This code was identified in 4,547 inspections, representing 6% of the 75,168 inspections conducted during CY2025, and it was responsible for 331 detentions as a detainable deficiency.

Specifically, this code appeared:

• Once in 4,228 inspections – 99.25% of PSC inspections where this deficiency was recorded.
• Twice in 32 inspections – 0.75% of PSC inspections where this deficiency was recorded.
• In 643 of the 1,359 ports with PSC inspections during 2025. 

Since PSC Officers assess all ship systems to ensure enhanced safety, deficiency profiles vary across ship segments. Bulk carriers, general cargo ships, tankers, LNG/LPG carriers, and container ships constitute the majority of the fleet.

Other ship types (vehicle carriers, offshore vessels, Ro-Pax, etc.) are excluded due to their relatively small share of the global fleet. Code 15150 – ISM is also excluded, as it is not considered a standalone deficiency code.

As shown in Table 1, there are both similarities and differences among the top five deficiency codes for the main ship segments:

1. 07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions is among the top five in all segments and is the most common deficiency code for CY2025. Most issues relate to maintenance: water tightness, rusted handles, doors blocked in the open position, and similar items. Effective onboard maintenance can significantly reduce findings.
2. 11101 – Lifeboats is the second most common deficiency code. Lifeboats involve multiple technical issues (water tightness, engines, provisions, inventory) and operational issues (launching, testing, marking, drills). Lifeboats must always be in excellent condition, as they are the primary means of abandon ship and rescue.
3. 04103 – Emergency lighting, batteries, and switches was among the top three for three out of five segments. This item is less predictable, but a thorough maintenance plan and structured inspection schedule can help crews stay on top of issues. 

During CY2025, there were 451 deficiency codes responsible for 12,017 detainable deficiencies, leading to 2,569 detentions. The most common detainable deficiency was 11101 – Lifeboats, responsible for 353 detentions. (Again, Code 15150 – ISM is excluded; it was marked detainable 686 times.)

According to Table 2, three of the top five detainable codes are related to fire safety:

• 07109 – Fixed fire extinguishing installation
• 07106 – Fire detection and alarm system
• 07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions

Although the global PSC regime conducted two Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (2012, 2024) on fire safety, these issues persist.

Table 1: Most common deficiencies per Ship main Segment – Source: RISK4SEA

Table 2: Most common Detainable Deficiencies per Ship main Segment – Source: RISK4SEA

How to avoid deficiencies and detentions

Predicting deficiency codes without robust analytics and feedback is extremely difficult. Of the 588 deficiency codes available to PSC Officers in CY2025, all were used at least once, and 451 were marked detainable at least once. This demonstrates that relying on generic preparation checklists or standard global codes is often insufficient for every port.

 

The key question remains: How can ship managers or operators properly prepare vessels to avoid failures and detentions?

 

The most effective approach is port-specific preparation based on risk assessment. This should consider:

• The port’s historical deficiency profile for the relevant ship segment
• The ship’s PSC inspection history
• The managing company’s PSC performance
   

By combining these factors, operators and managers can develop a Ship/Port/Manager-specific checklist, prioritizing applicable codes and preparation measures based on accurate statistical analysis. This method enables vessels to be properly prepared for inspections at each port, rather than relying on generic assumptions.