What is the Paris MOU New Inspection Regime (NIR)?

The Paris MOU NIR is the risk-based Port State Control inspection targeting system used by the 27 Paris MOU member states. It classifies each vessel as Low Risk Ship (LRS), Standard Risk Ship (SRS), or High Risk Ship (HRS) based on ship type, age, flag state performance, recognised organisation performance, company DOC performance, and recent inspection history.

How often is a High Risk Ship inspected under Paris MOU NIR?

A High Risk Ship is subject to expanded inspection at every port call, with a minimum frequency of once every 6 months. A Standard Risk Ship is inspected once every 12 months. A Low Risk Ship is inspected at most once every 36 months.

Which flag states are on the Paris MOU white list?

The Paris MOU white list includes flag states with the best PSC performance. Consistently white-listed flags include Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Malta, Cyprus, UK Red Ensign Group, Netherlands, Singapore, and Norway NIS. White-list status reduces the flag performance factor in the NIR risk score.

How does vessel age affect PSC risk score under the NIR?

Vessel age is a direct NIR risk factor. Ships over 12 years old receive a higher base risk score; ships over 20 years receive a further elevated factor. A rigorous planned maintenance system and ISM-compliant SMS significantly mitigates the age factor during inspections.

Free Tool

PSC Risk Score Calculator

Calculate your vessel's Paris MOU risk profile (Low / Standard / High Risk Ship) using the NIR methodology. Shows inspection interval and improvement actions.

Ship Type

Vessel Age (years)

Flag State

RO Performance

Company DOC Performance

Inspections (last 36 months)

Of which with ≤5 deficiencies

Detentions (last 36 months)

Standard Risk Ship

Expected inspection interval: 10–12 months(Priority II)

Risk Factor Breakdown

✓
Ship typeCommercial Yacht / Superyacht is not a high-risk ship type
✓
Vessel ageAge 8y — within low-risk threshold
✓
Flag state (BGW)Cayman Islands — White list
✓
Recognised Organisation (RO) performanceRO performance rated High
✓
Company / DOC performanceCompany performance rated High
✓
Historic inspections (36 months)2 inspections, 2 with ≤5 deficiencies, 0 detention(s)

Generic score: 0.0 / 5+

Top Improvement Actions

1.Maintain current clean record: keep detentions at zero and ensure ≥3 inspections with ≤5 deficiencies per 36-month cycle to retain Low Risk status.

Disclaimer

Based on Paris MOU New Inspection Regime (NIR) methodology, 2024 annual report. This tool reproduces the published calculation but does not access live PSC databases. BGW list status is current as of the 2024 Paris MOU Annual Report — update annually. Verify your vessel's current risk profile on THETIS-EU (thetis.emsa.europa.eu) before planning port calls.

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