Banned on Board: Items That’ll Get Your Ship Detained

Ships still carry legacy and industrial materials that fall under global hazardous substance bans. These substances not only pose a direct health or fire hazard but can lead to immediate detention if discovered during a PSC inspection. Many violations stem from outdated ship systems or a lack of awareness regarding updated restrictions.

• Asbestos in pipe insulation, gaskets, brake linings (banned under SOLAS Ch. II-1 Regulation 3-5).
• Mercury thermometers and barometers, especially in older engine room equipment.
• Expired or leaking chemicals used for cleaning or machinery maintenance.
• Lead-based paint or materials with high lead content (common on older vessels).
• PCB-containing transformers or capacitors (prohibited under MARPOL Annex I & Basel Convention).

• SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea Convention
• IMO Guidelines for Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
• Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste
• EU Ship Recycling Regulation (for flagged EU vessels or those calling at EU ports)

• Unmarked hazardous materials are considered a serious safety risk.
• Improper stowage or lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) violates MARPOL.
• Presence of asbestos, even if sealed, requires documentation and may restrict port access.

• Maintain an up-to-date Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for every vessel.
• Label and isolate any legacy systems containing asbestos until they are replaced.
• Audit all thermometers, paints, and chemicals before PSC-inspected ports.

Bottom line: Many hazardous materials are hidden in older systems and overlooked during normal operations. But during inspection, they can trigger immediate red flags. A thorough hazardous material inventory and compliance plan isn't optional — it's insurance against costly delays and potential blacklisting.

Customs and port authorities treat undeclared or misdeclared cargo as a serious offense. Whether intentional or accidental, failing to accurately list or describe cargo can lead to suspicion of smuggling, security violations, or customs evasion. This is one of the most common causes of port delays and cargo holds.

• Electronics such as laptops, phones, or satellite equipment not listed on the manifest.
• Alcohol or tobacco brought by crew in excess of allowed quantities or hidden in non-crew areas.
• Firearms, ammunition, or weapon components, especially on private or multi-use vessels.
• Drones, surveillance gear, or encrypted communications devices entering sensitive regions.
• Containers labeled incorrectly or mismarked (e.g., "machinery parts" instead of lithium batteries).

• ISPS Code – International Ship and Port Facility Security
• Customs declarations under national and regional law (e.g., CBP in the U.S., EU Customs Code)
• IMDG Code – Dangerous Goods classification and declaration requirements

• Undeclared cargo raises suspicion of smuggling or unauthorized military or surveillance use.
• Incorrectly declared hazardous goods violate IMDG and pose safety risks.
• Crew-held undeclared items can result in searches and seizure of personal belongings.

• Ensure manifests are accurate, detailed, and updated before every port call.
• Educate crew on customs restrictions and declaration procedures for personal items.
• Label cargo with proper HS codes, IMO class (if hazardous), and consistent documentation.
• Double-check transshipped containers or consolidated cargo for accuracy.

Bottom line: Undeclared or mislabeled cargo is one of the fastest ways to draw attention from customs, security, and PSC inspectors. Transparent documentation, full crew compliance, and accurate container labeling are essential to avoid fines, cargo holds, or vessel detention.

Fuel-related violations are among the most scrutinized during Port State Control inspections. Since the implementation of IMO 2020 and the rise of Emission Control Areas (ECAs), using the wrong type of fuel or failing to prove compliance can lead to immediate detention, fines, or environmental claims. Even if the ship is otherwise in order, a single bunker issue can trigger major delays.

• Use of high-sulfur fuel in Emission Control Areas without an approved scrubber.
• Failure to retain or provide a valid Bunker Delivery Note (BDN).
• Contaminated or off-spec fuel containing excessive sludge or water.
• Fuel tanks not clearly segregated or labeled by fuel type.
• Discrepancies between fuel consumption log and engine logbooks.

• MARPOL Annex VI – Prevention of air pollution from ships
• IMO 2020 Global Sulfur Cap (0.50% m/m)
• Emission Control Area (ECA) limits – 0.10% m/m sulfur in fuel
• Flag State and Class Society documentation requirements

• Non-compliant fuel is considered a serious environmental violation under MARPOL.
• Missing documentation (BDN, fuel changeover log) may lead to a presumption of non-compliance.
• Improper fuel segregation or mixing can lead to onboard safety risks and regulatory breaches.

• Always verify fuel specs before bunkering, especially near ECAs.
• Keep all BDNs onboard for at least three years and ensure they're signed and complete.
• Record fuel changeover times and positions when entering or exiting ECAs.
• Train engineers and officers on proper sampling and MARPOL documentation procedures.

Bottom line: With fuel compliance under international environmental scrutiny, even administrative errors can result in costly penalties. Consistent documentation, proper fuel handling, and training are essential to avoid being flagged in port.

Safety equipment is one of the first areas inspectors check during a PSC boarding. Expired, counterfeit, or poorly maintained gear is not just a technical violation — it represents a direct risk to life at sea. Items like lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and liferafts are considered critical, and deficiencies can result in immediate detention, even if the rest of the ship is compliant.

• Lifejackets with expired certification or missing SOLAS markings.
• Counterfeit or rebranded fire extinguishers lacking manufacturer traceability.
• Damaged or expired hydrostatic release units (HRUs) for liferafts.
• Outdated pyrotechnics, such as parachute flares and smoke signals.
• Improper signage or missing emergency lighting in escape routes.

• SOLAS Chapter III – Life-saving appliances and arrangements
• SOLAS Chapter II-2 – Fire protection, detection, and extinction
• LSA Code – Life-Saving Appliance Code
• Flag State survey and annual inspection guidelines

• Expired or fake safety gear is considered a direct violation of SOLAS standards.
• Failure of critical systems (liferafts, extinguishers, alarms) results in immediate red-tag conditions.
• Missing equipment can trigger expanded inspections or full ship search.

• Use only IMO-approved suppliers with verifiable equipment serials and documents.
• Keep a rolling inspection log for life-saving and firefighting gear.
• Replace pyrotechnics and HRUs well before expiration to avoid supply delays in port.
• Regularly train crew on how to identify damaged, tampered, or fake equipment.

Bottom line: Counterfeit or expired safety equipment is an automatic red flag during inspection. Don’t cut corners — your crew’s safety and your vessel’s freedom to trade both depend on keeping gear genuine, updated, and ready to use.

The substances used on a vessel’s hull and inside its systems are regulated under both environmental and safety frameworks. Certain antifouling coatings and cleaning agents are banned globally due to their toxicity to marine life or potential to damage ship infrastructure. Using or transporting unapproved materials can trigger detention, especially in environmentally protected regions.

• Use of tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paint, banned worldwide since 2008.
• Cleaning agents with toxic solvents or high VOCs not listed on MARPOL Annex II.
• Paints containing excessive heavy metals or banned biocides.
• Use of unauthorized rust removers, degreasers, or bilge cleaners.
• Improper stowage or labeling of chemical containers.

• IMO International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS)
• MARPOL Annex II – Noxious liquid substances
• REACH (for EU ports) – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
• Flag State chemical handling and reporting rules

• Use or transport of banned substances is considered an environmental violation.
• Improper stowage or lack of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) violates safety rules.
• Residual presence of banned paints can flag the vessel during drydock or port inspection.

• Ensure all coatings and cleaners onboard are IMO- and port-approved.
• Maintain updated MSDS records for every chemical stored onboard.
• Audit tank coatings and hull treatments before drydock or transfer to ECA ports.
• Label all chemical lockers clearly and store items in original containers when possible.

Bottom line: Banned coatings and chemicals might be invisible to the eye, but inspectors know how to find them. Choose approved products, document everything, and train your crew to treat chemical compliance as seriously as equipment safety.

Improper waste management is a frequent cause of vessel detention under MARPOL inspections. Inspectors often find issues like mixed garbage, missing disposal records, or inadequate containment — even on otherwise compliant ships. Waste violations signal a lack of environmental control and can draw additional scrutiny from PSC officers.

• Mixing plastics, food waste, and metal in the same garbage bin without segregation.
• Failure to maintain or update the Garbage Record Book (GRB).
• Improper stowage of oily rags, paint cans, or chemical waste in common trash bins.
• Garbage discharged overboard without correct position entries and approval.
• Overflowing waste containers or unsecured waste during port call.

• MARPOL Annex V – Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships
• Garbage Record Book (for vessels over 100 GT or certified to carry ≥15 persons)
• Flag State guidelines on garbage handling and recordkeeping

• Improper segregation or missing documentation signals weak environmental compliance.
• Discharge violations are treated as deliberate pollution if logs are absent or incorrect.
• Even visual signs of mismanagement (mixed bins or unsecured garbage) can trigger expanded inspection.

• Train crew on garbage category types and assign color-coded containers.
• Update the GRB immediately after every discharge, incineration, or port handover.
• Keep bins closed, secured, and regularly emptied, especially before inspections.
• Post MARPOL Annex V discharge rules near disposal points to ensure awareness.

Bottom line: Improper garbage handling may seem like a minor issue, but it’s a major focus of environmental inspections. Segregate, document, and store waste correctly to avoid costly delays and environmental penalties.

Many countries enforce strict regulations on food and agricultural products to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, or invasive species. Items like uncooked meat, dairy, seeds, and fresh produce may be banned or require special declaration. Failure to comply can result in vessel detention, fines, or mandatory destruction of stores — especially in ports with aggressive quarantine enforcement.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables brought ashore in Australia or New Zealand.
• Uncooked meat, poultry, and eggs in ports with biosecurity zones.
• Honey, seeds, or dried beans considered agricultural risks.
• Unlabeled or homemade foods stored in crew quarters.
• Failure to declare galley waste before offloading garbage in port.

• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
• National biosecurity laws (e.g., AQIS in Australia, USDA APHIS in the U.S.)
• MARPOL Annex V (for disposal of food waste)

• Quarantine officials may detain a ship if agricultural contraband is discovered during inspection.
• Galley waste or food stores not declared or separated as required can violate port entry regulations.
• Improper labeling or crew-held restricted food items can trigger full holds and cargo delays.

• Review and comply with quarantine rules of each destination country before arrival.
• Maintain clear inventories of galley stores and mark perishable goods by origin.
• Dispose of food waste according to MARPOL and port-specific protocols.
• Train crew not to bring ashore any personal food items in restricted ports.

Bottom line: Agricultural rules vary by port but are strictly enforced. A banana in the wrong backpack or unlabeled meat in the galley can get your ship flagged. Know the local rules, declare clearly, and treat food compliance like any other regulatory duty.

Port State Control and customs authorities are increasingly attentive to materials considered politically, religiously, or culturally inappropriate. Even personal items brought onboard by crew can trigger scrutiny or legal consequences in certain jurisdictions. These materials are not typically listed on shipping manifests, making them high-risk during cabin or common area searches.

• Religious texts or materials (e.g., Bibles, Qur’ans) in restricted countries unless properly declared.
• Books, posters, or digital files with political content banned by host nations.
• Magazines, movies, or media containing nudity or “immoral” content under local law.
• Unauthorized satellite receivers or encrypted media devices.
• Crew-held flash drives or phones with prohibited political videos or apps.

• ISPS Code (security control and unauthorized items onboard)
• National censorship and customs laws (varies by country)
• Ship Security Plan (SSP) – inclusion of procedures for screening personal effects

• Customs or immigration officials may treat possession of banned content as a criminal offense.
• Unvetted crew materials can trigger a full onboard inspection or extended clearance process.
• Failure to declare sensitive media may be interpreted as intent to distribute or smuggle.

• Warn crew ahead of time about port-specific cultural restrictions and banned materials.
• Include media screening as part of security or pre-arrival briefings.
• Use shipboard network filters to limit access to prohibited digital content.
• Keep personal media encrypted and clearly labeled when entering conservative jurisdictions.

Bottom line: What seems harmless on one vessel can be highly offensive or illegal in another country. Port officials don’t distinguish between personal or official media when enforcing laws. Know the rules, brief the crew, and secure any sensitive materials before arrival.

Medical lockers and first-aid stations on ships are subject to international health and safety standards. If expired, missing, or unapproved medications are discovered during inspection, the vessel may be deemed unfit to sail until the issue is corrected. This category also includes controlled substances, which are tightly regulated and require accurate logs and secured storage.

• Expired antibiotics, painkillers, or motion sickness medications.
• Missing or incomplete medical inventory logs.
• Controlled drugs (e.g., morphine, sedatives) not logged or improperly stored.
• Lack of medical oxygen or defibrillator in required setups.
• Improper disposal of used syringes, gloves, or medical waste.

• WHO International Medical Guide for Ships
• MLC 2006 – Maritime Labour Convention (medical care and equipment)
• STCW Code – Medical first aid and care training requirements
• Flag State regulations for controlled substances and inspections

• Expired or missing supplies are considered a safety and health risk to the crew.
• Improper logging of controlled substances may be treated as a legal violation.
• Failure to meet minimum medical equipment standards can result in mandatory restocking before sailing.

• Assign a responsible officer to audit medical supplies monthly and log expiry dates.
• Ensure controlled drugs are stored in locked, sealed cabinets with access records.
• Dispose of expired medications properly and document the process.
• Train crew to complete medical logbooks consistently after any use or inspection.

Bottom line: A neglected medicine cabinet can stop your ship. From outdated pills to poor documentation of controlled drugs, medical non-compliance is a quick way to get flagged. Stay ahead with regular audits and tight security over your ship’s pharmacy.

Ships today carry more battery-powered devices than ever before — from e-scooters and laptops to emergency power systems. Improper storage, damaged units, or undeclared energy sources can pose serious fire hazards, especially lithium-ion batteries. These risks have prompted tighter inspections under ISM and SOLAS regulations, particularly after several high-profile maritime fire incidents.

• Lithium-ion batteries stored without fireproof containers or thermal separation.
• Damaged or bulging batteries kept in crew quarters or common spaces.
• Loose gas cylinders stored in unventilated or unsecured areas.
• Non-certified portable generators or power banks with no safety labels.
• Battery-powered e-bikes, scooters, or drones carried without documentation.

• SOLAS Chapter II-2 – Fire prevention and electrical safety
• ISM Code – Risk management and onboard hazard control
• IMDG Code – Dangerous Goods provisions for batteries and gas
• Class society requirements for portable energy systems and emergency power

• Unlabeled or poorly stored batteries are flagged as immediate fire risks.
• Gas cylinders without caps or restraints can trigger hazardous material violations.
• Crew devices without oversight or charging controls can result in fire-related deficiencies.

• Store spare batteries in dedicated, fire-rated lockers or containers.
• Train crew to report damaged or overheating devices immediately.
• Label all energy storage devices, including portable power packs and personal scooters.
• Secure gas cylinders with chains or brackets and ventilate all storage areas.

Bottom line: Energy sources like batteries and gas cylinders are essential but dangerous when ignored. Ship fires linked to poor storage have increased globally. Proactive management, proper labeling, and strict storage protocols can help you avoid detention and protect your crew.

Navigation equipment must meet strict international standards and be fully functional at all times. Port State Control inspections often begin on the bridge, and any issues with outdated charts, malfunctioning ECDIS systems, or missing backup gear can result in immediate deficiencies or detention. With constant software updates and digital reliance, even tech-savvy crews can fall out of compliance.

• Outdated or expired paper charts and nautical publications.
• ECDIS systems with expired subscriptions or outdated software patches.
• Non-functional radar, AIS, or GPS with no repair logs or service records.
• Missing or untested voyage data recorder (VDR) backups.
• Bridge alarm systems deactivated or improperly set during port entry.

• SOLAS Chapter V – Safety of navigation
• STCW Code – Standards for bridge watchkeeping
• IMO ECDIS Performance Standards (MSC.232(82), MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2)
• Flag State and Classification Society bridge audit standards

• Failure to prove up-to-date charts and publications can result in voyage ban until corrected.
• Critical systems like AIS, radar, or ECDIS out of order are considered immediate operational risks.
• Missing VDR data may result in expanded inspection or denial of port clearance.

• Verify all navigation charts and publications are current before every voyage.
• Maintain a detailed log of software updates and ECDIS corrections.
• Schedule periodic self-checks or bridge audits between port arrivals.
• Keep a service history for all bridge equipment, including repair technician details.

Bottom line: Navigation violations are easy for inspectors to spot and hard to explain away. If your bridge systems aren’t updated, documented, and fully operational, your ship risks being detained before it ever leaves the berth.

Ballast water is essential for vessel stability, but unmanaged discharge can transport invasive marine organisms across ecosystems. Biosecurity agencies and environmental regulators inspect ballast water records and treatment systems closely. Improper treatment, falsified logs, or system malfunctions can result in immediate port refusal or costly detention.

• Failure to use a certified Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) when required.
• Discharge in sensitive zones without exchange or treatment records.
• Incorrect, incomplete, or missing ballast water logbook entries.
• Bypassing ballast treatment systems due to operational error or time constraints.
• Untreated residual ballast in segregated tanks not declared to port authorities.

• IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC)
• U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Discharge Standard (33 CFR Part 151)
• MARPOL Annex IV (for associated water pollution)
• National biosecurity laws (e.g., Australia's Biosecurity Act 2015)

• Unauthorized ballast discharge is treated as a direct environmental violation.
• Missing or inconsistent ballast logs trigger suspicion of falsified records.
• Failure to install or operate BWTS per schedule may result in denial of port entry.

• Install an approved BWTS before compliance deadlines for your vessel’s trading area.
• Ensure all crew responsible for ballast operations are trained on the system and local discharge rules.
• Log every ballast operation in detail, including exchange location, volume, and treatment method.
• Audit ballast logs before arrival at high-compliance ports to avoid discrepancies.

Bottom line: Ballast mismanagement is a fast way to get fined or turned away from port. With regulations tightening worldwide, consistent logging, trained crew, and certified systems are your only safe route through inspection.

Sanitary systems onboard must be marine-grade and fully compliant with environmental discharge standards. Unauthorized modifications, domestic-grade fixtures, or illegal greywater routing can result in serious MARPOL violations. These issues often originate from retrofits, crew modifications, or poor maintenance.

• Toilets discharging untreated blackwater directly overboard without a sewage treatment system.
• Greywater rerouted by crew to bypass holding tanks or discharge restrictions.
• Installation of household plumbing parts not designed for marine environments.
• Malfunctioning marine sanitation devices (MSDs) with no maintenance records.
• Improper disposal of sewage in special areas (e.g., Baltic Sea, Arctic, Great Lakes).

• MARPOL Annex IV – Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships
• IMO Resolution MEPC.227(64) – Standards for sewage treatment plants
• U.S. Clean Water Act (for U.S. waters and MSD certification)
• Port-specific no-discharge zones and local environmental regulations

• Unauthorized discharges or MSD bypasses are treated as pollution events.
• Lack of maintenance logs for sewage systems raises compliance concerns.
• Improperly installed plumbing may lead to safety and contamination issues onboard.

• Use only marine-grade toilets, pumps, and piping designed for shipboard systems.
• Ensure all MSDs are serviced regularly and have current type-approval documentation.
• Inspect greywater and blackwater routing periodically to detect unauthorized changes.
• Educate crew on local discharge zones and ensure signs are posted near toilets and galleys.

Bottom line: Sanitation violations may not be obvious until an inspector asks the right question or checks piping under the floor. Stick with marine-grade systems, follow maintenance protocols, and don’t let plumbing shortcuts sink your compliance record.

Paperwork can stop a ship just as fast as a mechanical failure. Documentation is the foundation of compliance during any Port State Control inspection. Missing plans, outdated manuals, or mismatched logs can create immediate red flags, even if the vessel is otherwise seaworthy. Inconsistent records are often treated as potential cover for more serious violations.

• Garbage Management Plan or Ballast Water Management Plan not onboard or out of date.
• Oil Record Book (ORB) or Garbage Record Book (GRB) with missing or inconsistent entries.
• Safety drills and maintenance logs not updated or fabricated after-the-fact.
• Crew certificates not matching the crew list or expired endorsements.
• Ship Security Plan (SSP) and Safety Management System (SMS) not accessible during inspection.

• ISM Code – Safety management and maintenance documentation
• SOLAS Chapter I – Survey and certification requirements
• STCW – Crew training and certificate validity
• MARPOL (all annexes) – Recordkeeping requirements across pollution areas

• Missing documents can trigger a presumption of non-compliance, leading to expanded inspection.
• Inconsistent logs may be treated as falsification, even if unintentional.
• Lack of access to key safety plans during inspection is an automatic deficiency.

• Use a digital or physical checklist to confirm all required documents are onboard and current.
• Assign one officer responsible for documentation upkeep and readiness before port calls.
• Audit logs weekly and ensure entries are signed, legible, and consistent with engine room data.
• Train crew on where to locate key documents and how to present them confidently during inspections.

Bottom line: A single missing manual or a careless log entry can derail an entire port call. Organized, current, and accessible documentation is your vessel’s first line of defense against detention.

The ISPS Code sets global security standards for ships and ports. Any failure to enforce or document onboard security measures can result in serious consequences. Port State Control inspectors and port security agencies regularly audit access control, ship security plans, and crew awareness. Violations may lead to inspection holds, fines, or even denial of port entry.

• Failure to implement or update the Ship Security Plan (SSP).
• Unsecured gangways or lack of gangway watch while alongside.
• Visitors not logged or lacking ID checks during embarkation.
• No evidence of regular security drills or ISPS training.
• Restricted areas onboard not properly marked or physically secured.

• ISPS Code – International Ship and Port Facility Security
• SOLAS Chapter XI-2 – Special measures to enhance maritime security
• Ship Security Plan (SSP) approved by Flag State or RSO (Recognized Security Organization)

• Security violations are treated as potential threats to port facilities or vessel operations.
• Failure to control access or protect restricted zones may trigger expanded inspection or full search.
• Lack of an active security level declaration or drill records can be flagged as systemic failure.

• Conduct and document security drills as required by the SSP and ISPS Code.
• Ensure all restricted areas are marked, locked, and monitored appropriately.
• Maintain a clear, accurate visitor log and post watchmen when in port.
• Train all crew on current security level, access procedures, and how to respond to threats.

Bottom line: Security isn’t optional. Lax enforcement of the ISPS Code can halt your vessel before cargo is touched or clearance is granted. Routine drills, access control, and updated plans are essential to keeping your vessel compliant and moving.