New Ministerial Declaration on PSC
A press communique from Danish Maritime Authority said that 29 countries from the Paris MoU and the Tokyo Mou have signed a new Ministerial Declaration on port State control (PSC).
The declaration, which has been under preparation for three years, stipulates new goals for port State control and for cooperation. In addition to sulphur regulations and the Polar Code, the declaration focuses on a number of other areas, such as the acceptance of electronic certificates, more transparency and reductions of the burdens imposed on the industry in connection with PSC inspections.
Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, Andreas Nordseth stated, "Port State Control is an important part of ensuring compliance with international regulation. That’s why it is gratifying to see that Danish key issues on enforcement of the sulphur regulations and the Polar Code have been included in the declaration. It is important to Denmark that environmental considerations are taken worldwide."
Birgit Sølling Olsen, from The Danish Maritime Authority, represented Denmark at the Ministerial Conference held in Vancouver, Canada.
In addition to the 29 countries, the IMO Secretary General as well as a representative of the ILO attended the conference. Furthermore, inter alia the ISF, ITF and IACS were present.
The inspection regime will be continuously developed in order to optimize the use of available resources.
