Who gives power to PSC to board/inspect the vessel? Can Master deny PS CO from boarding the vessel?

Answer

The power originates from control provisions in conventions such as SOLAS I/19, MARPOL and STCW. The Contracting Port State gives effect to those provisions through its national legislation and authorizes its PSCO.

Normally, no. If the person is a duly authorized PSCO exercising lawful PSC authority while the vessel is in the Port State’s jurisdiction, the Master should permit boarding and cooperate with the inspection.

The PSC procedures specifically recognize that foreign ships are subject to boarding, inspection, remedial action and possible detention by officers duly authorized by the Port State.

However, the Master should first verify the officer’s identity and authorization. If someone claiming to be a PSCO cannot establish proper identity/authority, the Master can delay access while confirming with the port/PSC authority, especially for security reasons.

If the Master simply refuses a genuine, duly authorized PSCO, the Port State can treat this as serious non-cooperation and may take control measures, potentially including detention or restrictions on the ship’s operation/departure, depending on the applicable law and circumstances.