1.7.1 Bulk carrier: While noting the definitions in SOLAS 1974, regulations IX/1.6
and XII/1.1 and resolution MSC.277(85), for the purposes of port State control, PSCOs should
be guided by the ship’s type indicated in the ship’s certificates in determining whether a ship
is a bulk carrier and recognize that a ship which is not designated as a bulk carrier as the ship
type on the ship certificate may carry certain bulk cargo as provided for in the above
instruments.
1.7.2 Clear grounds: Evidence that the ship, its equipment, or its crew do not correspond
substantially with the requirements of the relevant conventions or that the master or crew
members are not familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to the safety of ships or
the prevention of pollution. Examples of clear grounds are included in section 2.4.
1.7.3 Deficiency: A condition found not to be in compliance with the requirements of the
relevant convention.
1.7.4 Detention: Intervention action taken by the port State when the condition of the ship
or its crew does not correspond substantially with the relevant conventions to ensure that the
ship will not sail until it can proceed to sea without presenting a danger to the ship or persons
on board, or without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment,
whether or not such action will affect the normal schedule of the departure of the ship.
1.7.5 Initial inspection: A visit on board a ship to check the validity of the relevant
certificates and other documents, the overall condition of the ship, its equipment and its crew
(see also section 2.2).
1.7.6 More detailed inspection: An inspection conducted when there are “clear grounds”,
as defined under paragraph 1.7.2.
1.7.7 Nearest appropriate and available repair yard: A port where follow-up action can
be taken, and it is in, or closest to, the port of detention or the port where the ship is authorized
to proceed taking into account the cargo on board.
1.7.8 Port State control officer (PSCO): A person duly authorized by the competent
authority of a Party to a relevant convention to carry out port State control inspections, and
responsible exclusively to that Party.
1.7.9 Recognized organization (RO): An organization which meets the relevant conditions
set forth in the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code) (MSC.349(92) and
MEPC.237(65)) and has been assessed and authorized by the flag State Administration in
accordance with provisions of the RO Code to provide the necessary statutory services and
certification to ships entitled to fly its flag.
1.7.10 Stoppage of an operation: Formal prohibition against a ship to continue an operation
due to an identified deficiency or deficiencies which, singly or together, render the continuation
of such operation hazardous.
1.7.11 Substandard ship: A ship whose hull, machinery, equipment or operational safety is
substantially below the standards required by the relevant convention or whose crew is not in
conformity with the safe manning document.
1.7.12 Valid certificates: A certificate that has been issued, electronically or on paper,
directly by a Party to a relevant convention or on its behalf by an RO, contains accurate and
effective dates, meets the provisions of the relevant convention and to which the particulars of
the ship, its crew and its equipment correspond.