What is Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU)

A memorandum of understanding is a formal agreement between two or more parties to establish an official partnership.

Memorandum of understanding (MOU)'s are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect.

European commission develops harmonized measure to inspect foreign ships after the massive oil spill caused by the grounding of oil tanker Amoco Cadiz on 16 march1978.

The agreement was concluded in 1982 which became known as the Paris memorandum of understanding on port state control ( Paris MOU). Each administration agreed to inspect 25% of foreign ships visiting its ports. other important elements of the Paris MOU are harmonized inspection procedure and centralised recording of all inspection results in a computer database.

Early when PSC began to be exercised, it was realised that if neighbouring countries exercise control on the same ship within a short interval, it would be unnecessary and duplication of work.

A regional co-operation amongst countries like sharing of information and tracking ship movement and previous history would be highly beneficial in avoiding duplication of work.

To implement effective port state control the following memorandum of understanding has been signed between countries : 

• The Paris MOU - 1982.
• The Tokyo MOU - 1993.
• US Coast Gaurd.
• The Latin American agreement, 1992.
• The Caribbean MOU, 1996.
• Mediterranean sea MOU, 1997.
• The Indian Ocean MOU, 1998.
• The Black Sea MOU, 2000.