Free PSC Self-Inspection Checklist

Catch the findings before the PSCO does.

A practical Port State Control readiness aid for masters, officers, DPAs, QHSE managers, and superintendents who want to find avoidable gaps before external inspection.

Structured by inspection area, the way PSC checks often unfold in practice
Built to help surface small gaps before they become expensive problems
Useful on board, useful ashore, and easy to forward up the chain

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Done. Your checklist is ready.

Open the checklist now. If it helps, forward it to your DPA or QHSE lead.

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A separate founding opportunity

A limited number of senior maritime professionals from participating organisations may subsequently be considered for one of nine positions on the ARDS Maritime Founding Panel. Panel appointment is separate from pilot selection and is not guaranteed.

Nine founding positions

Selected for professional standing, operational judgement and the ability to influence ARDS at the point of formation.

View the Founding Operator Pilot

Learn about the ARDS Maritime Founding Panel

Who it is for

This checklist works at both ends of the gangway: for vessel personnel checking readiness directly, and for shore-side teams trying to surface the real inspection picture early.

Masters & officersUse it as a practical walk-round and record check before inspection.

DPAsUse it as a fast reality check on what the vessel can actually evidence.

QHSE managersUse it to structure preparation, close gaps, and improve inspection discipline.

Smaller operatorsUseful where there is no large shore-based compliance department behind the vessel.

What it covers

Seven core readiness areas plus a final ten-point walk-round focused on the things people miss.

Certificates & documentation

Statutory certificates, endorsements, safe manning alignment, officer documentation, and on-board SMS records.

Life-saving appliances

Lifeboats, liferafts, HRUs, pyrotechnics, muster lists, and drill evidence.

Fire safety

Fire doors, dampers, alarms, fixed systems, extinguishers, firefighter equipment, and escape routes.

Pollution prevention

Oil Record Book, OWS, garbage records, sewage arrangements, fuel records, and ballast-water consistency.

MLC & the human element

Hours of rest, SEAs, medicals, wages, welfare, and complaint procedures.

Navigation & ISM

Charts, bridge equipment, passage plans, GMDSS, SMS accessibility, maintenance evidence, and NCR close-out.

Why this matters

PSC problems rarely start with one dramatic failure. They usually start in the smaller gaps: expired drill evidence, blocked routes, inconsistent records, weak document control, or a crew that cannot quickly find the right procedure.

The point of this checklist is simple: find those gaps before someone external does.

If you are crew and this helps, send it to your DPA or QHSE lead.
Good readiness often starts with someone on board who cared enough to pass the problem up before inspection day.

Need more than a checklist?

The free checklist helps you find gaps. The next step is a more structured readiness workflow for teams that need to prepare faster and evidence better before inspection.

PSC Inspection AI Readiness Kit

For companies and vessels that need more than a one-page reminder, the PSC Inspection AI Readiness Kit is the next step.

View the PSC Inspection AI Readiness Kit

AI-assisted does not remove the need for competent review. It helps structure preparation, not replace responsibility.