Mr. Luc Smulders has been appointed as the new Secretary-General at the Secretariat of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. He is succeeding Mr. Richard Schiferli who retired 1st of November 2018 after 29 years of service to the Paris MoU.

Mr Smulders stated: “I am very much looking forward to succeeding Richard Schiferli. He leaves behind a Secretariat that has largely been formed under his leadership and has grown into what it is today. Moreover, although it will not be easy to compensate for the knowledge and experience of Richard himself, I’m comforted by the structure and the quality of the Secretariat he’s leaving behind.”

Mr. Smulders was educated at the Royal Navy Academy of the Netherlands and he sailed for 5 years as a naval officer. After a short period in the private sector, he worked as an inspector and advisor in the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate where he gained relevant knowledge on maritime legislation and the practice of inspections. In 2007, he moved to the maritime policy directorate dealing with subjects as the European Maritime Safety Agency and the Paris MoU on Port State Control. He was appointed as coordinating policy advisor within the Maritime Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and also served as the Alternate Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the International Maritime Organization.

Mr Hogan, as Chairman of the Port State Control Committee, expressed the gratitude and deep appreciation of the Committee for the many years of dedicated service of Mr Richard Schiferli. Mr Hogan welcomed Mr Smulders as the incoming Secretary-General and looks forward to working with him and the staff of the Secretariat in developing the Paris MoU in its work going forward.

2017 Paris MoU Annual Report “Safeguarding responsible and sustainable shipping” (Dynamic)

2017 Paris MoU Annual Report “Safeguarding responsible and sustainable shipping”

35 years ParisMoU

In 2017 it was 35 years ago that the Memorandum of
Understanding on Port State Control was signed by 14 countries.
Since then the agreement has expanded to 27 members and was
renamed to Paris Memorandum when other MoUs emerged.

Executive Summary

Over the past three years 62 ships have been banned for multiple detentions and three ships were banned “failing to call at an indicated repair yard”. Ten ships have been banned for a second time. Over a three year period the flags of the Republic of Moldova, the United Republic of Tanzania and Togo have recorded the highest number of bannings. Looking at the Paris MoU “White, Grey  and Black List” the overall situation regarding the quality of shipping seems to be stabilising. Although some flag States have moved between lists, the  total amount of 40 flags on the “White list” is similar to 2016 (42). This year there were two new entries to the “White List”; Poland and the Republic of Korea. The Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, the United States of America moved from the  “White List” to the “Grey List”. Last year’s non listed  Tuvalu also entered the “Grey List”.  New to the “Black List” is Ukraine. In 2017 there were 13 flags on the “Black List” (12 in 2016), the Republic of the Congo recording the worst performance for the second year in a  row. Recognized Organizations (ROs) are delegated by flag States to carry out statutory surveys on their behalf. For this reason, it is important to monitor their performance. For several years the Paris and Tokyo MoU have made a joint submission to IMO addressing the  correlation between flags and the ROs working on their behalf. The results are also published in the Annual Report. It is useful information for the industry in determining the risks posed by substandard shipping. After a slight decrease of the total number of inspections last year, the number has increased in 2017 to 17,916. The increase of the detention percentage from 3.42% in 2015 to 3.84% in 2016 has stabilised this year at 3.82%. The level of detainable deficiencies has also stabilised this year to 3,706 (to 3,781 in 2016). As the states with the highest number of ship calls Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, the Netherlands, Canada and France, together made up over 51% of the total number of inspections, but each member contributes to the inspection efforts by means of the fair share mechanism. With 1,216 inspections and 205 detentions the ships flying a “Black listed flag“ had a detention rate of 16.8%, which is less than the 18.71% in 2016. For ships flying a “Grey listed flag” the detention rate was 7.4%, which is higher than 2016: 5.5%. For ships flying a “White listed flag” the detention rate is 2.5% which is at the same level as 2016 (2.6%) and 2015 (2.5%). The five most frequently recorded deficiencies in 2017 were “ISM”  (4.35%, 1,774), “fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions” (2.51%, 1024), “nautical publications” (2.28%, 929), “charts” (1.96%, 797) and “voyage or passage plan” (1.46%, 594). The first four are consistent with 2016. The “voyage or passage plan” has replaced “oil record book”. Relatively the total number of the top five is slightly decreasing from 12.9% in 2016 to 12.6%
in 2017

At its 51st meeting last month, the Paris MoU Committee approved the 2017 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flags and Recognized Organizations (ROs). These lists will take effect from 1 July 2018.

The “White, Grey and Black (WGB) List” presents the full spectrum, from  flags with a high performance to flags with a poor performance that are considered high or very high risk. It is based on the total number of inspections and detentions over a 3-year rolling period for flags with at least 30 inspections in the period.

On the “White, Grey and Black list” to be used for the calculation of the Ship Risk Profile form 1 July 2018, a total number of 73 flags are listed: 40 on the “White List”, 20 on the “Grey List” and 13 on the “Black list”. In last year’s list the number of flags listed also 73 flags; 42 on the “White List”, 19 on the “Grey List” and 12 on the “Black List”.

The “White List” represents flags with a consistently high performance record. Compared to last year’s list, the number of flags on the “White List” has decreased by two. The Republic of Korea has moved back to the “White list” after one year on the “Grey List”. Poland has entered the “White List” as well.

Flags with an average performance are shown on the “Grey List”. Their appearance on this list may act as an incentive to improve and move to the “White List”. At the same time flags at the lower end of the “Grey List” should be careful not to neglect control over their ships and risk ending up on the “Black List” next year.

On this year’s “Grey List” a total number of 20 flags are recorded. Last year the “Grey List” lists 19 flags. New on the “Grey List” are the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and the United States of America, which were on the “White List” last year. From being a non-listed flag last year, Tuvalu is now on the “Grey List”.

New on the “Black List” is Ukraine.

For several years the Committee has closely monitored the performance of ROs acting on behalf of flags. To calculate the performance of the ROs, the same formula to calculate the excess factor of the flags is used. A minimum number of 60 inspections per RO are needed before the performance is taken into account for the list. In the RO performance table to be used for the calculation of the Ship Risk Profile from 1 July 2018  34 ROs are listed.

Compared with last year’s performance level, a small shift in RO performance in 2017 can be noticed. This year three ROs are in the very low performing position against none last year. Three ROs  are in the low performing positions compared to four in the last year and 17 ROs are in the medium position of the list compared to 19 in the last year.

Details of the responsibility of the ROs for detainable deficiencies have been published since 1999. When one or more detainable deficiencies are attributed to an RO in accordance with the Paris MoU criteria, this is recorded as “RO responsible” and the RO is informed. Out of 685 detentions recorded in 2017, 99 or 14.5% were considered RO related compared to 13.9% in 2016.

On 1 July 2018 the performance lists will be used for calculating the Ship Risk Profile. Flags on the “Grey List” and “Black List” will be subject to  more stringent banning measures which are in force since 1 January 2011. More information can be found in the 2017 Annual Report, which will be published in July 2018. These lists will also be  published on the Paris MoU website (www.parismou.org).

The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) held its 51st Committee meeting in Cascais, Portugal, from the 7-11 May 2018, chaired by Mr. Brian Hogan.

Anticipating the new maximum limits for sulphur in ships fuel oil, entering into force on 1 January 2020, the Paris MoU agreed to an information campaign by issuing a “Letter of Warning” starting 1 January 2019, to encourage timely compliance. Secretary General Richard Schiferli stated that this will be a signal to the industry that port State control will take enforcement of the new sulphur limits seriously from “day one”.

The Committee also approved the questionnaire for the CIC on MARPOL Annex VI to be carried out jointly with the Tokyo MoU. The CIC aims at checking the compliance with requirements for the prevention of air pollution from ships. The CIC will be carried out from September to November 2018 and the questionnaire will be published in August.

As part of a review of the current inspection regime, significant progress was made with a new methodology for calculating flag State and recognized organization (RO) performance, used for targeting ships for inspection.

The Paris MoU considered the “Ministerial Declaration” signed during the 3rd Joint Ministerial Conference between the Paris and Tokyo MoUs held in Vancouver last year and agreed on a course of action to implement the decisions.

High importance was given to the report of the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Safety of Navigation, including ECDIS1. The CIC was carried out from September to November 2017. The general conclusion was that the results show a good overall implementation of the requirements on board the ships inspected, although voyage planning remains an area of concern.

The Committee adopted the 2017 Annual Report, including the White, Grey and Black List and the performance list of recognized organizations. The lists will be published in early June and used for targeting purposes from 1 July 2018. The Annual Report will be published in July this year. 

The number of ships which have been refused access to the Paris MoU region after multiple detentions has increased from 20 in 2016 to 33 in 2017 and is a threefold increase over the number in 2015. 

Chairman Mr. Brian Hogan thanked the Secretary General Mr. Richard Schiferli for his accomplishments over the past 21 years. In this regard the Committee expressed deep gratitude for the services of Mr Schiferli and wished him well on his forthcoming retirement. 

The meeting was attended by members of the Paris MoU, the European Commission, EMSA, Montenegro, observers from the International Labour Organization, the International Maritime Organization, US Coast Guard, Tokyo MoU, Caribbean MoU, Mediterranean MoU, Black Sea MoU and Indian Ocean MoU.

On behalf of the member State Authorities, Mr. Hogan concluded the meeting by remarking that significant progress has been made on port State control issues during this meeting. He thanked all member State Authorities, the European Commission, EMSA and the Paris MoU Secretariat for their contribution. In particular Mr. Hogan thanked the Maritime Administration of Portugal, for the excellent arrangements they made for this Committee meeting.

PSCO’s in the Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU regions have performed a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Crew Familiarization for Enclosed Space Entry from 1 September through 30 November 2015.

In general the results of the CIC indicate that the subject of Enclosed Space Entry is taken seriously by the industry. The CIC did not lead to an increase in the rate of detentions however  the actual compliance, shown in drills, could be better. 7.9% of drills were found to be unsatisfactory.

“A satisfactory result regarding the detention percentage, but work to be done”, says Secretary General Richard Schiferli. “Both industry and PSCOs should continue to pay attention to Enclosed Space Entry.”  The effort should be directed especially on the training of the crew and the correct execution of drills.

Preliminary results on Enclosed Space Entry for the Paris MoU show that 3776 inspections have been performed using the CIC questionnaire. Of those inspections 54 detentions have CIC topic related deficiencies. The total number of detentions in the 3-month period was 160.

The detention percentage for the CIC period is similar to the average annual percentage. A satisfactory level of compliance was shown and the time invested was well spent to raise awareness of enclosed space entry procedures and check compliance on an important topic where lives can be at stake.

Further analysis will be done on the inspection results to see whether there are any recommendations that could be made to industry, flag States or MoUs. Results of the detailed analysis will be discussed at the annual Committee meeting in May 2016 and the Committee will decide whether or not to publish the results of the CIC.

2016 Paris MoU Annual Report “Seafarers matter” (Dynamic)

2016 shows a large increase in the refusal of access (“bans”) within the region: 20 bans  compared to 11 in 2015. The detention percentage has also increased from 3.4% to 3.8%. The number of detainable deficiencies has increased  7.3% compared  to 2015. The number of inspections carried out was 17,840, this is slightly less than in 2015 (17,877).

In 2016 Port State Control Officers in the Paris MoU region have performed a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 in the period from 1 September to 30 November 2016. The aim of the CIC was to verify that the minimum standards for working and living conditions have been implemented on board and thereby creating more awareness. The Paris MoU is satisfied with the overall result. A total of 3674 questionnaires for the CIC have been completed during regular inspections. The campaign resulted in 42 detentions (1.1%) directly linked to the MLC, 2006 requirements.

Over the past three years most ships have been banned for multiple detentions (46). Five ships have been banned for a second time. A significant number of ships (five) were banned for failing to call at the indicated repair yard. The one remaining case involved a ship which “jumped the detention”, by sailing without authorisation. Over a three year period the flags of the Republic of Moldova, the United Republic of Tanzania and Togo have recorded the highest number of bannings.

Looking at the Paris MoU “White, Grey and Black List” the overall situation regarding the quality of shipping seems to be stabilising. Although some flag States have changed lists, the total amount of 42 flags on the “White list” is similar to 2015 (43).

This year there were no new entries to the “White List”. The Republic of Korea moved from the “White List” to the “Grey List”. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines moved from the “Black List” to the “Grey List”. Palau and Vanuatu moved from the “Grey List” to the “Black List”. In 2016 there were 12 flags on the “Black List” (11 in 2015), with the Republic of the Congo recording the worst performance.

Recognized Organisations (ROs) are delegated by flag States to carry out statutory surveys on their behalf. For this reason, it is important to monitor their performance. For several years the Paris and Tokyo MoU have made a joint submission to IMO addressing the correlation between flags and the ROs working on their behalf. The results are also published in the Paris MoU Annual Report. It is useful information for the industry in determining the risks posed by sub-standard shipping. 

After a slight decrease of the total number of inspections in 2015 to 17,877 the number has decreased again in 2016 to 17,840. Since 2011 (the start of the New Inspection Regime, NIR) the average detention percentage has shown a small annual increase until 2013 (3.8%), after which a significant decrease was recorded in2014 (3.4%) with a same level in 2015 (3.4%). However, this year an increase to 3.8% was  recorded. This is the highest level since the introduction of NIR in 2011. The level of detainable deficiencies has also increased this year to 3,769, a 7.3% increase compared to 2015.

As the states with the highest number of ship calls Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Russian Federation, Germany and France, together made up over 51% of the total number of inspections, but each member contributes to the inspection efforts by means of the fair share mechanism. High Risk Ships have been operating mostly in the southern part of the region, while Low Risk Ships have been calling in the north-western part of the region.

With 1,213 inspections and 227 detentions the ships flying a “black listed flag“ had a detention rate of 18.7%, which is considerably higher than the 11.2% in 2015 and 11.7% in 2014. For ships flying a “grey listed flag” the detention rate was 5.5%, which is significantly lower than 8.6% in 2015. For ships flying a “white listed flag” the detention rate was 2.6% which is at the same level as 2015 (2.5%) and 2014 (2.4%).

The five most frequently recorded deficiencies in 2016 were “ISM” (4.4%, 1838), “fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions” (2.6%, 1078), “nautical publications” (2.5%, 1049), “charts” (2.2%, 922) and “oil record book” (1.7%, 706). These are consistent with 2015.

At its 50th meeting last month, the Paris MoU Committee approved the 2016 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flags and Recognized Organizations. These lists will take effect from 1 July 2017.

The “White, Grey and Black (WGB) List” presents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a poor performance that are considered high or very high risk. It is based on the total number of inspections and detentions over a 3-year rolling period for flags with at least 30 inspections in the period.

On the “White, Grey and Black list” for 2016, a total number of 73 flags are listed: 42 on the “White List”, 19 on the “Grey List” and 12 on the “Black list”. In 2015 the number of flags listed totalled 73 flags also; 43 on the “White List”, 19 on the “Grey List” and 11 on the “Black List”.

The “White List” represents quality flags with a consistently low detention record. Compared to 2015, the number of flags on the “White List” has decreased by one.

Flags with an average performance are shown on the “Grey List”. Their appearance on this list may act as an incentive to improve and move to the “White List”. At the same time flags on the “Grey List” should be careful not to neglect control over their ships and risk ending up on the “Black List” next year.

A total number of 19 flags are recorded on this year’s “Grey List”. Last year the “Grey List” also recorded 19 flags. A new  flag on the “Grey List” is the Republic of Korea, which last year was on the “White List”. this year Saint Vincent and the Grenadines moved from the “Black list” to the “Grey list”.

Palau and Vanuatu have also moved from the “Grey List” to the “Black List”.

For several years the Committee has closely monitored the performance of classification societies acting as Recognised Organisations, ROs, for flags. To calculate the performance of the ROs the same formula to calculate the excess factor of the flags is used. A minimum number of 60 inspections per RO is needed before the performance is taken into account for the list. In 2016 there are 33 ROs recorded on the performance list.

Compared with last year’s performance level, a small shift in RO performance in 2016 can be noticed. This year none of the ROs have been placed in the very low performing part of the list. Four ROs have been placed in the low performing part (from 1 last year) and 19 ROs have been placed in the medium part of the list (from 22  last year).

Details of the responsibility of  ROs for detainable deficiencies have been published since 1999. When one or more detainable deficiencies are attributed to an  RO in accordance with the criteria, it is recorded as “RO responsible” and the RO is informed. Out of 683 detentions recorded in 2016, 91 or 13.3% were considered RO related.

On 1 July 2017 the performance lists will be used for calculating the ship risk profile and flags on the “Grey List” and “Black List” may be subject to the more stringent banning measures in force since 1 January 2011. More information can be found in the 2016 Annual Report, which will be published  in July 2017. The lists will also be also published on the Paris MoU website (www.parismou.org).