The Danish Maritime Authority informed that 29 countries from the Paris MoU and the Tokyo Mou have signed a new Ministerial Declaration on port State control, which has been under preparation for three years. The declaration stipulates new goals for port State control and, specifically, enforcement of the sulphur regulations and the Polar Code.
In addition to the 29 countries, the IMO Secretary General, as well as a representative of the ILO, attended the conference. Furthermore, inter alia the ISF, ITF and IACS were present.
Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, Andreas Nordseth, commented: “Port State Control is an important part of ensuring compliance with international regulation. That’s why it is gratifying to see that Danish key issues on enforcement of the sulphur regulations and the Polar Code have been included in the declaration. It is important to Denmark that environmental considerations are taken worldwide.”
The declaration also focuses on other areas, such as the acceptance of electronic certificates, more transparency and reductions of the burdens imposed on the industry in connection with PSC inspections. Furthermore, the inspection regime must continuously be developed in order to optimise the use of the resources available.
PSC inspections have proven to be an effective instrument for ensuring ships’ compliance with international regulations and, thus, a level playing field for the benefit of safety, the environment and the seafarers.
