From Tuesday June 28th to Friday July 1st the 21st Conference of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (CMOU) took place on Bonaire. It is the first time that the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate Caribbean is host to this annual meeting, which is held in the region.
Shipping is vital to the world economy. In order to guarantee the safety of the crew, passengers, ship and environment there are agreements made by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a division of the United Nations (UN). Port State Control inspections ensure that these international agreements are maintained. Inspectors check ships under foreign flag in ports and anchorages to verify the ships meet the rules prescribed by the IMO. If defects or serious abnormalities are discovered during these inspections, the crew of the ship is required to take measures to remedy this.
The Caribbean MOU (CMOU)
Several regions around the world have decided to map out and limit
the safety and environmental risks that the shipping industry may pose as best as possible. The Caribbean region is investing all of its knowledge and expertise in this.
The Dutch Shipping Inspection congratulates the CMOU, all member states, associate members and observers with their 20-year anniversary in which they contribute to a safe and clean Caribbean Sea both in the past, the present and for our future generations. The staff of the Caribbean Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (I&M) can look back on a successful meeting with interesting speakers and presentations. Next year is Aruba’s turn to host the annual congress.