Paris MoU focuses on passenger ship safety

During the HAVEP, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will observe an operation control consisting of a standard emergency situation which will include a simulated machinery space fire, a passenger evacuation and muster drill and an abandon ship drill.

The aim of the HAVEP, which will last for twelve months from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013, is to ensure that in the event of a shipboard emergency, the Master is in control; crew can organise themselves, communicate effectively and safely abandon the ships if needed.

Attention will also be paid to the onboard decision support system, SAR plans, records of crew training, emergency power supply and operation of watertight doors.

All items to be covered during the HAVEP will be verified in more detail for compliance with related items in SOLAS chapters II, III and V.

When deficiencies are found, they will either be recorded and rectified by the master within a certain period, or the ship will be detained until serious deficiencies have been rectified.

It is expected that the Paris MoU will carry out around 500 inspections during the HAVEP. The results will be analysed and presented to governing bodies of the MoU for submission to the IMO.