Circular No. 4204/Add.8 Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Video-link meeting with the port State control (PSC) regimes.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDRES SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimile: +44(0)20 587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Video-link meeting with the port State control (PSC) regimes
On 8 April 2020, a video-link meeting was held with 10 port State control (PSC) regimes to promote the adoption of harmonized measures, assistance, and a pragmatic approach regarding PSC inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic. A joint statement was agreed upon, which is set out in Annex 1.
This circular includes in Annex 2 the statements and interim guidance communicated by the Viña del Mar Agreement, the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), as well as the United States Coast Guard.
ANNEX 1: JOINT STATEMENT – MEETING OF PSC REGIMES
The participating regimes (United States Coast Guard, Viña del Mar Agreement and the Abuja, Black Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Paris, Riyadh and Tokyo MOUs) agreed:
- Promote a pragmatic, practical and flexible approach in PSC inspections.
- Prioritize the safety of life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and the well-being of seafarers.
- Standardize and harmonize practices regarding exemptions and extensions granted by flag States.
- Maintain a global communication channel to address stakeholder concerns during this crisis.
ANNEX 2: REGIONAL GUIDANCE (Summary)
| Region / Regime | Key Principles |
|---|---|
| United States (USCG) | Use of remote inspection techniques, deferral of inspections for up to 90 days, no detention for expired certificates until October 1, 2020. |
| Viña del Mar Agreement | Pragmatic approach, inspections focused on high-risk vessels, flexibility in the extension of certificates and crew services. |
| Caribbean MoU | Case-by-case assessment, maximum 3-month grace period for surveys, inspections and audits. |
| Indian Ocean MoU | Flexibility to delay survey/inspection periods for up to 3 months from the expiry date. |
| Mediterranean MoU | Pragmatic action on certificate extension; reduction of the annual inspection target to 7% for 2020. |
| Paris MoU | Case-by-case approach, flexibility of up to 3 months for regulatory requirements. |
| Tokyo MoU | Pragmatism for postponement of surveys and inspections; revision of the guide effective from April 15, 2020. |
