15 April 2020
Port State Control regimes which carry out inspections onboard ships to monitor and enforce compliance with international regulations have indicated they are taking a pragmatic, practical and flexible approach, recognising that exemptions, waivers and extensions to certificates have been granted by many flag States. Meeting during a conference call with IMO last week, representatives of ten Port State Control regimes which cover the world’s oceans confirmed furthermore that while the number of physical on-board ship inspections has reduced considerably, in order to protect both Port State Control officers and seafarers, the regimes continue to work to target high-risk ships which may be substandard. During the conference call meeting, the Port State Control regimes agreed on the need to work together to develop harmonised practices and policies to ensure a consistent approach across the world and welcomed the coordinating role of IMO in this respect.