At the end of 2025, ship operators and technical managers reviewed inspection readiness following outcomes of the International Maritime Organization Assembly, where updated guidance on surveys and Port State Control (PSC) procedures was confirmed.
These updates do not create new technical limits.
They change how inspections are carried out and what inspectors focus on onboard.
Why this matters to ship operators
IMO guidance influences how flag states and PSC regimes perform inspections.
After the 2025 Assembly, inspection practice moved further toward:
- Real system operation
- Equipment condition
- Operational evidence
This reflects a broader IMO position that compliance must be shown in daily operation, not only through certificates.
What inspectors are focusing on more
Based on updated procedures and survey guidance, inspectors increasingly look at:
- System operation during normal use
- Alarm history and fault records
- Maintenance condition of equipment
- Consistency between records and real condition
- Crew ability to explain basic operation
This approach applies to routine inspections and follow-up visits.
Technical condition now affects inspection outcome
Equipment that is approved but not maintained correctly may still raise concerns.
Attention is often given to:
- Engines and auxiliary machinery
- Pumps, valves, and filters
- Sensors and monitoring systems
- Environmental systems in regular use
Small unresolved issues can lead to remarks or additional inspection time.
Environmental systems remain high-attention areas
Environmental systems receive special attention because they operate frequently and support compliance.
Inspectors may review:
- Ballast Water Treatment System operation
- Scrubber performance
- Sensor accuracy and alarms
- Maintenance and service records
Correct operation is now as important as system approval.
Why documentation supports inspections
Clear documentation helps inspectors understand system control.
Records commonly reviewed include:
- Maintenance logs
- Calibration records
- Service reports
- Alarm and event history
Good records often lead to shorter inspections and fewer questions.
What operators prepared before 2026
Following the Assembly outcomes, many operators focused on:
- Checking system operation onboard
- Completing overdue maintenance
- Verifying sensor accuracy
- Aligning records with real condition
- Preparing crews for basic inspection questions
This preparation reduced inspection risk going into 2026.
Why Nordast
Nordast supports ship operators with practical inspection readiness.
We assist with:
- Onboard system checks and testing
- Environmental system maintenance
- Mechanical service for pumps and auxiliaries
- Sensor checks and calibration support
- Troubleshooting alarms and faults
- Clear service reports for inspection records
- Genuine and OEM spare parts supply
Our focus is simple: systems that work correctly when they are inspected.
