The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) signed an agreement with the Commission of Al Riyadh Memorandum of Understanding on monitoring and inspection of ships through exchange of information on vessels inspected at ports of signatory nations.
The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements on ship inspection and monitoring. It comprises a provision under which ships visiting member countries can be stopped for not aligning with maritime safety standards and for posing a threat to environment and safety.
Port Control officers will share information on the ships they have inspected with the call center set up in Muscat. The call center will have at their disposal data on ships inspected at ports of other member countries and heading towards Oman.
This approach will contribute to maintaining high standards of safety in sea and prevent movement of ships related issues thus reduce the burden on officials in charge of ports in Oman and nations that are part of the MoU.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, December 30, 2011; Image: pscoman