The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) has released the results of its 2006 inspections, and also adopted a new Flag State Performance List.
The “Black List” for 2006 contains 16 flags States, two fewer than last year. The 2006 “White List” has 37 flag States, including The Bahamas, three more than last year.
The Paris MOU says that the “White List” represents those quality flags with a consistently low detention record, and the shortening “Black list” and growing “White List” suggests there is a movement towards quality flags.
The Paris MOU consists of 27 participating maritime Administrations and covers the waters of the European coastal States and the North Atlantic basin from North America to Europe. It aims to eliminate the operation of sub-standard ships through a harmonized system of port State control.
Ken McLean, Director of Maritime Affairs, Bahamas Maritime Authority, points out that, *”Because of our insistence on the very highest of standards throughout our operations, the fleet has one of the world’s finest reputations for port state inspections.”* The BMA’s firm policy is to attract quality rather than quantity and where necessary unsuitable vessels are turned away.
The Maritime Authorities of the Paris MoU celebrates 25 years of co-operation this year.