Black Sea MOU: Regional Specificities
For a Black Sea MoU call, check regional particulars and reports in BSIS, the risk profile and Authority instructions, then prepare the ship’s condition, documents and outstanding actions; the 2026 Cargo Securing CIC is an additional check, distinct from permanent BWM compliance.
Operational Explanation
The Black Sea Information System (BSIS) exchanges inspection information between Authorities and makes the risk profile, PSC results and detentions available on the regional website. Before the call, the ship and Company compare available particulars and reports with onboard documents, check previous deficiencies and prepare rectification evidence.
The regional NIR has operated since 1 January 2016; the 2025 report describes amendments to the Memorandum effective from 1 January 2026. Use the current profile and instructions, without automatically importing other MoUs’ criteria or priorities. Regional selection, any more detailed inspection for clear grounds and the decision on a deficiency remain distinct steps.
The 2025 BWM CIC has ended. The Black Sea notice of 7 August 2026 confirms the Cargo Securing CIC from 1 September to 30 November 2026 alongside normal PSC inspections: prepare the applicable questionnaire in addition to permanent requirements.
Regulatory Reference
The Black Sea MOU coordinates regional control, targeting and reporting. Do not presume identical instrument lists or ratification in every member State. For each call distinguish applicable conventions, regional procedures and national law; the 2025 BWM campaign alone does not establish 2026 priorities.
Basis of control. The MoU coordinates Administrations; PSC powers derive from conventions and port State law. IMO A.1206(34), §1.4 lists SOLAS I/19, IX/6.2, XI-1/4 and XI-2/9; MARPOL articles 5–6 and regulations I/11, II/16.9, III/9, IV/14, V/9 and VI/10; Load Lines article 21, STCW article X, TONNAGE article 12, AFS article 11 and BWM article 9. The MLC basis is separate: ILO Regulation 5.2.1 and Standard A5.2.1. In MARPOL Annex III, operational control, previously Regulation 8 in MEPC.193(61), became Regulation 9 with the new Regulation 1 introduced by MEPC.246(66), in force from 1 January 2016. For the connection between certificates, control and applicable instruments see Documentation requested by the PSCO.
Flag membership of the MoU does not determine control powers. Check instruments in force and accepted by the port State and national bases; no-more-favourable treatment also concerns ships of non-Parties. IMO A.1206(34), §§1.2–1.5.
The regional notice of 7 August 2026 confirms the 1 September–30 November dates, coordination by Bulgaria’s Maritime Administration and one CIC inspection per ship during the period, alongside ordinary PSC. Findings may result in a rectification deadline or detention for serious deficiencies: do not infer automatic detention from the questionnaire alone. Inspections are recorded in BSIS.
Scope of Application
Ships calling at ports of Black Sea MOU member States, with particular relevance for commercial traffic in the Black Sea region and the approaches to the Turkish Straits.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify the port Authority and check current Black Sea publications, procedures and notices.
- Compare ship particulars, the profile and available regional reports in BSIS; check previous actions, deadlines and rectification evidence.
- Prepare documents, equipment condition and familiarisation against applicable requirements; during the 2026 Cargo Securing CIC check the questionnaire and local instructions, maintaining BWM compliance as a permanent requirement.
- After inspection read the report, actions and deadlines with the master; coordinate rectification with the Company and follow the response required from the Authority before treating a deficiency as closed or a restriction as removed.
Practical Example
Example: before a call check the competent Authority, regional profile, current notices and ship requirements. The Annual Report describes a past period: it does not replace a targeting notice or the current campaign questionnaire.
What Typically Goes Wrong
The regional 2025 annual report records 347 detentions in 5,117 inspections, or 6.78%. This is a historical inspection outcome; it is neither the probability of boarding an individual ship nor, by itself, proof of stricter inspectors or a current BWM priority. The different percentage for individual ships uses another denominator. Black Sea MoU Annual Report 2025, PSC Inspections 2025.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Using the 2025 rate as proof of stricter inspection | A descriptive figure is converted into a cause | State year, numerator and denominator without inferring the cause of the rise |
| Presenting the 2025 BWM CIC as current priority | An ended campaign is confused with permanent duty | Check the 2026 calendar and circulars; keep BWM compliance separate |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Consult current Black Sea MoU Annual Report, calendar and circulars.
- Use 6.78% as a historical 2025 figure, not causal proof of stricter inspection.
- Treat BWM as permanent compliance and the 2025 CIC as ended.
Preparation checklist
- Port Authority and current regional instructions identified
- Available BSIS particulars, profile and previous reports checked
- Outstanding actions, deadlines and rectification evidence checked
- 2026 Cargo Securing CIC checked against the regional notice; permanent BWM compliance distinguished from the completed 2025 CIC
FAQ
Related Topics
Certified substantive revision: 14 October 2026 · page fingerprint 1d581635fc99