Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1.8
Paris avg
Tokyo avg
C.G. avg
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
Flag state
Source:
Calculated from: Paris MOU, 1986-2005; Tokyo MOU, 1995-2005; US Coast Guard, 1999-2005.
Figure 16.1
PSC records of detention ratios
inspection process - see Figure 16.1) indicates a worse record for open registries than tra-
ditional ones. The states shown on the left (Panama, Liberia, the Bahamas, the Marshall
Islands, Malta and Cyprus) are the largest open registries; their PSC detention ratios are
compared to the largest traditional registries on the right. A detention ratio above 1.0 indi-
cates detentions above average for that PSC system.
The overall record is, nevertheless, impressive and improving. The PSC inspections
systems have increased in stringency over time; the number of items for which they inspect
has increased, as new treaty obligations have mandated new equipment, certi
fi
cates and
training, and the MOUs themselves have demanded higher standards.
In general the PSC process increases the incentive for
fl
ag states to raise their standards.
It is true that as they do, new registries
ll the low-standard void. One important pattern
seen in the registries that have worked in recent years to raise their standards is that they
have dropped ships from their rolls; in other instances ship owners whose ships could not
meet the new higher standards have chosen to leave the registry. Owners of these low-
quality ships, unfortunately, rarely leave the industry. Instead, they register in the newest
and lowest-standard registries. But over time in these registries, at least those that choose
to maintain open registries, they will be exposed to increased standards, and they will be
detained and forced to
fi
x their most egregious problems before they can sail. In this way,
the standards of even the lowest-quality vessels are forced to inch upwards over time.
PSC was initiated by states concerned about the standards of ships that enter their
ports, but they do so by creating a club good: access to (and ability to leave) ports. By
selecting ships for inspection based in part on their registry state and their previous
fi