Port State Control A/W - UK P&I Members Area

PARIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING(PARIS MOU)Interestingly, a review of the inspection efforts of individualParis MOU Members reveals that some countries exceed theaverage by a considerable margin while some fall below it.deficiencies are found or the ship is reportedly not complyingwith the regulations, a more detailed inspection may becarried out. A ship may be detained and the master instructedto rectify the deficiencies before departure.“NO MORE FAVOURABLE TREATMENT” PRINCIPLEIn applying a relevant instrument, the authorities will ensurethat no more favourable treatment is given to ships entitled tofly the flag of a state which is not a party to that Convention.In such a case ships will be subject to a detailed inspectionand the port inspectors will follow the same guidelines as if theflag state was a party to the Convention.SELECTING A SHIP FOR INSPECTIONEvery day a number of ships are selected for inspectionthroughout the region. To facilitate selection, a centralOn a first inspection, the inspector has to ensure that as aminimum the ship’s certificates and documents are on boardand are satisfactory. He must satisfy himself of the overallcondition of the ship, including the engine room andaccommodation and hygiene conditions. Thereafter, if thereare clear grounds for believing that the condition of a ship, itsequipment or its crew does not substantially meet the relevantrequirements of a convention, a more detailed inspection willbe carried out, including further checking of compliance withon board operational requirements.The non-mandatory guidelines which assist the inspectorscan be found at Annex 1 of the Paris MOU. See in particularAPPROXIMATE INSPECTION EFFORTS BY INDIVIDUAL PARIS MOU MEMBERS (1996)35%37%36%36%35%24%23.5%25.5%29% 29%26%27%% OF SHIPS19%CALLING INSPECTED14%11%7.5%4%BelgiumCanadaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussianFederationSpainSwedenUKAdapted from data in the Annual Report and Accounts, the Paris Memorandum of Understanding 1996computer database, known as SIRENAC is consulted byinspectors for data on ships’ particulars and for the reports ofprevious inspections carried out within the Paris MOU regionwhich assist the authorities in determining which kinds of shipsto target. As this database grows and develops, the targetingof ships is becoming increasingly sophisticated.Section 2 – Examination of Certificates and Documents – andSection 3 – Items of General Importance.In addition, the Paris MOU, stipulates the first inspectionrequirements for the STCW 78 and the ILO 147, stating, atSections 5 and 6 respectively of Annex 1, that inspectionrequirements for these important conventions shall be as follows:FIRST INSPECTIONCONTROL UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF STCW 78The inspector shall look for:Port State Control is carried out by properly qualified PortState Control officers (PSCO’s) acting under the responsibilityof the member state’s maritime authority. Inspections aregenerally unannounced and usually begins with verification ofcertificates and documents, moving on to check crew, manningand various onboard operational requirements. When●verification that all seafarers serving on board, who arerequired to be certificated, hold an appropriate certificateor a valid dispensation, or provide documentary proof thatan application for an endorsement has been submitted tothe flag state administration;10