In the framework of the EU financed project for the Enlargement countries, EMSA’s new Training for Flag State inspectors was delivered on 14-18 January 2019 at EMSA’s premises in Lisbon.

This course trains the ships inspectors of the EU beneficiary countries and provides a valid technical support to comply with the relevant provisions of the III Code.

The 40 hour course kicked off with a half day theoretical session to set the scene of the international legal framework, which forms the basis of the role of the Flag State and its responsibilities. The course then covered 4,5 days of simulated inspections on board ships, starting from Master’s office and continuing to other areas such as the Bridge, Deck, Engine Room and Cargo and Passenger Areas, amongst others.

All participants engaged actively during the numerous case studies carried out during the training, conducted by EMSA staff and with valuable involvement of an expert from the Italian Coast Guard. The main goal was to provide the inspectors with additional knowledge and expertise to conduct oversight inspections on national flagged vessels, to monitor the Recognised Organisations and to achieve compliance with the applicable international legal framework.