American Bureau of Shipping, DNV and RINA have joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network. Thus, for the first time, classification societies became
American Bureau of Shipping, DNV and RINA have joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network. Thus, for the first time, classification societies became directly among the members of MACN, which fights against bribery and facilitation payments in global shipping.
MACN's work includes recording requests for cash, cigarettes, food or other benefits encountered by ship captains and officers in some ports; It focuses on companies developing common policies and reporting mechanisms. The network makes risks visible on a country and port basis by using anonymous event data.
The involvement of the three major classification societies can strengthen the link between technical compliance and corporate ethics. It has a wide network of contacts with classification surveyors, ship operators, shipyards and administrations. This position can contribute to the dissemination of training and control procedures on how to report suspicious requests.
However, membership alone does not eliminate port corruption. For effective results, seafarers who report incidents must be protected from retaliation, companies must implement the 'zero tolerance' policy even under commercial pressure, and public authorities must have the capacity to investigate. Criteria to be followed for the sector; The issues will be whether new ethical controls will be added to class audit processes, transparent reporting of incident data and the increase of joint action projects in high-risk ports. The initiative reminds us that maritime safety consists not only of technical standards but also of reliable and predictable administrative processes.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
