Activity 2 - FSI

The importance of this activity is evidenced by the adoption of the IMO Code for the implementation of mandatory IMO instruments and the IMO Audit scheme and their integration in the EU maritime safety policy.
Moving from the black list to the grey list or white list of the Paris MoU and maintaining a quality fleet is a challenging objective, but feasible in conjunction with the commitments made by high officials of the
beneficiaries at several occasions.
EU assistance to reach this objective is not new. Prior to SafeMed I, also under the MEDA programme, 3 specific projects were implemented and not less than 7 flag State related tasks have been performed under SafeMed I (See 1.4).  The experience gained with the training programmes set up under the umbrella of the World Maritime University (WMU) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) justifies a further involvement of these organisations to improve and/or maintain a qualified staff within the Maritime Administrations.

Task 2.1 Identification of impediments and shortcomings for fulfilment of flag State related obligations
This task aims at preparing two series of syllabi (the first one for the countries which have not benefitted from a twinning exercise, the other one taking into account the results of the twinning exercises) and providing practical information for the Partners.


Task 2.2 Monitoring of flag performance and improved monitoring of Classification societies
In co-operation with EMSA a 2 day seminar will be set up to take stock of the evolution of the situation regarding the recognition and monitoring of recognized organizations by the beneficiaries' National Maritime Administrations and discuss the most efficient way to rely upon EU recognized organizations for survey and certification tasks and to adequately monitor the RO.

Task 2.3 Assistance for the preparation of the VIMSAS
As a follow-up to SafeMed I whereby a Workshop was organized to prepare the Mediterranean partners for the VIMSAS, and in view of the proposed EU legislation, this task aims at providing technical assistance to those beneficiaries which so request to assist them in the preparations for the Audit Scheme.


Task 2.4 Participation to the IMO Flag State Implementation Sub-Committee (FSI)
This task aims to promote the attendance in 2010 of at least one representative of the national Maritime Administrations, of all beneficiaries to the 18th session of the FSI.


Task 2.5 Short SafeMed flag State course
This task aims to build on the existing one week REMPEC/WMU short course on Flag State Implementation. By repeating this initiative in SafeMed II, more flag State Administration personnel can benefit from this very important course.


Task 2.6 Participation to the Master of Sciences courses at the World Maritime University (WMU) for duly qualified candidates from the Mediterranean partners
The objective pursued is to ensure that each Maritime Administration is able to permanently rely upon qualified WMU graduates involved in the management of the maritime safety branch and monitoring of the fleet. Under this task it is the intention to grant 6 additional scholarships. All beneficiaries will be invited to nominate possible candidates, but priority will be given to those countries whose staff did not have the opportunity to participate in the WMU course during the SafeMed I project.


Task 2.7 Participation to the Master of Laws (LL.M) course at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) for duly qualified candidates from the Mediterranean partners
The aim of the granting of these scholarships is to train, as far as necessary, at least one staff member per Mediterranean partner country. Under this task it is the intention to grant 5 additional scholarships. All beneficiaries will be invited to nominate possible candidates, but priority will be given to those countries whose staff did not have the opportunity to participate in the IMLI course during the SafeMed I project.


Task 2.8 Promotion of the ratification of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
The new ILO Maritime Labour Convention is a new comprehensive global legal instrument concerning maritime labour standards for the world's ship owners, seafarers and maritime nations. With the aim of promoting its ratification a 2 day seminar will be organised.


Task 2.9 Recommendations for accident investigations
This task aims to bring together in a two days seminar experts on maritime investigation of EMSA and EU Member States representatives involved in accident investigation, together with staff members of the beneficiaries