The Shipping Lawyer

Episode 5: Flagged and Detained - Port State Control


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Flagged and Detained: Port State Control in Action

What happens when a ship doesn’t meet international standards? In this episode, we dive into the world of Port State Control (PSC) — the safety net that keeps substandard ships out of our waters.

We explore:

  • What Port State Control is, and why it exists

  • The role of the Tokyo MOU in the Asia-Pacific region

  • Common ship deficiencies and why they matter

  • Spirit of Tasmania detention in Singapore

  • Why even high-profile vessels aren’t above inspection

Through a legal and practical lens, I break down how PSC works, what happens during inspections, and what it means when a vessel is detained — from rusty tankers to ferries in the national spotlight.

If you're a shipping professional, law student, or just curious about how maritime regulation plays out in the real world — this one's for you.

  • Tokyo MOU Official Site

  • AMSA Detention Reports


  • Definitions:

    MARPOL: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

    SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

    STCW: Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers

    MLC: Maritime Labour Convention 2006

  • 👩‍⚖️ The Shipping Lawyer is available on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your maritime fix.
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    DM me on LinkedIn or drop your question at [email protected].


    Note: This podcast is not legal advice


    p.s Yes, some of the pronunciations may need some work - apologies!

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    The Shipping LawyerBy Alison Cusack