MV. Danum 171: Smooth PSC and CIC Inspections in Batam

MV. Danum 171 berthing at Batu Ampar Port, Batam, assisted by tugboat for smooth PSC inspection process.

In the maritime world, a successful port call often hinges on one thing: readiness. When everything runs smoothly — documentation, communication, compliance — operations wrap up without costly delays. That was precisely the mission when the vessel’s owner of MV Danum 171 requested our assistance in Batam for PSC and CIC inspections in September 2025.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding Tokyo MOU and CIC

Before we dive into the story, it helps to understand what’s at stake.

Tokyo MOU (Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region) is one of the key international frameworks for ensuring safety, environmental protection, and proper working and living conditions aboard ships. It binds 22 member authorities in Asia-Pacific, who cooperate to inspect foreign ships docking in their ports, ensuring they comply with international maritime regulations.

One of Tokyo MOU’s tools is periodic programmes called Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CIC), which focus on specific issues of safety or regulatory compliance. In 2025, the PSC CIC for Ballast Water Management (BWM) is a top priority. From 1 September to 30 November 2025, port state control officers under both Tokyo MOU and Paris MOU will inspect vessels for compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention, verifying certification, operational systems, record‐keeping, and crew awareness.

With such regulations in force, vessels need to be fully prepared—not just by having the right equipment but also ensuring crew are trained, documents updated, and systems properly maintained.

Document verification and reporting session during PSC inspection of MV. Danum 171 in Batu Ampar Port, Batam.

The Challenge

When MV. Danum 171 was slated for a call in Batam, there were several complicating factors. The vessel had not called a Tokyo MOU member port for some time, meaning its PSC record was due for updating. The berthing schedule was not fixed, and approval from port authorities was still pending. The charterer allowed a port stay of only 10 hours. Given this tight window and added pressure of the upcoming CIC on Ballast Water Management, coordination time was short and the stakes high.

How We Stepped In

From the first communication, we at Batam Shipping Agency understood what was required. We registered MV Danum 171 for inspection at the earliest possible date and kept multiple berthing options alive in our coordination with PSC authorities. Because the CIC campaign was upcoming and focused on ballast water, we ensured all documents related to ballast water management were checked: valid certificates, approved ballast water management plans, recent records, crew awareness. We reviewed the ship’s registry, class and statutory certificates, and the crew list to ensure nothing was missing.

During the vessel’s arrival and inspection, our team maintained constant communication with the master, ensuring health, immigration, and port inspection requirements were met without surprise. After inspection, we provided the official PSC and CIC findings, and informed the vessel’s owner about when the results would be uploaded to the Tokyo MOU system—part of Tokyo MOU’s process of transparency and shared inspection data.

Marine safety inspector conducting PSC supervision on MV. Danum 171 with Batam Shipping Agency coordination.

The Outcome

Thanks to thorough preparation, the inspection went smoothly. MV Danum 171 successfully passed both the PSC inspection and the CIC on Ballast Water Management within Batam, despite all constraints. Everything from system operation, crew competence, documentation, to record keeping was aligned. The vessel’s owner expressed appreciation, noting how arrangements and assistance were handled professionally and with agility, by saying:

“Our company and master many thanks for your kind arrangement and assistance provided! We will contact you again once we have any other job in Batam.”

Why This Matters to Shipowners & Operators

This success story demonstrates several important advantages for shipowners and operators. Being fully prepared for a CIC inspection helps avoid costly detentions that can arise if deficiencies are discovered in critical areas such as ballast water systems or record books. Compliance with Tokyo MOU standards is not optional; it directly affects a vessel’s reputation, the likelihood of future inspections, and even access to ports in the region. Careful pre‑inspection planning—ensuring documents are complete, the crew is familiar with requirements, and systems are functioning properly—creates a smoother and faster inspection process, even under the tightest schedules. Most importantly, working with a shipping agency that understands the regulatory landscape, has strong local connections, and communicates proactively provides shipowners with confidence that their operations will be supported without disruption.

Team photo after successful PSC & CIC inspection of MV. Danum 171 at Batu Ampar port, Batam.

Conclusion

Regulations under Tokyo MOU and the CIC on Ballast Water Management are not just bureaucratic hurdles—they reflect growing global focus on environmental protection, crew welfare, and shipping safety. In Batam, with Batam Shipping Agency, operators have a partner that knows how to turn regulatory demands into predictable, efficient outcomes.

If your vessel is planning a call in Batam—especially with upcoming CIC campaigns—let us help you be fully prepared. We ensure compliance, clarity, and smooth operations from start to finish.

📩 Send us an enquiry to learn more.

Batam Shipping Agency – Ensuring smooth sailing, every time.