The Tokyo MOU is the port state control regime governing the Asia-Pacific — the world's busiest shipping region, handling over 60% of global maritime trade. With 21 member authorities conducting tens of thousands of inspections annually through the Asia Pacific Computerized Information System (APCIS), the Tokyo MOU adopted the New Inspection Regime (NIR) in January 2014, shifting from a quota-based system to a risk-based targeting approach that concentrates inspection resources on vessels most likely to be substandard. Under NIR, every ship in the APCIS database receives a Ship Risk Profile (SRP) calculated from ship type, age, flag state performance, classification society track record, company (ISM) performance, and deficiency/detention history. This profile determines your inspection window — from 5-8 months for high-risk ships to 24-36 months for low-risk vessels. Research analysing over 125,000 Tokyo MOU inspection records shows that ships older than 6 years are significantly more likely to be found substandard, and vessels with five or more deficiencies face a high probability of detention. The 2026 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC), conducted jointly with the Paris MOU, focuses on Cargo Securing — meaning every ship calling at Asia-Pacific ports between September and November 2026 should prepare for detailed cargo lashing and securing verification. Start a free trial of Marine Inspection to track PSC performance, deficiency history, and pre-arrival preparation across your fleet.
The 21 Member Authorities
Tokyo MOU member authorities coordinate inspections, share detention data through APCIS, and apply harmonised targeting criteria. A detention in any member port is immediately visible to all others.
NIR Ship Risk Profile: How Your Vessel Is Scored
The NIR calculates a Ship Risk Profile (SRP) for every vessel in the APCIS database. Points are assigned or deducted based on multiple factors — the total determines whether your ship is categorised as High Risk, Standard Risk, or Low Risk. Book a Marine Inspection demo to see how fleet-wide PSC risk monitoring works.
Tokyo MOU Inspection Types
The MOU defines four inspection types, each with increasing depth. Understanding the escalation triggers helps Masters manage the inspection professionally.
| Type | Scope | Trigger | What Officers Check | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | Document and certificate verification + general impression | Ship selected through SRP targeting, overdue inspection window, or random selection | Statutory certificates validity, crew certificates, record books, general condition, hygiene, safety equipment visual check | 2-4 hours |
| More Detailed | Thorough examination of specific areas | Clear grounds from initial inspection — expired certificates, crew incompetence, visible defects, poor maintenance | Fire safety systems testing, LSA function tests, navigation equipment operation, engine room detailed check, pollution prevention verification | 4-8 hours |
| Expanded | Comprehensive verification across multiple conventions | Overriding factors — vessel detained in previous 24 months, collision/grounding report, operational deficiency patterns | ISM Code audit-level check, structural condition, full safety equipment test, crew competency assessment including drills, MARPOL compliance verification | 1-2 days |
| CIC Inspection | Targeted questionnaire on campaign topic + normal inspection | Annual CIC period (typically Sep-Nov). 2026 focus: Cargo Securing | Standard inspection items plus CIC-specific questionnaire. Results shared across all MOU members and with Paris MOU for joint campaigns. | Varies (added to normal inspection) |
Recent CIC Campaigns
Concentrated Inspection Campaigns target a specific compliance area each year. Results are published and influence future targeting. Preparing for the current CIC topic before calling at Asia-Pacific ports is essential. Sign up for Marine Inspection to receive CIC preparation alerts and questionnaire checklists.
| Year | CIC Topic | Joint With | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Cargo Securing | Paris MOU | Cargo Securing Manual, lashing equipment condition, cargo stowage plan, crew competency in securing procedures |
| 2025 | Ballast Water Management | Black Sea MOU | IBWMC validity, BWMS operational status, BWRB entries, crew familiarity, D-2 compliance |
| 2024 | Seafarers' Working & Living Conditions | Paris MOU | SEAs, hours of rest records, wages, accommodation, food quality, complaint procedures |
| 2023 | STCW Certification | Paris MOU | CoC validity, flag endorsements, BST refresher currency, watch arrangements |
| 2022 | SOLAS Safety Equipment | Paris MOU | LSA equipment, fire safety, navigation systems, emergency procedures |
Asia-Pacific PSC Preparation Checklist
Use this before every port call in Tokyo MOU member ports. It covers the specific items Tokyo MOU PSCOs prioritise based on published deficiency statistics and CIC focus areas. Schedule a demo to see how Marine Inspection automates pre-arrival checklist completion with timestamped evidence.
