Med MoU on PSC Procedures Rev. 2022 Page 1 of 3 CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR PORT STATE CONTROL OFFICERS CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MEDITERRANEAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON PORT STATE CONTROL 1 Introduction This document provides guidelines regarding the standards of integrity, professionalism and transparency that the Mediterranean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Med MOU) expects of all Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) who are involved in or associated with port State control inspections. 2 Objective The object of this Code is to assist Med MOU PSCOs in conducting their inspections to the highest professional level. Port State Control Officers are central to achieving the aims of the Med MOU. They are the daily contact of the Med MOU 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 list of actions and behaviour expected of PSCOs in applying these principles are set out in the attached Annex. Adhering to professional standards provides greater credibility to PSCOs and places more significance on their findings. Nothing in the Code shall absolve the PSCO from complying with the specific requirements of the Med MOU and applicable national laws. Med MoU on PSC Procedures Rev. 2022 Page 2 of 3 ANNEX - CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR PORT STATE CONTROL OFFICERS Actions and behaviour of PSCOs PSCOs should: 1 Use their professional judgement in carrying out their duties. Respect 2 Remember that a ship is a home as well as a workplace for the ship’s personnel and not unduly disturb their rest or privacy. 3 Comply with any ship housekeeping rules such as removing dirty shoes or work clothes. 4 Not be prejudiced by the race, religion or nationality of the crew when making decisions and treat all personnel on board with respect. 5 Respect the authority of the Master or his deputy. 6 Be polite but professional and firm as required. 7 Never become threatening, abrasive or dictatorial or use language that may cause offence. 8 Expect to be treated with courtesy and respect. Conduct of Inspection 9 Comply with all health and safety requirements of the ship and their administration e.g. wearing of personal protective clothing, and not take any action or cause any action to be taken which could compromise the safety of the PSCO or the ship’s crew. 10 Comply with all security requirements of the ship and wait to be escorted around the ship by a responsible person. 11 Present their identity cards to the Master or the representative of the owner at the start of the inspection. 12 Explain the reason for the inspection – however where the inspection is triggered by a report or complaint they must not reveal the identity of the person making the complaint. 13 Apply the procedures of PSC and the convention req