Class 1 (Chief Engineer) Engineering Management 📅 Apr 2025

Exam Question

(a) Define "Clear Grounds" as per Port State Control procedures. Under what circumstances can an inspector establish clear grounds for a more detailed inspection onboard a vessel? (4)

(b) As Chief Engineer, explain the immediate actions you will take onboard if you disagree with the Port State Control Officer's decision to detain the vessel due to engine room deficiencies. (6)

(c) Describe the procedure for requesting a review of the detention through the Detention Review Panel. What steps must be followed, and what role does the company, flag State, and classification society play in the process. (6)

Reference Answer

### (a) Definition of "Clear Grounds" and Circumstances for Detailed Inspection
#### Definition of Clear Grounds
As per IMO Resolution A.1155(32), "Clear Grounds" refers to verifiable and objective evidence found by a Port State Control Officer (PSCO) which indicates that a ship, its equipment, or its crew may not be in substantial compliance with the requirements of relevant international maritime conventions (such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC). The existence of such grounds justifies the PSCO to proceed beyond the initial inspection and conduct a more detailed inspection of the vessel.
#### Circumstances Establishing Clear Grounds

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