Before we answer that question, let us know first what a Port State Control Inspection is. P.S.C. is the inspection of foreign ships in other national ports by PSC officers (surveyors) for the purpose of verifying that the competency of the master and officers onboard, the condition of a ship and its equipment comply with the requirements of international conventions (e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, etc.) and that the vessel is manned and operated in compliance with applicable international law; as defined by wikipedia.

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Upon arrival at port a seafarer would normally finished his job and turn over his duties in order to go ashore. After a 15 to 27 days of voyage at sea, we normally get excited whenever we see land. Putting aside the idea of having a visa, a typical seafarer would normally ask permission to the officer in charge in order to go ashore. Imagine the disappointment of a seafarer whenever his shore leave is denied due to not having a visa. Why do they really require seafarers to have a visa? We only stay a few days or most of the time less than 24 hours alongside a port.

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As I have said in my post “How to make a voyage plan“, I mentioned there about the book Bridge Procedures Guide. I was trying to look for a free download so you can have an overview of it, but I can’t find any in the net. I’ll just list down for you its contents and include a photo of the book.

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