Paris MOU New Inspection Regime

Paris MOU, the authority responsible for Port State Control inspections in European ports has implemented the New Inspection Regime (NIR) as per EU Directive 2009/16/EC which came into force on 1st January 2011.

The NIR scheme assesses both the risk profile of individual vessels entered, and for the first time, the risk profile of the company Document of Compliance (DOC) holder. As such, deficiencies or detentions on one vessel can negatively affect the risk profile of all of the vessels operating under the same DOC, leaving innocent yachts at risk of more rigorous inspections even if they are well-managed on board. Yachts or companies which have not been subject to inspection to date will fall into the standard risk category by default and as such should expect PSC inspections sooner rather than later.

Should Paris MOU decide at any point to carry out an enhanced PSC campaign which targets commercial yachts, Captains of vessels which have not previously been visited should expect a more thorough inspection.

PSC inspections are unannounced and do not account for the vessel’s schedule or yacht charter arrangements. As such, the effects of even a minor deficiency which requires rectification before PSC release the vessel could be serious in terms of lost revenue and unhappy charterers.

Due to its involvement in the commercial marine industry, Andrew Weir Yacht Management is categorised as a high performance company with the Paris MOU. We are ready to assist owners who have any concerns regarding the new arrangements.



Andrew Weir Yacht Management is a member of Superyacht UK and the British Marine Federation.


Contact information. Tel: +44 20 7575 6000 Email: [email protected]  

Web: www.awyachtmanagement.com