6/24 – Checks on Board

With its practical “Checks on Board” checklists, the German Flag offers shipping companies operating German-flagged seagoing vessels practical assistance in preparing, above all, for port state control inspections abroad. The goal of these checklists is to improve the performance of individual ships and the fleet operated by the respective shipping company and to proactively prevent deficiencies from being identified during inspections.

“Checks on Board” is a service offered by the German Flag and has no obligations for shipping companies or crews – the results of the checks remain internal to the shipping company. The checklists are intended equally for ship’s officers and shipping company inspectors ashore, in-line with the core principle of the ISM Code that shipboard and shore-based operations should be closely integrated.

The various editions of “Checks on Board” always follow the same structure: The first part contains a checklist on the respective topic, and the second part includes explanations and the legal basis. In terms of content, “Checks on Board” cover the entire scope of ship operations, ranging from ship safety and marine environmental protection to the working and living conditions of seafarers.

The “PSC Awareness” newsletter, published several times a year, is another ISM prevention service offered by the German Flag: Each two-page issue provides an overview of the current Paris MoU performance of German-flagged ships, Paris MoU news, and particularly noteworthy deficiencies identified during port state control inspections in the preceding weeks.

In addition, the newsletter provides shipping companies and crews with practical tips for upcoming port state inspections. Each issue focuses on a specific aspect that has recently seen a high number of non-compliances.

The various issues of “Checks on board” and “PSC Awareness” can be found at www.deutsche-flagge.de/en/support/shipowners.