What's NewOrganisationContactLinksMembersHigh Level Forum
Home
Banned Ships
Current Detentions
Detention Lists
Inspection Database    
Appeal Procedure
Caught in the Net
Target Factor
Code of Good Practice
Expanded Inspection information
Disclaimer

The basic principles

 








  • The prime responsibility for compliance with the requirements laid down in the international maritime conventions lies with the shipowner/operator; responsibility for ensuring such compliance remains with the flag State.
  • The member-countries have agreed to inspect 25% of the estimated number of individual foreign merchant ships which enter their ports.
  • IMO and ILO conventions provide the basis for inspections under the Paris MOU.
  • In general ships will not be inspected within six months of a previous inspection in a MOU port, unless there are clear grounds for inspection, and the vessel is not of a type described in section 8 of this brochure.
  • All possible efforts are made to avoid unduly detaining or delaying a ship.
    		•

    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.