An IMO delegation, headed by Mr. Bekir Sitki Ustaoğlu, Head of the Asia and Pacific Section, Technical Cooperation Division, attended the 29th session of the Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ASEAN MTWG met in Sihanoukville, Cambodia (11 to 13 February) and was updated on a number of relevant matters including: current arrangements for STCW in ASEAN Near Coastal Voyages (NCV) Limits; navigation systems, including information on navigation systems in the region; the establishment of regional training centres for training in advanced maritime technology; implementation of the implementation of ASEAN Oil Spill Response Action Plan (OSRAP), with the support of the IMO/the Global Initiative for Southeast Asia (GI-SEA); and formulation of the draft ASEAN Regional Strategic Action Plan to minimise the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water and sediments. 
IMO works closely with the ASEAN MTWG in the delivery of regional programmes and activities specifically targeted for the ASEAN members, particularly Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.