Analysis of Ship Sanitation Inspection, Taichung Port, 2015–2022

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202502_41(4).0001

Hsun-Yang Chuang, Chin-Sheng Chi, Yi-Syue Li, Min-Tsung Lin, Pei-Jiuan Chao, Ching-Fen Ko1, Jhy-Wen Wu

2025 Vol.41 NO.4

Correspondence Author： Hsun-Yang Chuang

Abstract：

    Taichung Port is the second-largest international commercial port in Taiwan. Due to the large shipping volume and diverse ship types, Taichung Port has a higher potential threat to public health than other international ports do. We analyzed ship sanitation inspection and ship sanitation certificate issuance in Taichung Port from 2015 to 2022. We explored the changes in the issuance of sanitation certificates for the same ship and possible public health risks for Taichung Port. We found that oil tankers and general cargo ships were issued the most certificates. Regarding changes in Sanitation Control Certificates for the same ship during the study period, we compared the status of certificate issuance between 2015–2018 and 2019–2022. We found that there were no differences in the proportion of repeatedly issued Sanitation Control Certificates during the eight-year period. The reasons that ships repeatedly received Sanitation Control Certificates were mainly caused by the discovery of cockroaches in more than two places, such as kitchens, restaurants, and storage rooms, followed by the discovery of rats or rat traces. Further analysis of the correlation between locations where vectors occur and types of vectors revealed that cockroaches accounted for the majority of vectors, followed by rats and flies. Areas with a higher risk of vector occurrence were kitchens, restaurants, and storage rooms. There were no differences in the control measures for vessels entering our country, whether the vessels were exempted from a Sanitation Control Certificate or not. We recommend the implementation of enhanced inspection standards or random onboard inspections for potential shortcomings, like those practiced in Australia and Germany. The fees associated with quarantine inspection and certificates are considered operational costs for vessels. Perhaps by increasing both fees for inspection and Sanitation Control Certificate issuance, the maritime industry will pay more attention to vessel sanitation. This strategy aims to prevent potential vectors from entering our country and protect the health of the people.