From 3 to 7 December, and within the framework of the project for technical assistance provided by EMSA to Enlargement countries, an EMSA team carried out a preparatory audit to Montenegro in view of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). The objective was to support the maritime administration of Montenegro to prepare for the IMO audit in 2019.

The team included an experienced IMO lead auditor from the Danish Maritime Administration and an IMO auditor from Azerbaijan.

The preparatory audit was held at the premises of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs in Podgorica. The auditing team also had to opportunity to visit the premises and interview staff from other entities playing a key role in the Flag, Port and Coastal State organisation of the Montenegrin Maritime Administration in Bar and Tivat.

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