Archive 2020
Maritime security responsibilities – training in Vanuatu
Under IMO's maritime security regulations (SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code), maritime security responsibilities fall to a specified organization nominated by the national Government – known as the "designated authority" or DA. The roles and responsibilities of the DA were the topic for a tailor-made workshop delivered virtually to Vanuatu (28-29 September). more...
IMO’s global action to protect marine biodiversity
IMO plays a critical role in global efforts to protect biodiversity in and around the world's oceans. A video launched during the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity (30 September) highlights the significant contribution of the Organisation to protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems. (view the video here). more...
New guidance to facilitate repatriation flights for seafarers
Passenger and repatriation flights are essential to allow stranded seafarers to go home, and for their relief crews to be able to join ships. New guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to facilitate those flights marks a further step to alleviate the ongoing crew change crisis. The guidance outlines specific recommendations for seafarer changeover flights, including the need for advanced bilateral communication, coordination and planning between shipowners, aviation stakeholders and the relevant authorities. Read more...
New impetus for digitalization of shipping in the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of electronic data exchange and the vital need for digitalization and automation, to ensure supply chains continue to function safely and effectively with contactless clearance of ships in and out of ports. Standardization and harmonization of procedures for stay and departure of ships are made mandatory under IMO's Facilitation (FAL) Convention, which comes under the purview of the Facilitation Committee, meeting this week in remote session (28 September-2 October). more...
Addressing ballast water management and invasive species in the Mediterranean
A webinar on IMO's Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention and its application in the Mediterranean region, amid the global pandemic, has helped to raise awareness, enhance knowledge and share best practices on implementing the Convention. According to a recent REMPEC* Study, vessel-introduced non-indigenous species have been estimated to account for 26% of all species introduced in the Mediterranean. In the last ten years, the number of species in the Mediterranean Sea has continued to increase, posing a significant threat to humans in terms of health and recreational activities as well as environments and indigenous species in the region. more...
How to achieve sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet?
A global audience has heard how innovation, the maritime workforce and the role of industry and governments can work to realise shipping's sustainable future. IMO's World Maritime Day webinar (24 September) brought together speakers from government, international organizations and innovative enterprise. They raised issues and highlighted solutions facing shipping, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. One overarching theme was that the pandemic could and should be the catalyst for positive change, with international and cross-sector cooperation being the key. more...
National maritime transport policy training for Timor-Leste
The Small Island Developing State of Timor-Leste is benefiting from a virtual workshop (21-24 September) on how to formulate and develop a national maritime transport policy (NMTP). The NMPT concept is being promoted by IMO as a good governance practice to guide planning, decision making and legislation in the maritime sector and as a key driver for a country's sustainable development. more...
Remote audits discussed to avoid further disruption to audit schedule
How can IMO Member State audits be conducted remotely? This was one item on the table for discussion during a virtual meeting of all auditors under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) (10 September). Amidst ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting provided a forum to update all auditors on the impact of the disruption on the implementation of audits under the Scheme. more...
.jpg)
Updated guidance issued for the safety of seafarers during pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued interim guidance aimed at protecting the health of seafarers working on cargo ships and fishing vessels amid the COVID-19 pandemic (download here). IMO Member States are also invited to make use of the Protocols to Mitigate the Risks of Cases On Board Ships (download here), which have been issued by non-governmental associations in consultative status with the Organization (ICS, INTERTANKO and IMHA). more...