Paris MoU has released the questionnaire for the forthcoming CIC on safety of navigation in compliance with SOLAS Chapter V. The aim of the CIC is to check compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS Convention, the overall status of the vessel’s navigation safety, and the competency of crew involved in navigation operations. The Paris MoU will conduct the CIC jointly with the Tokyo MoU from 1 September to 30 November 2017.
Previously, both MoUs had carried out a joint CIC for safety of navigation in 2008. However, since then, the related regulations have undergone frequent changes, therefore it is important to examine the current performance. ECDIS have changed significantly the current landscape by assisting watchkeepers to maintain navigation safety and to reduce their navigational workload.
Deficiencies relating to navigation equipment contribute a major proportion of the total deficiencies. From 2009 to 2016, a total of 174,559 deficiencies concerning safety of navigation were recorded, accounting for 15.27% of all deficiencies.
Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 12 questions to assure that navigation equipment carried onboard complies with the relevant statutory certificates, the master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially ECDIS, and that navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning.
