The Tokyo MOU’s Port State Control Committee held its 36th meeting, making several key decisions regarding future joint campaigns, company performance publication, and the adoption of new guidelines and a long-term strategy.
Future Inspection Campaigns
The Committee outlined its inspection focus for the coming years, primarily through joint efforts with the Paris MoU.
- 2025 (Ongoing): Noted the progress of the joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM).
- 2026 (Agreed in Principle): Agreed to conduct a joint CIC with the Paris MoU focusing on cargo securing.
- 2027 (Agreed in Principle): Agreed to conduct a joint CIC with the Paris MoU focusing on enclosed space entry.
- Approved Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC): Approved a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on insurance certificates under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC), to be conducted in concert with the Paris MoU.
- Trial Activities: Noted that three FIC trials (on Fire Safety, Pilot Transfer Arrangements, and EPIRB) were conducted and agreed to continue further FIC trials to refine the methodology for future joint campaigns.
Strategic and Administrative Decisions
The Committee approved long-term plans and new regulatory procedures to enhance port State Control effectiveness and transparency.
- Strategic Plan Adoption: Considered and adopted the Strategic Plan, Strategic Directions, and list of planned actions for the five-year period from 2026 to 2030.
- Company Performance Publication: Endorsed the implementation of the publication of company performance lists (high-performing and under-performing) on a quarterly basis on the Tokyo MOU website, starting January 1, 2026.
- Performance Calculation Methods: Confirmed the introduction of new calculation methods to evaluate flag and Recognized Organization (RO) performance, harmonized with the Paris MoU, with implementation set for January 1, 2028.
- Technical Cooperation: Approved the strategic plan for technical cooperation programmes for 2026-2030, acknowledging the continued support from the Nippon Foundation.
New Guidelines Adopted
The Committee adopted new guidance for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) to align with updated international maritime instruments.
- Guidelines Adopted:
- Guidelines for PSCOs on enhanced machinery and maintenance inspections.
- Guidelines for PSCOs on Inert Gas System of Tankers.
- Further Development: Approved updates to several existing guidelines and decided to develop a style guide for PSC guidelines and safety guidelines for PSCO accident prevention.
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Source: Tokyo MoU Secretariat
