1 st TRACECA Maritime Project Steering Committee Meeting

1 st TRACECA Maritime Project Steering Committee Meeting Istanbul, Turkey 21 January 2015

Project Outcomes Ø Project started in January 2013 Ø Current phase will end in January 2016 Ø Overall objective: Making shipping safer, more secure and environment friendly in the Black and Caspian Sea

Overall objective: how? Ø By supporting ratification and effective implementation of international maritime conventions Ø By promoting approximation with EU legislation Ø Purpose is to foster improvements at regional level

Project activities Ø All aspects of duties of maritime authorities are covered under the project, as flag State, coast State or port State Ø The project also covers organizational aspects Promotion of a systematic approach

Project activities Ø Regional activities: aim at raising awareness, fostering a regional approach, getting feedback from practical experience Ø Experience shared by Bulgaria & Romania Ø National activities: Assessing needs, defining priorities, supporting progress

Component 1: coordination Ø Regional coordination: Steering Committee Meeting Ø National coordination: Workgroups set following initial assessment

Component 2: Flag State Implementation Ø FSI addressed through regional and national activities: aims at strengthening models for administrations Ø Quality Management Systems Workshop Ø Ratification of Conventions Training Ø Delegation of Authority Workshop

Component 3: Safety of Navigation Ø Implemented by the European Maritime Safety Agency

Component 4: Protection of the marine environment Ø Promotion of a regional / sub-regional approach Ø Cooperation with IMO and the Black Sea Commission Ø Training on Port Reception Facilities

Component 5: Human Element Ø Support to ratification of ILO MLC, 2006 is a priority Ø Training on the International Safety Management Code

Component 6: Maritime Security Ø Addresses both ship & port security Ø Exchange platform with yearly meetings with DG MOVE participation Ø National trainings, including for Port Facilities Security Officers (PFSOs)

Activities Outcome: results Ø Positive cooperation atmosphere Ø Raised awareness on maritime issues Ø Sectoral performance improvements Ø Emphasis on Quality and processes

Activities Outcome: challenges Ø Differences in partners’ situation Ø Resistance to change Ø Excessive eagerness for reform Ø Underestimation of efforts needed Ø Lack of coordination between institutions

Overcoming challenges Ø Emphasizing the regional approach Ø Providing assistance in the preparation of the IMO Audit Scheme Ø Supporting a structured reform process

Questions?