Compliance and Safety for Vanuatu-Flagged Vessels Trading in the Paris MoU Region
| CIRCULAR | Circular No. 010 (Amended) |
| SUBJECT | Compliance and Safety for Vanuatu-Flagged Vessels Trading in the Paris MoU Region |
| FROM | Office of the Maritime Administrator, Vanuatu International Shipping Registry |
| TO | All shipowners, managers, operators, masters, Special Agents, Recognized Organizations and Flag State Inspectors |
| AMENDMENT DATE | 20 August 2026 |
| EFFECTIVE DATE | Upon publication |
| STATUS | Version 2.0 – Supersedes the prior version of Circular No. 010 |
Authority and legal status. This Circular is issued by the Maritime Administrator under the functions and powers conferred by the Maritime Act [CAP 131], as amended by the Maritime (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2025, including section 10C where applicable, and any additional written authority lawfully applicable to the subject. It shall be read with applicable mandatory IMO instruments and controlled VISR policies. It does not convert a direct statutory power into a delegated power, transfer a function assigned by law to another State entity, or amend any valid appointment, concession or other governing instrument.
Related controlled policies: VISR-QMS-POL-PSC-008 – International Fleet PSC Performance, Detention and Corrective Action Policy; VISR-QMS-POL-CI-002 – IMSAS Compliance, Internal Audit, Corrective Action and Continual Improvement Policy; VISR-QMS-POL-REC-005 – Document and Records Control, Retention and IMSAS Evidence Management Policy.
1. Operational compliance programme
This Circular gives operational effect to Circular No. 002 and establishes minimum preparations for Vanuatu-flagged ships calling at Paris MoU ports. The programme is preventive and risk-based and may be supplemented by vessel-specific directions.
2. Pre-arrival preparation
• Submit the current VISR pre-arrival checklist and port details normally at least 48 hours before arrival.
• Review the vessel's PSC history, outstanding class or statutory conditions, planned maintenance, overdue surveys, exemptions, crew certificates and hours-of-rest records.
• Conduct documented checks of fire safety, lifesaving appliances, emergency power, navigation, pollution prevention, watertight integrity, MLC, ISM and ISPS arrangements.
• Correct deficiencies before arrival or disclose them to VISR with an approved risk-control and repair plan.
• Ensure the master and officers can demonstrate knowledge, drills, testing and effective SMS implementation.
3. Additional flag and RO measures
• VISR may require an enhanced FSI, RO attendance, additional ISM audit, company review or evidence conference before or after the port call.
• The company must arrange access and bear reasonable inspection and audit costs where the measure results from vessel or company risk.
• An RO or FSI attendance does not guarantee a satisfactory PSC outcome and does not transfer the company's responsibility.
4. PSC inspection reporting
• Notify VISR immediately when an inspection starts if material concerns arise and in every case upon receipt of the report.
• Provide the complete report, deficiency evidence, detention notice if any, corrective action and port-State communications.
• Do not delay notification while disputing a deficiency or waiting for class, counsel or charterer instructions.
Compliance records and communications
All applications, approvals, notices, reports, evidence, decisions, acknowledgements and corrective-action records required by this Circular must be transmitted through an official VISR channel and retained in the controlled Registry file in accordance with the VISR records policy. Communications from unverified domains or persons without written authority must not be relied upon.
Official contact: technical@register-vu.com. Urgent safety, casualty, sanctions or fraud matters must also be copied to info@register-vu.com and reported without delay.
Enforcement, reasons and reconsideration
Non-compliance may result in enhanced inspection, corrective-action requirements, service restrictions, suspension, administrative penalties, withdrawal or revocation of documents, or deletion from the Registry, to the extent authorized by law and the applicable written authority. Except where immediate protective action is necessary for safety, security, sanctions compliance, documentary integrity or preservation of evidence, an affected person will be notified of the material grounds and given a reasonable opportunity to respond. A request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Maritime Administrator with supporting evidence within ten business days of the written decision, unless a shorter period is stated because of an urgent risk.
Supersession and effective application
This amended Circular supersedes the prior version of Circular No. 010 from the effective date stated above. Existing obligations, liabilities, investigations, fees and corrective actions arising under the prior version remain enforceable to the extent lawfully incurred and are to be administered under the clearer procedures stated in this amended version. If this Circular conflicts with a later Act, regulation or controlled VISR policy, the higher or later instrument prevails and the Circular shall be updated through document control.
| Saade Makhlouf Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu Vanuatu International Shipping Registry |
Issued in Port Vila and New York 20 August 2026 |
Back