Port State Control Course
Diploma in Port State Control
Port State Control
Maritime Training Academy’s Port State Control Diploma provides the technical understanding and regulatory insight needed to navigate inspections, detentions and statutory compliance within the global shipping industry.
This internationally recognised training is designed for deck officers, port inspectors, surveyors and compliance managers responsible for ensuring that vessels meet safety, security and environmental standards under international maritime law.
Professional Port State Control Certification
Gain the expertise to handle inspections, reduce detainment risk and ensure compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM and other international maritime frameworks.
Contact us below to enrol today, or get in touch with our friendly course advisors.
Duration:
12 - 18 months
Learn at your own pace
Online Course:
Study from anywhere
Cost:
Diploma: £3,195
Certificate: £2,295
Recognised by: 
Port State Control Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
A globally recognised qualification for careers in port inspection, ship compliance auditing and maritime surveying under international regulatory regimes.
Certificate - £2,295
Specialist PSC Training without formal assessments, for those who do not require a recognised diploma.
Port State Control Curriculum: 10 Modules & Career Skills
Understand how port inspections are conducted and how to prepare vessels for regulatory compliance. Training includes statutory certification, inspection criteria, detention prevention and how to interpret and apply IMO regulations.
Build the practical and regulatory skills required to oversee ship readiness and respond effectively to PSC inspections in any international port.
1. Introduction To Port State Control
- History of Port State Control
- Failure of historical enforcement of safety standards
- Major accidents influencing the development of safety legislation
- Convention on Port State Control
- Development of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regions
- White, Grey and Blacklists
2. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
- Overview
- Regulations
- Does the MLC code apply to yachts?
- Conclusion and possible way forward
3. Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)
- Inspection of records and certificates
- Basic qualifications
- Competency qualifications
- Medical records
- False certification
- Equivalent certification
- IMO information note on fraudulent certificates
4. Legal Aspects
- Introduction to the legal system and international law
- Maritime Law
- Admiralty law and jurisdiction
- International Marine Law
- The Flag State
- Governmental control of shipping
- Port State Control
5. International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
- Introduction
- What is the ISPS code?
- Who does the code apply to?
- The aim of the ISPS code
- Ship Security Assessment (SSA) and Ship Security Plan (SSP)
- How to set up an ISPS system
- Procedures for ISPS port entry
- Company security officer (CSO)
- Ship Security officer (SSO)
- The on-scene ship security survey
- Non-compliant facilities
6. International Safety Management (ISM) Code
- Introduction
- What is the ISM code?
- Mini ISM (or ISM – LITE)
- Legal and insurance implications
- Practical aspects of a mini-ISM implementation
- Risk assessment
- Reporting and systematic failures
7. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
- Introduction
- Oil
- Noxious liquid substances carried in bulk
- Harmful substances carried in packaged form
- Sewage
- Garbage
- Air pollution
- Summary of discharge standards
8. International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
- Introduction
- Introduction to SOLAS CH II-1-FIRE
- Life-saving appliances and arrangements an introduction
- Precis of regulations for passenger and cargo ships
- Collective life-saving equipment
- PSC inspections
9. Classification
- Delegation by flag to Class
- Definitions and procedures related to statutory surveys and inspections
- Safety construction and condition of the ship
- Typical defects and problems
- Other Shipboard Technical Problems
10. The Role of the Port State Control Surveyor
- Levels of training
- Use of checklists
- Targeting by flag
- IMO performance targets
- PSC database and the sharing of information
- Notification to Flag and Class
- Influence on insurance
Hear form our Students
I thank you in the truest sense of the word
I started this course with very little confidence, and with fear and trembling, but thanks to the kindess I received I was able to navigate tremendous personal/family difficulties and very trying circumstances and every step of the way I was made to feel, I could do it. I feel so very indebted to the persons who encouraged and lifted me everytime. I thank you in the truest sense of the word.
Barbara
Technical Assistant
Meet the Course Director
Geoffrey Fawcett
BEng(Hons), CEng, CMarEng, CPEng (Aust), FIEAust, FIMarEST, M. Prof. Eng. Leadership, LLM, FRINA, MSNAME.
Geoffrey started out as an engineer cadet in 1970 on various commercial vessels before coming ashore in 1989 to work as a 3rd party pressure vessel inspector in South Africa for 3 years. He gained a Class 1 Motor Ship Certificate of Competency at Glasgow in 1980.
He joined a classification society in 1992 and worked as a surveyor up to principal surveyor for the next 20 years during which time gained a BEng (Hons) Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Glasgow University in 2002 and an LLM by distance learning through London Metropolitan University in 2011.
Geoffrey was awarded a Master of Professional Engineering Leadership with high distinction by Griffith University, QLD in 2020.
Port State Control Course FAQs
Find out more about the course with our FAQs below.
How do I become a port state control officer?
Start by gaining a recognised qualification in port state control procedures and international maritime compliance such as this one. This MTA diploma prepares you for statutory inspection roles by covering IMO conventions, vessel documentation, and inspection protocols.
What qualification will I receive from this port inspection training?
You’ll earn a Diploma in Port State Control from the Maritime Training Academy, recognised globally by maritime authorities and compliance professionals.
Is this course suitable for marine surveyors and ship officers?
Yes. The diploma is ideal for surveyors, deck officers and compliance staff involved in ship inspections, documentation review or regulatory readiness.
How much does a port state control officer earn?
Salaries typically range from £35,000 to £70,000 depending on experience, location and whether you’re working for a port authority or private maritime consultancy.
Does the course cover SOLAS, MARPOL and other IMO regulations?
Absolutely. This training includes practical and regulatory guidance aligned with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code and other international compliance standards.
Can I take this course without previous inspection experience?
Yes. While some familiarity with ship operations is helpful, this online diploma is suitable for professionals transitioning into compliance, auditing or inspection roles.
See our FAQ page for more questions answered about MTA courses.
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Why Choose The Maritime Training Academy?
Flexible
Online learning allows you to study in your own time, at your own pace from anywhere in the world. This saves on travel and classroom costs and allows you to fit your studies around your job and progress your career.
Supportive
While the nature of distance learning is independent study, we recognise the importance of support. Students can contact us at any time during their course for assistance and our team of industry experts are always on hand for advice.
Expertise
We have over 50 industry experts writing, developing and advising on our course material. We truly believe that allowing students to tap into their expertise and knowledge is of the utmost importance to fulfil your dream career.
If you would prefer to complete this as a classroom-based course, please contact us.