PORT-STATE CONTROL

port-state control. Maritime law. The exercise of authority under international conventions for a state to stop, board, inspect, and when necessary detain vessels sailing under foreign flags while they are navigating in the port state’s territorial waters or are in one of its ports. • The purpose is to ensure the safety of the vessels as well as to enforce environmental regulations. Cf. COASTAL-STATE CONTROL; FLAG-STATE CONTROL.

[Blacks Law 8th]