DRAFT, needs technical review. Not for publication. The title is our own wording, not the official Paris MoU text.
PSC deficiency code 14603: Exhaust gas cleaning system approval and operation
| Category | MARPOL Annex VI (air pollution) |
| Related certificate | International Air Pollution Prevention |
| Main references | MARPOL Annex VI Reg. 4 (equivalents) and Reg. 14; 2021 EGCS Guidelines (res. MEPC.340(77)) |
| Typical action codes | 17 (rectify before departure), 30 (detainable) if serious |
| Commonly detainable? | Can be, depending on severity (no statistics claimed) |
What PSC officers look for
- EGCS not operating when required for fuel sulphur limit
- Monitoring data gaps or sensor faults
- Wash water discharge criteria not met
- Bypass not logged or unauthorised
- Approval documentation or scheme letter missing
Typical root causes
- Sensor calibration drift
- Change of fuel strategy without procedure update
- Crew unsure when open-loop is prohibited
- Shore support not monitoring fleet alarms
Corrective action (example)
Restore EGCS operation; calibrate sensors; complete data gap explanation; align procedures with flag and maker limits.
Preventive action (example)
Fleet monitoring of EGCS alarms; pre-entry check for port wash-water rules.
Evidence to attach for close-out
- Calibration certificate
- Alarm log export
- Maker service report
- Updated procedure
Related
Generate a close-out report for this finding · Download the CAP template
Official code list: Paris MoU, List of Deficiency Codes (1 July 2026). Action codes: Paris MoU, Inspection outcome. Reviewed by: _pending_ · Review date: _pending_ This page is general guidance, not legal, flag or class advice. Always follow the PSC officer's instructions and your flag and class requirements.