Port State Control - Riyadh MOU Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Safety of Navigation

The Riyad MOU on port state control has issued a press release announcing that it will be conducting a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) from 1 October 2010 until 31 December 2010 focusing on compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter V; Safety of Navigation.

During the CIC period, to ensure compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter V, vessels undergoing a port state control inspections in Riyadh MOU ports will be subject to 12 additional checks. Presently the Riyadh MOU Members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

The checklist that will be used by Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) during the CIC has not been made publically available, however, it is expected that PSCOs may wish to verify;   

• That the vessel is provided with the correct type approved navigational equipment for her age and type;
• That the equipment is functioning correctly;
• That deck officers are familiar with the operation of the equipment;
• That the Safety Equipment Certificate and Record of Equipment are in order;
• That relevant log books are being properly maintained;
• That the latest editions of nautical publications and charts are carried and are corrected up to date;
• That passage planning is berth to berth and in accordance with IMO guidelines [Resolution A.893(21)].

If deficiencies are found, the action taken will depend on the severity of the findings. Minor infringements of the regulatory requirements may result in the Master having to rectify the defect within a timeframe set by the PSCO. Serious deficiencies may, however, result in the vessel being detained.  

Members should ensure that their vessels are suitably prepared.