The Montenegrin Maritime Administration started preparations for IMSAS revision in 2019

The delegation of EMSA's audit team for preparation Montenegro for IMSAS (mandatory audit for member states of the International Maritime Organization IMO) is staying in a multi-day visit to the Montenegrin Naval Administration.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs Muamer Hajdarpašić welcomed the attendees and reminded at the beginning of the conversation that Montenegro had officially become the 167 IMO member (International Maritime Organization) on October 10, 2006 and thus accepted the conventions and protocols IMO as well as the rights and obligations arising out of it.

"It is necessary to take into account the activities Montenegro is undertaking on the road to European integration by strengthening the legal and administrative framework with the aim of raising the level of security and safety, protecting the sea from pollution and protecting human life on the sea", emphasized Hajdarpašić.

The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, together with the Directorate for Maritime Safety, continues to monitor the IMO's standards and recommendations and the EU legal framework and tries to respond to all challenges, especially given the limited administrative capacity and the limited financial resources.

"In the previous period, activities were undertaken which resulted in the return of Montenegrin sailors to "white list EU"; the elimination of Montenegro from the "black list" of Paris MOU and the transfer of authority to provide inspection services and issuance of necessary testimonies for ships sailing under the Montenegrin flag to recognized organizations. Along with these activities we are also working intensively at the reception of Montenegro in the Paris MoU. "

EMSA Hemming Hindborg, the leader of the audit team, stressed the high quality of the Montenegrin maritime administration so far, expressed his conviction that the experience and tradition Montenegro has in shipping will be a major contribution in the period ahead.

"Although a young state in terms of membership in maritime international organizations, Montenegro has shown an enviable level of severity and readiness to accept and apply the suggestions and recommendations it receives, but also to demonstrate to the international maritime community the progress it has made. "

This visit is the preparation for Montenegro for IMSAS, announced in November 2019, with the aim of further improving the efficiency of the Montenegrin maritime administration.

"I believe that this audit will be an excellent indicator of how to prepare ourselves in an adequate manner for all future commitments, as well as for addressing any shortcomings. It is good that the suggestions and recommendations are obtained from competent institutions that can impartially observe the maritime administration and therefore we believe that we will have a sincere partner that will help us to jointly contribute to the safety of navigation and protection of the sea from pollution on the road to Montenegro from sailing objects, "concluded Hajdarpašić.

The meeting was attended by the General director for maritime affairs Vladan Radonjić with his associates, the Captains of the Port Authority of Kotor and Bar Bruno Brkanović and Predrag Ratković with their associates, the Director for maritime safety Safet Kočan, as well as the security inspectors.

Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs

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