On August 5, 2010, the Merchant Marine Administration issued the Letter No. 103-01-08226-DGMM-NSM informing about the Concentrated Inspection Campaign by the Paris, the Tokyo, and the Black Sea MOU's, that will start on September 1, 2010 and will last until November 30, 2010.

According to Letter No. 103-01-08226-DGMM-NSM, the three (3) months Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) is intended to verify correct Damage Stability on Oil Tankers, Chemical Tankers and Gas Carriers trading to ports within the Paris and Black Sea Regions; whereas the Tokyo MOU will carry out  inspections on harmful Substances (MARPOL-Annex III, SOLAS-Chapter VI & IMDG-Code).

In addition, if deficiencies are found, actions by the Port State Control may vary from recording the deficiencies, to detention of the ship until deficiencies are rectified.   The results of the campaign will be analyzed and findings will be presented to the governing bodies of each MOU, for submission to the IMO.

Moreover, we take this opportunity to inform that back in June 2010, the Paris MOU Committee announced Panama's reposition into their Gray List. Bearing the statistical complications of being the world's largest ship register, the press release added well deserved congratulations.  

This news shows the results of efforts by the Panamanian authorities to bring the Registry to better standards.

Lawyers at Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega's Shipping and Ports Practice Area are fully informed on standards of inspection and Port State Controls, as well as the integration of the various Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and would be more than pleased to provide further information upon request.