The DNV Guide to port state control

DNV’s main objective is to safeguard life, property and protect the marine environment. The best way of improving safety and the marine environment is to ensure compliance with the international regulations which have been adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
In the 1980s and 1990s the number of substandard ships increased significantly This was seen by many governments as a threat to life and environment. Therefore, the majority of IMO member Governments have agreed to use greater efforts to ensure compliance with IMO regulations that are in force in order to eliminate substandard ships. The need for a more efficient Port State Control (PSC) was considered necessary to safeguard their ports and national waters. Consequently, regional agreements concerning Port State Control have been reached resulting in more effective Port State Control around the world.