Nauru has concluded national consultations on its potential accession to two international conventions promoting safe and effective global shipping.
The consultations (9-13 December), facilitated by the Pacific Community (SPC), with funding support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss Nauru's readiness and potential next steps for acceding to:
International Convention on Facilitation of Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), which promotes efficient maritime traffic by standardizing procedures, reducing administrative burdens, and minimizing delays caused by complex customs processes at ports;
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), which provides an international framework for the coordination and conduct of maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations to save lives at sea.
Representatives from public authorities such as Customs, Quarantine, Immigration, Nauru Maritime and Port Authority (NMPA), Nauru Fisheries and Maritime Resources Authority (NFMRA), Nauru Emergency Services (NES), Nauru Polic Force (NPF), Office of the Legislative Drafters and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) took part in the consultations, along with private sector stakeholders including shipping agents.
The meeting was a critical step in fostering a unified approach to the country's maritime governance, while underscoring IMO's support for Nauru to accede to these Conventions.
Key outcomes
(1) FAL Convention – Next steps towards accession
Participants committed to the following next steps for Nauru's possible accession to the FAL Convention:
Recognition of the need for collaboration among public authorities and vessel operators to establish an effective maritime facilitation system;
Acknowledgement of NMPA's role under the Ports and Navigation Act 2019 as the lead agency for implementing IMO Conventions in Nauru;
Establishment of a National Facilitation Committee (NFC), chaired by NMPA, to oversee FAL implementation;
Development of a Cabinet submission seeking approval to accede to the FAL Convention, contingent upon agencies' readiness for implementation (NMPA to take the lead, in consultation with the Department of Justice and Border Control).
(2) SAR Convention: Strengthening search and rescue capabilities
Although Nauru has an established Search and Rescue Region (SRR) under IMO auspices, it has yet to become a party to the SAR Convention. The meeting agreed on the following next steps:
Recognition of the current roles of agencies involved in responding to SAR incidents, especially those involving domestic small crafts;
Formation of a National SAR Committee (NSC) to lead implementation of SAR initiatives and develop a National SAR Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
Designation of NES 111 as the national SAR contact number, with the Harbour Master leading maritime SAR responses;
Deferral of SAR accession until national agencies are prepared for implementation.
The consultations highlighted the country's commitment to improving facilitation and search and rescue operations. Stakeholders agreed to continue collaboration to ensure readiness for accession to these conventions, in close collaboration with IMO and SPC.