• Introduction
• Objectives
• Participants
• Agenda
• Location
• Accommodation
• Sponsorship
• Registration

Introduction

This second edition of the workshop comes as a response to the publication of the Regulation (EC) 391/2009 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations. The regulation has entered into force one year ago as part of the third Maritime Safety package, it has been agreed upon by the EU Member States and the European Parliament, following a proposal of the Commission. It is the result of a widely shared regulatory initiative aimed at securing a higher level of maritime safety and, as far as the activity of Recognised Organisations is concerned, at increasing the efficiency of the classification process.

The Regulation sets two important goals:

• The harmonisation of class rules and procedures (and the consistent interpretation of international conventions) and the definition of the conditions for mutual recognition of certificates. In EMEC’s view, these are important objectives: harmonisation will bring clarity in the regulatory framework. Harmonised rules, defined with a view to reflecting the current state of technology and promoting safety, will allow the industry to operate with increased efficiency and to introduce innovative solutions in the market.
• Mutual recognition of certificates will also bring more efficiency to the functioning of the maritime industry. Today, each marine equipment item is certified by several Classification Societies. In the view of the Marine Equipment Industry the certification processes could be improved, progressively eliminating the multiplication of activities, without any negative impact on safety. It should be borne in mind that, pursuant to the Regulation, mutual recognition can take place only when the strictest safety standards are met.

The 2010 workshop will be the occasion to discuss the progress that has been made to implement the Regulation, and the future steps which will have to be taken to speed up the process of implementation, in an open and transparent debate.

The 2010 workshop will attract participants from all over the world including Classification Societies, Marine Equipment Industry, Flag State & Maritime administrations.