Vanuatu – Paris MoU Inspections

C25017 | 27 March 2025

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators :

The Vanuatu Maritime Administration (VLAS) has published the following circulars:

• Circular No 10: detailing a new initiative designed to improve compliance and ensure safety within the Paris MoU region.
• Circular No. 11: clarifying the penalties that will be imposed for vessels not complying with the requirements of Circular No 10.
• Circular 1224: adopting a zero-tolerance policy for detentions under the Paris MoU.

Key Points:

General Condition Surveys:

Vessels detained during Paris MoU PSC inspections within the last 24 months are required to undergo three (3) General Condition Surveys (GCS) conducted by Flag State Inspectors (FSI) in a 12-month period, focusing on compliance with ISM Code, certification standards, and operational condition.

Vessels without detentions during Paris MoU PSC inspections in the past 24 months will be subject to two (2) GCS by FSI, in a 12-month period.

Inspections will be conducted with strict adherence to ISM Code requirements, certification standards, and the vessel’s operational condition. Special attention will be given to life-saving equipment, fire safety measures, and crew drills to ensure compliance and readiness.

Shipowners and Operators must ensure that deficiencies identified during inspections are addressed immediately. In cases where on-the-spot rectification is not feasible, a formal request for an extension must be submitted to the VLAS Technical Department. Upon approval, a provisional period will be granted for the agreed duration, which will be extended after confirmation of rectification.

Vessels calling at Italian Ports:

Any ship scheduled to call at an Italian port must complete a GCS conducted by FSI before arrival, ensuring all potential deficiencies are identified and resolved beforehand.

For vessels calling at Italian ports, the frequency of GCS conducted by FSI will be as follows:

• Vessels that successfully complete such surveys in Italy will not be subject to GCS at the same Italian port or any other Italian ports for the next six (6) months.
• Vessels that have passed a Paris MoU PSC inspection at an Italian port within the three (3) months prior to the implementation of the circular are exempt from undergoing additional GCS at Italian ports for the subsequent three (3) months.

Pre-arrival checklists/notification:

Pre-arrival checklists/notification for ships are to be submitted to info@register-vu.com at least 48 hours before arrival. The checklist can be found in VLAS Fleet Safety Letter 012525.GEN

Penalties for non-compliance:

Non-compliance with the requirements may lead to penalties, including financial fines, suspension of certification or restrictions on trading and operations.

A penalty of USD 3,000 will be applied to vessels failing to:

• Complete the required inspection before calling at Italian ports.
• Submit the mandatory pre-arrival notifications for Paris MoU ports.

For assistance or further clarification, stakeholders are advised to contact the VLAS Technical Department directly at technical@register-vu.com.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators should review and implement the measures outlined in this initiative and to monitor the port calls of the vessels under their responsibility. Every effort should be made to ensure that General Condition Surveys are conducted per the specified frequencies.