PSC deficiency code 18401: Medical chest, equipment and medical guide
Deficiency code: Paris MoU on Port State Control, List of Deficiency Codes including Statutory Certificates (1 July 2026). Page titles are closethecap.com's own wording.
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| Category | Maritime Labour Convention (Title 4) |
| Related certificate | Maritime Labour Certificate |
| Main references | MLC 2006 Reg. 4.1, Standard A4.1.4(a)–(b), Guideline B4.1.1 (International Medical Guide for Ships); STCW A-VI/4 (medical first aid/medical care training) |
| 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
- Medicines expired or missing from flag-required list
- Medical guide edition not current
- Controlled drugs not logged or secured
- Equipment (stretcher, oxygen) not accessible
- Designated medical officer unfamiliar with chest contents
Typical root causes
- Resupply in port skipped due to cost or time
- Inventory spreadsheet not updated after use
- Flag list change not communicated to fleet
- Medical chest key not available to trained crew
Corrective action (example)
Replenish per flag or WHO list; dispose expired medicines properly; update inventory; brief designated person.
Preventive action (example)
Quarterly medical chest audit with office telemedicine partner; auto-order before expiry.
Evidence to attach for close-out
- Signed inventory
- Purchase and disposal records
- Medical guide photo
- Training attendance
Related
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