Tokyo MOU: Regional Specificities
Preparing a call in the Tokyo MOU region means checking the ship’s particulars and history in APCIS, reading its NIR profile and inspection window, and organising documents, operating conditions and any applicable CIC.
Operational Explanation
The Tokyo MOU coordinates PSC in the Asia-Pacific region through APCIS. To prepare the call, the ship and Company compare the IMO number, type and age, flag, RO, ISM Company and previous reports with the available regional records. The NIR combines generic parameters and deficiency and detention history: the individual ship’s category, window since the previous inspection and priority are different information from the annual regional rate.
The current NIR information sheet distinguishes HRS 2–4 months, SRS 5–8 months and LRS 9–18 months from the last inspection date recorded for the Tokyo NIR in APCIS. Within the window the ship is Priority II; once the window has closed it is Priority I, to be inspected where practical. Reports, complaints and other overriding-priority factors may lead to an inspection independently of that window. The ship prepares evidence and seeks correction of inaccurate records through the Authority’s channels; selection and the outcome belong to the Authority and PSCO.
The 2025 Ballast Water Management CIC has ended and its results are historical. BWM compliance remains permanent, but a completed campaign alone does not demonstrate enhanced targeting in 2026.
Regulatory Reference
Tokyo MOU (Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region): a regional risk-based selection regime, with its own NIR criteria, Annual Report and CIC calendar. Joint campaigns do not make the regimes identical.
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 non-membership of the MoU does not exclude control. Conventions and port-State law include no-more-favourable treatment for ships of non-Parties: do not make PSC depend solely on flag ratification.
Tokyo profile and priority are determined in APCIS under its regional NIR. Check ship particulars, history and current performance: a joint campaign does not make the Paris and Tokyo systems identical. Tokyo MOU: New Inspection Regime.
For the ongoing CIC use the complete official questionnaire, including verified mass, weight limits, compatible devices, visibility and heavy weather. Distinguish informational questions from findings; the campaign does not create universal requirements where an instrument does not apply. Cargo Securing CIC 2026.
Check the profile and windows against the Tokyo MOU NIR — information sheet ver20250701. The 9 October 2026 release announces a new flag/RO performance method: collection of RO-relation data starts on 1 January 2027, with first application to the NIR on 1 July 2028 or later. Do not use that future method to recalculate the profile for a 2026 call. Tokyo MOU — 9 October 2026.
Scope of Application
Foreign vessels calling at ports of Tokyo MOU Authorities in the Asia-Pacific region, within the instruments and provisions applicable to the vessel and voyage. The region includes, among others, Japan, Australia, China, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify the port Authority, ship particulars, ISM Company and available regional reports; clarify discrepancies between onboard documents and APCIS records.
- Read the profile, last inspection, window and priority under the current Tokyo NIR; consider notices or overriding-priority factors separately.
- Check the current calendar and circulars: distinguish permanent requirements, the applicable 2026 Cargo Securing CIC and historical 2025 BWM results.
- Prepare documents, devices, records and familiarisation relevant to the current questionnaire; after inspection allocate report actions, retain rectification evidence and follow the Authority’s instructions.
Practical Example
Example: for a Tokyo MoU inspection between 1 September and 30 November 2026, the ship checks the official Cargo Securing CIC questionnaire, applicable Cargo Securing Manual, equipment, records and crew familiarisation. The 2025 BWM CIC remains historical only.
If the profile recorded in APCIS is SRS and, for the Tokyo NIR, six months have elapsed since the last inspection date recorded in that system, the ship is within the Priority II window of the Tokyo scheme. This guides record checking and preparation, without excluding an inspection for other factors or predetermining its result.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Applying Paris MoU profiles and priorities in Tokyo MoU | Preparation is not calibrated to the competent regime | Consult current Tokyo MoU APCIS, NIR and publications |
| Preparing in 2026 as if the 2025 BWM CIC were still active | The current Cargo Securing questionnaire is neglected | Use the 2026 CIC notice and questionnaire from 1 September to 30 November; keep permanent BWM compliance separate |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Consult current Tokyo MoU publications, APCIS and NIR.
- Between 1 September and 30 November 2026 prepare against the Cargo Securing questionnaire.
- Maintain permanent BWM compliance without presenting the 2025 CIC as current priority.
Preparation checklist
- Ship particulars and ISM Company compared with available regional reports
- NIR profile, last inspection, window and priority factors checked
- Previous actions and rectification evidence available
- Current calendar and applicable CIC questionnaire checked; permanent BWM compliance distinguished from the completed 2025 CIC
FAQ
Related Topics
Certified substantive revision: 14 October 2026 · page fingerprint 4c4feaa03793