The purpose of the Directive is, in particular, to enhance
the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control
signed in Paris
in 1982. In that context it lays down common criteria for the selection of
vessels for checking and standardises the procedure for the inspection and
detention, taking account, in particular, of the undertakings given by the
shipping authorities of the Member States within the framework of the
Memorandum of Understanding.