ParisMOU-Manning

The guiding principle for port State inspection of the manning of a foreign ship is to establish conformity with the flag State’s safe manning requirements. Where this is in doubt the flag State will be consulted. Such safe manning requirements stem from:

several of the relevant instruments;
contents of Minimum Safe Manning Document (IMO Resolution A.481(XII), Annex 1);
Guidelines for the Application of Principles of Safe Manning (IMO Resolution A.481 (XII), Annex 2).

If the extent of the manning deficiency is such as to render the ship clearly unsafe for the intended voyage or service, the ship will be detained.

The port State will contact the flag State if:

the actual number or composition of the crew does not conform to the minimum safe manning document; or
if the ship does not carry a minimum safe manning document or equivalent.

If the actual crew number and composition is not brought into accordance with the safe manning document the ship will probably be detained. If the flag State does not respond, this will be considered as a clear ground for a more detailed inspection, with a strong likelihood of detention.

History
In 1982 the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control was signed by 14 European countries. Since then, the Paris MOU has expanded to 20 maritime Administrations.

Scope
The geographical scope of the Paris MOU region does not only consist of European coastline, but also covers the North Atlantic by including the east coast of Canada.

Principles
The operation of the MOU is based on several principles. Some principles are of an administrative nature, while others are directed at the operational aspects of port State control.

Instruments
Only internationally accepted conventions shall be enforced during port State control inspections. These conventions are the so-called “relevant instruments”.

Non-Parties
Flag States which are not a Party to conventions shall receive no more favourable treatment

Targeting
Ships are selected for inspection according to the Paris MOU targeting system.

Database
The results of each inspection are recorded in the central database, which is located in Saint Malo, France.

PSCO
Port State control is carried out by properly qualified Port State Control Officers (PSCO’s), acting under the responsibility of the maritime authority.

Structure
The Port State Control Committee is the executive body of the Paris MOU. The Committee deals with matters of policy, finance and administration.

Inspection
A port State control visit on board will normally start with verification of certificates and documents.

Manning
Documentation of crew members has to comply with international and flag State standards.

Detention
When serious deficiencies are found, the ship shall be detained. The captain is instructed to rectify the deficiencies before departure.

Secretariat
The day-to-day administration of the Paris MOU is carried out by the Secretariat. The Secretariat prepares the necessary meetings and serves as the focal point for information.

More detailed inspection
When deficiencies are found or the ship is reportedly not complying with the regulations, a more detailed inspection is carried out.