The Indian Ocean MoU has published a video on the occasion of celebrating twenty-five years, explaining its action and achievements.
As explained in the video, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) organized two preparatory meetings in 1997 and 1998, leading to the formation of the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) on Port State Control. Signed in 1998 and operational from 1999, the agreement promotes maritime safety, environmental protection, and better working conditions for seafarers.
By 2024, IOMOU has conducted over 130.528 inspections, recorded more than 342.293 deficiencies, and trained officers through cooperation with the Tokyo and Paris MOUs. The IOMOU now has 12 observers and continues expanding across the region.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we look forward to a collaborative future, supporting our member authorities through training, inspections, and technical cooperation.
… was stated in the video
IOMOU twenty-seventh Committee
IOMOU held its twenty-seventh Committee meeting (26-30 August 2024) along with its 25 years’ celebration. A Correspondence Group presented their report on the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Fire Safety, conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2023. The Committee noted that during the campaign, member States carried out 1,432 Port State Control (PSC) inspections on individual ships.
Out of these, 1,164 inspections included a CIC questionnaire, and four ships were detained due to fire safety issues. The CIC analysis was submitted to the 10th session of the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III). Based on the results, Member States will focus on ensuring effective fire drills where appropriate.
The Committee also agreed to conduct a CIC on Ballast Water Management in conjunction with the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU in 2025. Additionally, the Committee approved amendments to the PSC Manual, including the addition of various codes and guidelines for Port State Control to ensure compliance with the ISM Code. This includes harmonizing the approach to rejecting an unsatisfactory additional SMC audit following an ISM detention.
The Committee formed additional Correspondence Groups to:
- Develop guidelines for PSC inspections related to the Hong Kong Convention.
- Develop procedures for using body-worn cameras by PSCOs during PSC inspections in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Develop guidelines on the IP Code for PSCOs.
- Develop procedures for fishing vessel inspections in the Indian Ocean Region, including determining deficiencies and codes. This will also consider the need for a separate database for fishing vessel inspections.
The Committee adopted the 2023 Annual Report, which included an overview of IOMOU activities and statistics. A total of 5,785 inspections were conducted in 2023. Of these, 3,021 inspections revealed deficiencies, with a total of 13,346 deficiencies recorded. Serious deficiencies led to the detention of 247 ships. The number of inspections in 2023 increased compared to 2022, and the detention percentage rose from 3.93% in 2022 to 4.27% in 2023.
Finally, the Committee approved guidelines for accepting E-Certificates in Indian Ocean Region.
