The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry has achieved Paris
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") 'White List'
status for an 11th consecutive year. The Paris MOU on Port State
Control sets a benchmark to flag states for safety of life at sea,
prevention of pollution by ships and living conditions of
seafarers. Its scope was influenced by the massive oil spill caused
by the grounding of the VLCC 'Amoco Cadiz' off the coast of
Brittany, France in 1978.
The Paris MOU currently has 27 participating states. Standards for
vessel maintenance set by flag states are rated through vessel
inspections at Paris MOU ports and more than 18,000 inspections
occur each year. 'White List' designation reflects the
highest quality of standards maintained by a flag state with
inclusion being calculated by reference to a specific formula based
on vessel inspections and detentions as well as other
factors.
Not only has the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
("CISR") yet again made the White List for another year
but it is rated within the top quartile of all flag states for its
vessel quality. This comes as little surprise as the CISR maintains
in-house surveyors that work closely with owners to assist
maintaining top standards of vessel quality. Vessels flagged with
Paris MOU White List states are less likely to be targeted for port
state control inspections and, most importantly, ensure quality
where it comes to safety of life at sea, prevention of pollution by
ships and living conditions of seafarers. The Cayman Islands
Shipping Registry is also recognised in the White List of the Tokyo
Memorandum of Understanding as well as the US Coastguard's
Qualship 21 initiative recognising commitment to safety and
quality.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.