Paris MoU guidelines for ensuring maritime safety and compliance

The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) has issued guidance on certification of seafarers and manning requirements according to the STCW Convention, MLC and SOLAS.

The guidance outlines specific procedures that port authorities must follow during inspections. It emphasizes the importance of verifying compliance with safety regulations, ensuring the proper certification of crew members, and assessing working conditions aboard the ship. These inspections are conducted both initially upon a ship's arrival and more thoroughly as needed to confirm ongoing compliance.

Key areas of focus during these inspections include checking crew certificates, confirming adequate manning levels, monitoring crew rest hours to prevent fatigue, and assessing crew competency to carry out their duties safely. These measures are aimed at safeguarding the safety of the ship, its crew, and the marine environment.

The document also provides clear guidelines on the actions that port authorities should take if non-compliance with regulations is identified. This includes documenting deficiencies, notifying relevant parties, and specifying corrective actions that must be taken by the ship's operators or owners.