ParisMOU-More detailed inspection

a report or notification by another authority;
a report or complaint by the master, a crew member, or any person or organization with a legitimate interest in the safe operation of the ship, unless this complaint is clearly deemed to be unfounded;
other indications of serious deficiencies.

In addition there are requirements for expanded inspections for bulk carriers and tankers above a certain age and for passenger ships.

With regard to complaints received from masters or crew members the port State control authority receiving such complaint has the obligation not to disclose the source of information. In other words masters or crew members will not face risk of reprisal.

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.