What are clear grounds and a more detailed inspection in port State control?

flowchart LR
  A["PSC boarding: certificates checked"] --> B{"Valid, and no clear grounds?"}
  B -->|Yes| C["Certificates accepted"]
  B -->|Clear grounds: expired certificates, missing documents, visible deficiencies, casualty, complaint, unfamiliar crew| D["More detailed inspection of condition and competence"]
  D --> E{"Deficiencies clearly hazardous?"}
  E -->|Yes| F["Detention until rectified; flag State notified"]
  E -->|No| G["Rectify by a deadline or the next port"]

• Normal control (SOLAS I/19): a check that the certificates are valid; valid certificates shall be accepted.
• Clear grounds: evidence that the ship, equipment or crew does not correspond substantially with the certificates (or regulation I/11): expired certificates, missing documents, visible serious deficiencies, a casualty, a complaint, a crew unable to perform essential operations.
• More detailed inspection: from documents to actual condition: fire and life-saving appliances, machinery, tests, the crew’s competence and familiarity (a drill); scoped where the grounds arose.
• Outcome: minor deficiencies rectified by a deadline; deficiencies clearly hazardous to safety, health or the environment mean detention until the ship can sail safely (SOLAS I/19); no undue delay.
• Frame: the same idea in MARPOL, Load Lines, STCW, ISM, ISPS and the regional MoUs (Paris MoU, Indian Ocean MoU); DGMA exercises PSC in India.
• As Chief Engineer: no clear grounds in my department: machinery and safety equipment working, records current, a crew familiar with emergency procedures.