An Analytical Study of Ship Deficiencies Identified During Port State Control: A Case Study of Kocaeli Port

Authors : Uğur Akbaş, Ozan Hikmet Arıcan
Pages : 38-49
Doi:10.58771/joinmet.1689849
View : 51 | Download : 37
Publication Date : 2025-06-25
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Maritime transport remains a fundamental pillar of international trade, and ship inspections are essential to ensure navigational safety and environmental protection. Port State Control (PSC) is a regulatory mechanism used to examine foreign-flagged vessels to verify their compliance with international maritime conventions. Among the various elements assessed during PSC inspections, a ship’s type and age significantly influence the likelihood of identifying deficiencies. This study focuses on the PSC inspection data collected from the ports of Kocaeli, a major maritime hub in Türkiye. The objective is to analyze how vessel age and type correlate with the frequency and severity of recorded deficiencies. Using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical method, the research compares deficiency rates across various ship categories and age brackets. Additionally, the study examines inspection frequency regarding the risk profiles of different vessels. Findings indicate that ships aged 12 years or older exhibit a higher number of deficiencies, with general cargo vessels being particularly prone to non-compliance. While the overall effectiveness of PSC inspections is evident, the study highlights the need for improved efficiency in inspection protocols. It is suggested that risk assessment models be refined to include more detailed criteria and that inspection strategies be adapted based on vessel characteristics. Furthermore, enhancing pre-inspection preparedness by ship operators may contribute to better compliance outcomes. The study aims to support safer maritime operations by offering targeted recommendations for optimizing PSC inspections at Kocaeli Port.
Keywords : Uluslararası kurallar, Kocaeli limanı, Liman devleti kontrolü, Varyans analizi, Gemi denetimi

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