Dramatic fall in port-state-control inspections in Asia-Pacific
Tokyo MOU figures show an increase in Maritime Labour Convention deficiencies.
A dramatic fall in port-state-control (PSC) inspections in the Asia-Pacific region has been reported by the Tokyo MOU.
Representing 21 countries in the region, the authority said inspections have fallen by 40% because Coronavirus restrictions are preventing its inspectors from accessing vessels.
The Tokyo MOU said: “Strict restrictions on ship-shore interactions and large-scale lockdown were adopted in many places of the region, which resulted [in] a significant decrease [in the] number of inspections.”
The steep fall in inspections is raising safety and welfare concerns as PSCs play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention and the identification of vessels with safety issues.
Tokyo MOU said 19,415 inspections were carried out in 2020, compared to 31,373 in 2019.
