Which category of vessels has the highest point deduction in the PSC Performance Indicator?

The category of vessels that has the highest point deduction in the Port State Control (PSC) Performance Indicator is tankers. This is due to the critical emphasis on safety and environmental protection associated with the operation of tankers, which are designed to transport liquids, including potentially hazardous or polluting substances.

The high level of scrutiny stems from the serious consequences that can result from a tanker’s failure, including oil spills or other types of pollution that can cause significant environmental damage. Regulatory bodies impose stringent safety standards and operational requirements on these vessels during inspections. Any deficiencies identified can lead to severe penalties and, thus, a significant loss of points in the Performance Indicator.

This heightened scrutiny is not necessarily as extreme for other vessel types, which may have different operational risks or regulatory expectations. For example, large cruise ships also have safety regulations, but the environmental risks they pose are typically not as high as those associated with tankers. Bulk carriers and fishing vessels do have their own points of concern but do not generally face the same level of point deductions in the PSC system as tankers do.

Therefore, the focus on tankers reflects the overarching priority given to preventing maritime incidents that could adversely impact the marine environment and public safety.