What type of oversight do freight vessels receive under the Qualship 21 Program?

Under the Qualship 21 Program, freight vessels are granted limited Port State Control (PSC) oversight. This program was initiated by the United States Coast Guard to promote quality shipping and encourage compliance among vessel operators. Vessels that are accepted into the Qualship 21 Program demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, environmental protection, and overall operational excellence.

Limited PSC oversight means that vessels participating in this program face fewer inspections compared to those not part of it. This reduced frequency is a recognition of the vessel's established safety measures and compliance history, allowing resources to be focused on vessels that may require more scrutiny. Participation in the program is contingent upon meeting certain benchmarks in safety and compliance history, which ultimately contributes to the program’s goal of enhancing shipping quality.