Analysis of Health Inspection and Ship Sanitation Control in Taichung Port, 2020–2024

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202609_42(18).0001

Chin-Sheng Chi1^*, Yi-Syue Li¹, Min-Tsung Lin¹, Ching-Fen Ko^{1, 2}, Jhy-Wen Wu¹

2026 Vol.42 NO.18

Correspondence Author： Chin-Sheng Chi1*

Abstract：

        Taichung Port is an international commercial port located in central Taiwan. Because of the large number and diverse types of ships, the public health risks and impacts at the port are relatively high. We analyzed the ship sanitation inspection and ship sanitation control in Taichung Port from 2020 to 2024 to understand possible risks of ship sanitation control. In addition to common disease vector problems, we aimed to identify other potential concerns and discuss the ship sanitation situation from a multi-faceted perspective.
        We found that the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate issuance rate (SSCC%) was 8.9%. Among ships with a high number of certificate issuances, SSCC% was highest for oil tankers, followed by general cargo ships. Vectors were most commonly found in kitchens and store rooms. According to the evidence reports, the top three issues identified were "evidence of vectors found in galley and mess room" (77.0%), "foods found spoiled or unpackaged" (62.2%) and "evidence of vectors found in stores" (36.5%). The highest improvement rate was for "inappropriate waste containers" (63.6%), followed by "food waste containers: not available or unclean" (41.7%) and "no separation of garbage types or not enough suitable receptacles" (40.0%). However, the improvement rates for vector-related issues were low: 8.8% for "evidence of vectors found in galley and mess room" and 14.8% for "evidence of vectors found in stores." We listed and discussed deficiencies other than vector problems, including ship medical care, food storage and processing, and waste management, and provided guidance for improvement.
        We recommend that quarantine officers prioritize health promotion for high-risk ship types and areas, offer guidance during ships' sanitation certificate renewal, and monitor ships with previously issued ship sanitation control certificates that had serious vector infestation. By reminding shipowners and relevant departments of the importance of health issues, we hope to improve ship sanitation among ships with poor hygiene conditions and better protect the health of crew members, related staff, and port workers.