Introduction:

This document provides guidelines regarding the standards of integrity, professionalism and transparency that the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Indian Ocean Region (IOMOU) expects of all Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) who are involved in or associated with port State control inspections

2 Objectives:

The IOMOU was put in place in order to create a harmonized system of ship inspection aimed at eliminating the operation of sub-standard foreign flag merchant ships visiting the Indian Ocean region. Annually, over 6500 inspections are conducted on board foreign ships in the IOMOU ports, ensuring that these ships meet international safety, security and environmental standards, and that crewmembers have adequate living and working conditions. 

The object of this Code is to assist PSCOs in conducting their inspections to the highest professional level. Port State Control officers are central to achieving the aims of the IOMOU. They are the daily contact of the IOMOU with the shipping world. They are expected to act within the law, within the rules of their government and in a fair, open, impartial and consistent manner.

3 Fundamental Principles of the Code

The Code of Good Practice encompasses three fundamental principles against which all actions of PSCOs are judged: integrity, professionalism and transparency. These are defined as follows: 

i)                  Integrity is the state of moral soundness, honesty and freedom from corrupting influences or motives.  

ii)                Professionalism is applying accepted professional standards of conduct and technical knowledge. For PSCOs standards of behaviour are established by the competent authority and the general consent of the port State members. 

iii)              Transparency implies openness and accountability.

The Annex-1 lists the actions and behavior expected of PSCOs in applying these principles. Adhering to professional standards provides greater credibility to PSCOs and places more significance on their findings.