A bulk freighter that is more than 10 years old is allotted 2 points on the safety Port State Control (PSC) matrix. This scoring reflects the increased scrutiny that older vessels often require regarding safety, compliance with international conventions, and overall condition due to the potential for wear and tear over time.
The PSC matrix is designed to assess the safety of vessels visiting ports, and older vessels are recognized as potentially having more safety issues due to factors like outdated technology, corrosion, and maintenance challenges. By assigning a point value, the PSC matrix encourages the owners and operators of older vessels to maintain higher safety standards and keep up with regulatory requirements.
Understanding the scoring in the PSC matrix can help industry professionals and maritime operators ensure their vessels remain compliant and safe, thereby reducing the risk of port state control detentions and fines.