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In Marshall Islands, we have divided the globe in three sections in order to accommodate vessels and operators needs at the time of the inspection. All inquiries will be processed and either an interim or final reply will be sent during the workday, or by your opening the next morning; never more than 24 hours. To achieve this task, we have established a network of 25 worldwide offices which are ready to evaluate and accommodate within 24 hours. Our position in Paris MoU as reported in Annual Report 2013 is number 17 considering that two years ago we were in the 24th position. That means that the detention ratio becomes better as we have improved our performance. Our target within the next few years is to be, if possible, at top 10. Similarly, in Tokyo MoU, according to latest Annual Report, Marshall Islands show good results. In both Paris and Tokyo MoU, we are a low-risk Flag which is a benefit for the operators. Also, The RMI Registry is the only Flag Administration which has received recognition for the tenth consecutive year by the USCG. This is a big achievement considering that the limits that the USCG has placed are very tough and less 1% every year of detention ratio.
Picture above shows the figures for the last three years. We see that the detention ratio for 2012 from 3.92% drops within the next two years to 2.42%. These figures refers to merchant vessels (we have excluded MODUs, MOUs and yachts). For 2012 and 2013 we had 82 detentions. The Tokyo MoU is the leader, detaining mostly all type of vessels worldwide. Bulk carriers are the type of vessels detained mostly through 2012-2014
In Tokyo MoU we had 44 detentions in 2012 and 29 this year, mostly by AMSA and following by China. Australia and China are the two countries detained the most vessels of all types. In Australia, Melbourne and Brisbane appear to be the toughest Port State Control offices whereas in China are Xiamen and Shenzhen. The difficult thing with China is that it has many jurisdictions with different philosophy of what is the standard policy from the Beijing. As a result, we have many detentions in China. In Paris MoU things are better as we had 20 detentions in 2013 and so far we have 11 hoping to detain this ratio up to end of the year. North Europe is the toughest region, especially Rotterdam and UK Ports. In 2013, the 3 detentions that Port of Rotterdam had was for low sulphur, In USCG region for 2013 we had 5 detentions. New Orleans has the toughest Port State Control with many detentions due to MARPOL issues.
It is worth mention that the age of bulk carrier does not contribute necessarily to the detention. AMSA and China in Tokyo MoU detained the most bulk carriers following by Paris MoU and USCG. Fire safety and life-saving appliances are the most common deficiencies following by ISM and MARPOL Annex I oil record books, oil water separators. Also, we have around 30 detainable deficiencies in regards to crew competence meaning that there is a need to invest on training. The majority of the deficiencies can be prevented.
Above article is an edited version of Theodore Lalas presentation during 2014 SAFETY4SEA Forum
More details may be found by viewing his Presentation video
