1. 1st TRACECA Maritime Project Steering Committee Meeting Istanbul, Turkey 21 January 2015

2. Project Outcomes  Project started in January 2013  Current phase will end in January 2016  Overall objective: Making shipping safer, more secure and environment friendly in the Black and Caspian Sea

3. Overall objective: how?  By supporting ratification and effective implementation of international maritime conventions  By promoting approximation with EU legislation  Purpose is to foster improvements at regional level

4. Project activities  All aspects of duties of maritime authorities are covered under the project, as flag State, coast State or port State  The project also covers organizational aspects  Promotion of a systematic approach

5. Project activities  Regional activities: aim at raising awareness, fostering a regional approach, getting feedback from practical experience  Experience shared by Bulgaria & Romania  National activities: Assessing needs, defining priorities, supporting progress

6. Component 1: coordination  Regional coordination: Steering Committee Meeting  National coordination: Workgroups set following initial assessment

7. Component 2: Flag State Implementation  FSI addressed through regional and national activities: aims at strengthening models for administrations  Quality Management Systems Workshop  Ratification of Conventions Training  Delegation of Authority Workshop

8. Component 3: Safety of Navigation  Implemented by the European Maritime Safety Agency

9. Component 4: Protection of the marine environment  Promotion of a regional / sub-regional approach  Cooperation with IMO and the Black Sea Commission  Training on Port Reception Facilities

10. Component 5: Human Element  Support to ratification of ILO MLC, 2006 is a priority  Training on the International Safety Management Code

11. Component 6: Maritime Security  Addresses both ship & port security  Exchange platform with yearly meetings with DG MOVE participation  National trainings, including for Port Facilities Security Officers (PFSOs)

12. Activities Outcome: results  Positive cooperation atmosphere  Raised awareness on maritime issues  Sectoral performance improvements  Emphasis on Quality and processes

13. Activities Outcome: challenges  Differences in partners’ situation  Resistance to change  Excessive eagerness for reform  Underestimation of efforts needed  Lack of coordination between institutions

14. Overcoming challenges  Emphasizing the regional approach  Providing assistance in the preparation of the IMO Audit Scheme  Supporting a structured reform process

15. Questions?