Cruise Ships Under Special 2013 MoU Scrutiny

The Paris MoU Port State Control Committee's Harmonized Verification Programme (HAVEP) on passenger ship operational safety controls will last throughout 2013.

Steamship Mutual advises its members to prepare for Port State Control Inspections, pointing out that passenger ferries and passenger high-speed craft are excluded from the HAVEP.

During the HAVEP, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will witness an operational control comprising a standard emergency scenario which will include a simulated machinery/other space fire, a passenger evacuation leading to muster drill and an abandon ship drill, which will include lowering of lifeboats to the water and being taken away under power. During the inspection, attention will also be given to the on-board decision support system, ship/shore communications, SAR plans, records of crew training, supply of emergency power and operation of watertight doors.

The main purpose of the HAVEP is to verify that:


• In the event of a shipboard emergency the crew can organize themselves into an effective team to tackle the emergency

• The officers and crew can communicate effectively with each other and with shore based support and rescue services

• The Master is in control and information is flowing to/from the command centre and

• In the event of the situation getting out of hand, the crew and passengers can safely abandon the ship