EU tightens PSC rules
The new EU wide system will rely on an advanced information tool known as "THETIS" (operated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). THETIS will track all safety inspections on ships carried out in ports in the EU and provide a risk analysis that will determine the frequency and priorities for inspections by the authorities of EU member states. Regulations adopted last week by the commission specify the criteria for assessing the risk profile of ships using company performance and the flag state performance as determined using THETIS.
The new rules will also see the introduction on from January next year, a new online register to "to name and shame" shipping companies that are performing poorly on port state controls inspections, while shipowners with strong safety records will be given good public visibility.
Companies and states that show up as performing poorly will be subject to more intensive, coordinated inspections in EU ports.