THETIS-Med inspection support tool enters into service

16 April 2020 |  C20017

THETIS-Med supports the members of the Mediterranean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Med MoU) and marks the beginning of a new era on how ships are targeted for inspection in the Mediterranean region, how these inspections are recorded, and how the results are made available for the exchange of information between EU and non-EU countries which are members of the Med MoU.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors / Auditors

Since March 2017, EMSA has been implementing the “EuroMed Maritime Safety” project, funded by the European Commission (DG NEAR) and commonly known as Safemed IV. This project aims at fostering regional cooperation among Mediterranean riparian states, while at the same time providing technical assistance to enhance maritime safety, pollution prevention, security and labour conditions on board ships. A harmonised approach to PSC activities in the beneficiary countries of the Safemed IV project will enhance the maritime safety standards in the region and will prevent distortion of competition between operators and ports.

One of the key elements for the successful implementation of PSC activities at regional level is the introduction of an effective and user-friendly information system. In the framework of the Safemed IV project, EMSA was tasked to develop such a system, following a request made at the 19th committee meeting of the Med MoU in October 2017 in Cyprus.

The THETIS-Med system will support Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey, in the execution of their obligations with respect to PSC inspections. THETIS-Med modernises the way ships are targeted in the Med MoU, it simplifies the recording and online availability of inspections reports, and it further aligns the procedures and modus operandi with the Paris MoU by increasing cooperation between EMSA, the EU member states and Safemed IV beneficiary countries.

“We are pleased to announce the new THETIS-Med system for port state control inspections. Its very existence is proof of the close cooperation among all the Mediterranean countries involved. While the system clearly strengthens the international maritime legal framework, it is also beneficial for certain EU countries which are members of other MoU as it removes the need for double reporting,” explained EMSA’s Executive Director, Maja Markovčić Kostelac.

THETIS-Med can handle thousands of inspections a year and combine port notification information with ship particulars and inspection details in near real-time, including a target factor for each ship in port and updates their performance. THETIS-Med also provides PSC Officers with a direct link to RuleCheck, a decision support tool developed by EMSA that contains an up-to-date repository of international and EU maritime legislation. While EMSA is responsible for the hosting the system and providing helpdesk support to users, the Med MoU Information Centre (CIMED) in Casablanca will act as the regional administrator of THETIS-Med.

How can DromonClass assist prior and during a Port State Control Inspection

We can assist and prepare your vessel prior a Port State Control (PSC) inspection, even if the vessel is not currently certified under DromonClass. Our know-how and expertise on PSC matters has given us the necessary capability to support and help you avoid possible deficiencies that may result in detention. Our Marine Department has developed a checklist to help you prepare your ship for such a PSC inspection.

In case your vessel is facing a problem during a PSC inspection, Dromon can liaise with the PSC Officers to:

• ensure uniformity of interpretation of class and statutory requirements
• assist in the rectification of reported hardware deficiencies or other discrepancies
• review the propose actions with respect to safety management system non-conformities

In addition, since 2017 we have launched our Port State Control (PSC) Preventive Inspection Scheme which aims to:

• eliminate the number of deficiencies on board our fleet;
• identify in advance of a PSC inspection any possible deficiency and therefore reduce the likehood of a detention; and
• follow up deficiencies/ recommendations imposed by our Surveyors or PSC Authorities during previous inspections.

We have the competence and network of surveyors to assist and support you during a PSC inspection.  We may assist you in reducing deficiencies on board your fleet and register your vessels under our scheme. By registering to our PSC Preventive Inspection Scheme you are preventing possible deficiencies that may also lead to a detention.

Source: EMSA