This annual report summarizes the port State control developments and activities of the Tokyo MOU in 2020. Moreover, the report also provides port State control statistics and analysis on the results of inspections carried out by member Authorities during the year.

The activities of the Tokyo MOU were also seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of inspections has reduced by approximately
40%, and the inspection rate is reduced by 20 points compared with the previous year.
Furthermore, the joint concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on Stability in General with
the Paris MoU scheduled in 2020 had to be postponed by one year. In addition, almost all the planned technical co-operation activities were either postponed or cancelled.

Looking through the statistics in 2020, the notable increase trend of deficiencies relating to
Working & Living Conditions or Maritime Labour Conditions can be identified, which reflects
the severe impacts by COVID-19 on crew change and seafarers’ repatriation. In line with
previous years, ISM is the most common category where detainable deficiencies are recorded in 2020. Moreover, percentages of ISM related deficiencies and detainable
deficiencies are higher than the previous year, which also reflect inefficient and inappropriate responses by ships and their companies to the COVID-19 crisis. The safety management system, which is already a vital part for ensuring ships to sail safely, securely and to minimise pollution events, is even more important during the pandemic situation.

Currently, the COVID-19 situation is still evolving and the challenges emanated could be
expanded and prolonged. Recognizing the importance of port State Control activities to
ensure maritime safety, marine environment protection and living and working conditions of seafarers, the Tokyo MOU has initiated some countermeasures for reducing and minimizing impacts of COVID-19 to the activities and will further explore and employ necessary pragmatic steps so as to maintain appropriate and effective maritime operations under this difficult time.

 

Source: maritimecyprus