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Tokyo MOU

New Zealand is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (the Tokyo MOU). Consisting of member Authorities in the Asia-Pacific region, the Tokyo MOU is one of the most active regional Port State Control organisations in the world.

Coordinating Port State Control in the Asia Pacific region

There are nine Port State Control (PSC) MOUs globally, including Abuja, Black Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Paris, Riyadh, Tokyo and Vina del Mar.

New Zealand was a founding member of the Asia Pacific Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (the Tokyo MOU). The organization consists of member Authorities in the Asia-Pacific region and is one of the most active regional PSC organisations in the world.

The main objective of the Tokyo MOU is to:

  • establish an effective PSC regime in the Asia-Pacific region through co-operation of its members and harmonisation of their activities
  • eliminate sub­standard shipping to promote maritime safety
  • protect the marine environment, and
  • safeguard working and living conditions on board ships.

New Zealand’s contribution to the Tokyo MOU

Some of New Zealand’s key contributions:

  • As a member of the Tokyo MOU, New Zealand has provided technical expertise to assist other countries to improve their PSC practices.
  • New Zealand actively participates in Tokyo MOU meetings (Tokyo MOU Port State Control Committee and Technical Working Group) which set the strategic direction for the Tokyo MOU and monitor and control operations, develop and review PSC technical procedures and guidelines, discuss matters on information system and information exchange, and review and evaluate outcome of work done by intersessional groups.
  • Participates in concentrated inspection campaigns, working with other MOU members to identify common issues on convention vessels and implement campaigns to eliminate them.
  • New Zealand was the Tokyo MOU lead for developing the the CIC on Crew Wages and Seafarer Employment Agreement (MLC, 2006) in 2024
  • Bringing Panama on board – New Zealand was one of a three country team that reviewed Panama’s application for full membership of the Tokyo MOU.
  • Peer support review – New Zealand is a member of the tri-State panel to assist other Authorities, on request, to identify ways to improve their systems.
  • New Zealand has participated in PSC Officer (PSCO) exchange programmes, hosting PSCOs from Mexico and South Korea, as well as sending PSCOs on exchange to South Korea and Chile.
  • New Zealand hosted the PSC Seminar SEM 31 in Auckland, in 2024.