The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is proud to represent the UK as host country for the annual meeting of one of the most important international organisations for supporting safety at sea.
The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) is holding its 59th annual committee meeting in Glasgow on 18 to 22 May.
The Paris MOU is the foundation for how foreign flagged vessels are inspected to consistent standards in the ports of its 28 member countries on the European coast and Canada, including the UK.
About 17,000 Port State Control inspections are carried out each year under the agreement, checking issues such as safety equipment and drills, conditions for crew, and pollution prevention.
They are core to upholding the welfare of seafarers, safeguarding the marine environment, and eliminating the operation of substandard ships.
MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea spoke at the opening session in Glasgow to welcome delegates and reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the Paris MOU.
The agenda includes work to further harmonise inspection work in the region, approve policy changes, system improvements and agree inspection campaigns.
Suzanne Capper, Head of Inspection Operations at the MCA, said:
"The Paris MOU is a hugely important agreement that keeps people and the environment safe every day.
“We are very proud to be hosting this year’s committee meeting in Glasgow, a city of strong maritime heritage.
“Through international dialogue, such as this week’s meeting, we can ensure inspection policy and procedures are clear, effective and harmonised throughout the region.”
