Gabon – PSC Inspection and Fines

Members proceeding to ports in Gabon should note that all vessels are subject to Port State Control (“PSC”) inspection and there is currently a long list of “deficiencies” which vessels should take care to try to rectify beforehand, or otherwise risk being fined. The correspondent TCI/Eltvedt & O’Sullivan have issued a circular with further details - available here.

The Correspondent’s circular refers to a seven page non-exhaustive list of “Detainable Deficiencies frequently found by the Gabonese PSC officers during PSC Inspections” (“the Deficiencies List”) issued by the Gabonese Merchant Navy. A copy of the Deficiencies List can be accessed by clicking here. The Gabon Merchant Navy Ministerial Decree (in French) setting out the tariffs of taxes, expenses and fines is available here.

In order to avoid fines and potential detention of the vessel, with associated “exceptional inspection” fees of USD 3,000 (notice of which is given here) and other costs which may be required in order to release the vessel, Members proceeding to any ports in Gabon should ensure the matters in the Deficiencies List are addressed so far as possible. The Correspondent also recommends ensuring that original documents/certificates are up to date, and to provide all necessary information for inward/outward port and customs clearance.