Directive 2009/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on port State control was published on the 28th of May 2009. The objective of the Directive is to drastically reduce substandard shipping in the waters of member states by increasing compliance with international and Community legislation on maritime safety, maritime security, the marine environment and onboard safety and working conditions, establishing common criteria for the control of ships by the port State and harmonising procedures on inspection and detention and implementing a Community wide port State control system. The Directive enters into force on the 17th of June 2009 and must be implemented by member states by the 31st of December 2010.