From 18 to 22 March 2019 an EMSA team and an experienced IMO lead auditor carried out a preparatory audit to the Kingdom of Morocco in view of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). The objective was to support the Maritime Administration of Morocco to prepare for the IMO audit that will be executed in 2022. The activity is envisioned in the framework of the EU funded project for technical assistance to provided by EMSA to Mediterranean EU Neighbouring Partner countries, namely SAFEMED IV.

The preparatory audit was held at the premises of the Merchant Marine Directorate in Casablanca. The auditing team also had to opportunity to visit the premises and interview staff from other entities such as the Fishery Authority, the Navy amongst others, which play a key role in the Flag, Port and Coastal State activities. Also, the auditing team visited the VTS of Tangier and the Port of Tangier Med.

The good cooperation between auditors and auditees as well as the open approach to the preparatory audit by the Moroccan authorities provided useful inputs in view of the forthcoming IMO audit.