EU MRV Regulation deadline for monitoring plans

All IMCA members are reminded that the monitoring plans for any ships calling at any European port, which fall within the scope of the EU Monitoring, Reporting, Verification (MRV) Regulation, must be submitted to an accredited verifier by 31 August 2017 in readiness for commencement of the first reporting period on 1 January 2018. Failure to comply with the EU MRV Regulation by any ship required to report data may result in enforcement action and penalties, which in extremis could result in ships being expelled from operating to or from European ports. Members of IMCA are advised to consult with their flag states in order to stay informed regarding the legal consequences of non-compliance.

For ships which call into EU ports for the first time after the deadline for submitting monitoring plans (set on 31 August 2017), MRV companies should submit a monitoring plan to an accredited verifier without delay, and no later than two months after the ship’s first call at an EU port.

Ships performing activities other than transporting cargo or passengers for commercial purposes are not subject to the MRV requirements. It is appreciated that most voyages made by IMCA members do not carry passengers or cargo for commercial purposes and, therefore, they are not reportable. Nevertheless, the OSV’s type of voyage may vary from time to time, depending on the business undertaking and the vessel’s contract.

IMCA guidance on the EU MRV Regulation will be issued in due course.