel updates its next port call via AIS, the system automatically pulls real-time PSC intelligence from Risk4Sea — identifying trends, top deficiencies, and inspection risks specific to that port.
• Tailored Checklists Based on Real Risk Data: Based on vessel type, MoU region, past deficiencies, and port history, a custom checklist is generated — with high-risk items prioritised to focus crew attention where it matters most.
• Mobile-First Execution: The checklist is sent directly to the ship via Kaiko’s mobile app, complete with guided steps, offline capability, and pre-filled best practice answers. No more juggling emails or clunky spreadsheets.
• Fleet-Wide Visibility for Shore Teams: Onshore managers get a real-time dashboard view of the entire fleet’s readiness. Any red flags are instantly visible, and corrective actions can be tracked within the same system.
• AI-Powered Analysis and Continuous Learning: The platform uses AI to flag anomalies, predict detention risks, and generate trend-based insights for continuous operational improvement.
Why It Matters?:
• 52% fewer failed inspections thanks to prioritised preparation.
• Elimination of Excel-based workflows, freeing up time for crews and technical teams.
• Improved morale by reducing crew stress and preventing blame culture.
• Fleet-wide transparency, empowering ship-shore collaboration like never before.