- Ship owners need stronger support than simple warnings from regulators, to comply with the new regulations.
- The support tools are already available to help them.
- From 2020 the involvement of PSC in fuel related matters might rise detentions when a non-compliance with the IMO sulphur cap occurs.
- DPS, a dedicated service providing support to prevent deficiencies and detentions causing serious implications with PSC is available.
- DPS can be used to monitor and screen operations without disturbing ship owners or managers, till FSI is appointed prior to any PSC inspection.
- Support is a better tool than a red card warning.
The global maritime industry is sailing towards a new sulphur regulation imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Panos Kirnidis, CEO of Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) insists that ship owners to comply with the new regulations need stronger support than simple warnings from regulators, reports Seanews.
Support Vs Warnings
Panos Kirnidis says that during his frequent talks with ship owners throw up the same points at every meeting – the value that they place on the interactions and work done for their captains and crew members.
These talks centres on supporting the ship owners and the crew when dealing with Port State Control Officers (PSCO) and with the advent of the IMO’s global sulphur cap commencing January 2020.
He said, “Ship owners, operators and managers want more than warnings – they want support and the tools are already here to help them.”
Tip to keep sailing
With the IMO’s global sulphur cap coming into effect on January 1 2020, the pressures on ship owners is seen increasing as they strive to achieve compliance with the new regulation.
Panos Kirnidis says that the global sulphur cap is just another pressure on ship owners and also captains and crew. The point to be noted is that many operators in the shipping world need people they can talk to and advice that keeps them sailing.
PSC activity
From the start of 2020 the involvement of PSC in fuel related matters could see a significant rise in detentions if non-compliance with the IMO sulphur cap occurs.
This adds further risk to operations and a worrying prospect in the short-term for many ship owners.
Panos Kirnidis says that in an age of digital transformation owners and operators should be provided with smart technology.
He added “In 2017 we launched our unique Deficiency Prevention System (DPS) which is a dedicated service providing support to prevent deficiencies and detentions causing serious implications with PSC.”
How does DPS work?
PISR operates a dedicated department which monitors the location and destination of the Palau flagged vessels and analyses with over 93% confidence their risk performance and priority for inspection by a PSCO.
These inspections naturally place the captain, the crew and the owners under great pressures. We believe these pressures are often counter-productive.
Panos Kirnidis said, “With DPS we can monitor and screen operations without disturbing ship owners or managers until the moment we appoint a Flag State Inspector (FSI) to attend the ship and assist the master and the crew for preparedness prior the PSC attendance. This is how to support those involved in any inspection and we also can remain onboard during the PSC inspection. As a responsible registry we have a duty to keep our fleet moving in the right way.”
Regulatory policeman?
Panos Kirnidis sees PISR as leading the way in working more closely with ship owners as they come to terms with new regulations.
He says, “Our role is to support the vessels in our fleet and ensure they remain within the parameters of global maritime regulations. But we also appreciate that continuing threats are no way to keep the industry in check. We don’t believe this is a productive way to keep the shipping world moving.”
“Our view is that we need strong regulations and penalties but these should be supplemented by equally strong support from regulators and ship registries. Panos Kirnidis suggests that some ship owners see PSC and the IMO in slightly negative ways and regard them as regulatory policeman and often the cause of their financial and operational problems.”
Smart operation – Smart industry
At Palau these bodies are seen as important and necessary to keep the shipping world moving and in line with global safety, environmental and political considerations.
PISR is in support, guidance and development for the vessels in their fleet.
Ship owners need a shoulder to lean on because in this inter-related world of commerce conditions change and often quickly.
He says, ”At Palau we believe that smart operations will lead to smarter industry and one where support is a better tool than a red card warning.”
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Source: Sea News
