Detention

Detention is the port state control action that holds a ship in port until deficiencies serious enough to make it unseaworthy or a hazard to safety, health, or the environment are rectified. The decision rests with the port state control officer on the basis of the SOLAS, MARPOL, and MLC standards and the regional MoU criteria. A detention is recorded in the MoU database and on the flag’s and recognized organization’s performance record, and repeated detentions can lead to refusal of access, the banning of a ship.