Tokyo MOU published its Annual Report for 2024, indicating that it conducted 32,054 inspections, involving 18,655 individual ships. Out of the 32,054 inspections, there were 19,967 inspections where ships were found with deficiencies.
Since the total number of individual ships operating in the region was estimated at 28,137, the inspection rate in the region was approximately 66% in 2024. In 2024, 1,189 ships registered under 67 flags were detained due to serious deficiencies found onboard and the detention rate of ships inspected was 3.71%.
Under-performing ships
A total of 233 vessels, involving 50 individual ships, were identified as under-performing in 2024. Furthermore, in 2024, the number of under-performing ships is nearly double that of the previous year, indicating a worsening condition of ships in the region. An analysis of recorded deficiencies and detentions has not identified any specific area as the primary cause of this non-compliance.
We urge all stakeholders to re-evaluate their operational practices and ensure adherence to the requirements of international maritime instruments.
… said Tokyo MoU
Serious concerns have been raised by the Tokyo MOU regarding the improper conduct of certain flag States and recognized organizations (ROs), including the extension of certificate validity in violation of convention-imposed limitations, acceptance or approval of unjustified equivalent arrangements, and the conduct of remote surveys that do not align with IMO guidelines and are ineffective from safety and environmental protection standpoints.
Fire safety measures, life-saving appliances, working and living conditions, and safety of navigation continued to be the major categories of deficiencies discovered.
Key deficiency statistics
In 2024, 15,406 deficiencies related to fire safety measures, 10,263 related to life-saving appliances, 8,193 related to working and living conditions, and 8,066 related to safety of navigation were recorded, representing 54% of all recorded deficiencies.
Additional areas of concern
There was also a continued increase in deficiencies concerning certificates and documentation, water/weathertight conditions, alarms, dangerous goods, and labour conditions—including accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering—as well as MARPOL Annex VI compliance.
As a result of the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Crew Wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements under the MLC, 2006, deficiencies related to conditions of employment, health protection, medical care, and social security increased notably compared to the previous year.
Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on crew wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements
The Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on crew wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements, in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), was conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2024, jointly with the Paris MoU. During the CIC period, a total of 8,134 PSC inspections were carried out by member Authorities, of which 6,580 (80.89%) included a CIC inspection.
A total of 297 ships were detained, representing an overall detention rate of 3.65%. Of these, 20 ships were detained as a direct result of the CIC due to deficiencies related to crew wages and Seafarer Employment Agreements under the MLC, 2006. This reflects a CIC-topic-related detention rate of 0.3%, accounting for 7% of all detentions.
The most common deficiencies identified during the campaign, often contributing to detentions, included the absence of signed Seafarer Employment Agreements (16% of CIC-related deficiencies) and seafarers being unable to access information regarding their employment conditions on board (28% of CIC-related deficiencies).
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