Identification of Risk Patterns by Type of Ship Through Correspondence Analysis of Port State Control: A Differentiated Approach to Inspection to Enhance Maritime Safety and Pollution Prevention

This study analyzes the results of Port State Control (PSC) inspections carried out under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding between 2018 and 2022. Through a correspondence analysis, the most frequent deficiencies were identified according to the type of ship being inspected. The study sample included 186,255 inspections obtained from the THETIS platform. The results revealed significant heterogeneity in deficiency profiles across ship types, highlighting specific patterns associated with each category. Container ships, oil tankers and bulk carriers, for instance, exhibited distinctive deficiency profiles. The study emphasizes the necessity for a tailored approach to PSC inspections, with the objective of optimizing resources through the utilization of risk zone indicators for the inspector. The identification of specific risk indicators would not only facilitate the work of inspectors but also enable the earlier detection of potential problems and more effective intervention. The study provides a solid foundation for future research and decision-making on PSC inspections, with the aim of enhancing maritime safety and pollution prevention.