Enhanced Monitoring of RO Performance and Administrative Accountability Measures
Date: June 12, 2026
From: Office of the Maritime Administrator, Vanuatu International Shipping Registry
To: All Authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs)
1. Introduction and Purpose
The Office of the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu hereby issues this Circular to notify all Authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs) of the implementation of enhanced performance monitoring protocols. This initiative is designed to ensure that all ROs operating on behalf of the Administration maintain the highest standards of technical oversight and regulatory compliance.
2. Regional Focus and Port State Control (PSC) Impact
The Administration is directing specific attention toward ROs providing services to Vanuatu-flagged vessels operating within the Tokyo and Paris MoU regions. It is well established that the performance metrics of an RO play a critical role in determining the inspection frequency and the targeting criteria for vessels under the Paris MoU framework. Low performance by an RO directly increases the likelihood of a vessel becoming a high-priority target for Port State Control (PSC) inspections.
3. Maintenance of Flag Performance
The Administration remains committed to sustaining the positive trajectory of the Vanuatu flag performance recorded since the beginning of 2026 within both the Paris and Tokyo MoU regions. To safeguard this status, the Administration will conduct an exhaustive analysis of the RO performance data to be published in the upcoming Tokyo and Paris MoU Annual Reports.
4. Performance Analysis and Correlation
A primary focus of this review will be to determine the direct correlation between an RO’s global performance rating and the specific performance of the Vanuatu-flagged vessels they service, especially those operating within the Paris and Tokyo MoU regions. The Administration will evaluate whether an RO's low-performing status is exacerbated by, or reflected in, the quality of its statutory surveys and certifications on behalf of the Vanuatu registry.
Page 15. Administrative Decisions and Sanctions
Following the conclusion of this analysis, the Administration will take decisive action regarding all Low-Performing ROs. Such decisions may include, but are not limited to, the following administrative sanctions:
• Mandatory Additional Audits: Requirement for the RO to undergo supplementary technical and management audits at their own expense.
• Limitation of Authorized Scope: Restricting the types of surveys or certifications the RO is permitted to perform on behalf of the Administration.
• Suspension of Authorization: The temporary or permanent suspension of the RO’s Agreement and delegated authority.
6. Compliance
All ROs are expected to maintain unwavering diligence and ensure that their internal oversight mechanisms remain robust and proactive in order to sustain high-performance standards. The Administration will not tolerate any performance that jeopardizes the international reputation and credibility of the Vanuatu flag.
For the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu
Saade Makhlouf
President & CEO
Vanuatu Logistics and Administrative Services Ltd
Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu