Recent Developments in Regional Memorandums of Understanding on Port State Control

Port states have a major role to play in combating substandard ships. Port states have grouped together under various regional memorandums of understanding on port state control to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of each state's port enforcement. Nine regional MOUs have been established that cover nearly all the regions of the world. This article examines the regional MOUs with a focus on their operational strengths and weaknesses.