Paris MoU to Test Compliance with Maritime Labour Convention 2006

The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU)  has agreed to carry out a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) in 2016 to verify compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, during its 48th Committee meeting in Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands.

Jointly with the Tokyo MoU a CIC on Crew Familiarisation for Enclosed Space Entry is scheduled from September to November, this year.

Paris MoU Secretary General Richard Schiferli expressed the view of the Committee that this decision demonstrated the importance to the Paris MoU of decent working and living conditions onboard ships, as well as ensuring that seafarers’ rights are respected.

The report of the CIC on STCW hours of rest, carried out in September to November of 2014, was presented to the Committee meeting. The Committee expressed concern that during the CIC, which was publicised in advance, 912 deficiencies were recorded related specifically to STCW hours of rest and that 16 ships were detained as a result of the CIC.

The Committee agreed to work on a plan to elaborate the guidelines on MARPOL Annex VI, which deals with air pollution from ships. Montenegro has entered into the final stage towards full membership and a decision will be taken next year, when the Committee meets in Norway.

The Committee adopted the 2014 Annual Report, including the new White, Grey and Black List and the performance list of recognised organisations. The lists will be published early June and used for targeting purposes starting July 1, 2015. There are a continued high number of ships which are refused access to the region after multiple detentions. Four ships have been banned for a second time.